[KD17]

We received Approval in Principle back in April which was based on Keith getting his qualification assessed in writing, rather than by e-mail (which we sent with our Application) and we were to have our passports stamped with that elusive Visa by Dec 23rd. Plenty of time we thought.

We couriered all docs to the NZQA in April, and have chased, called, chased, chased, called and further chased. We subsequently sent them an additional qualification which we put on fast track and have yet again been chasing, only to find that we will not get any assessment through in time to send to our CO to get our visa :no :(

Has anyone had this experience? How would the CO rate this? it's clearly not our fault that we have not got this to him in time and the NZQA are airmailing a letter right at this moment to confirm that.

I hope we don't have to go through the whole process again just because the NZQA took their time with Keith's qualification. I don't know if we can afford to do that, and my nerves just won't take it....

I think this "fastrack" is a waste of time because all that means is that the NZQA will deal with the paper they have on their desk within 5 days of receiving it - they will not chase anyone for anything. They have to verify every piece of paper which comes through to them, which means going back to the awarding body. We sent copious documents confirming and supporting what we had sent to them, even correspondence from the awarding body, but that wasn't enough - they have to check themselves. So if the awarding body decides it will take 3 months to respond, the NZQA will not chase - even though you pay for fastrack - what a con for getting extra money out of you.

We are disappointed to say the very least - we were hoping to be able to pop that champagne which has been sitting in the fridge for the past few months - but it's back on the shelf now.

Sorry to be on a downer at Christmas time - but we're absolutely fuming...

Would welcome hearing from anyone that has gone through a similar thing and what the outcome was.

Happy Christmas to All :cheers

Keith & Debby

[veronica]

Can't throw any light on how they will react except to say that they aren't machines and I would expect them to listen to what u have to say. its so frustrating when you do your bit but then have no control on future events like this. tak care and I hope it comes right for you.

[KD17]

Thanks Veronica

There's enough stress with all this without the NZQA adding to it :yes

Hopefully our CO will be understanding. I'm not sure if "rules are rules" or if there's any leway for things outside our control.

We have something to look forward to though, Keith has been applying for the NZ Air Force and has got through to the interview stage in February. :yes

It would be brill if our CO would wait until then..

[kiwidollie]

Sorry to hear of your extra stress .....it's not as if there isn't already plenty involved in the immigration process!

Hope things work out for you - good luck to your hubby re: NZ Airforce job

oh and Merry Christmas !!!!

[chips]

Keith has been applying for the NZ Air Force and has got through to the interview stage in February.

Hi Guy's, i loved the Isle of Man ,and the boy's and i used to watch the "Ben" come in at Heysham alot in the summer.

What is Keith going to do in the Air force???
I ask this ,as , since i have been here in NZ , i was under the impression they were winding the airforce down? They have sold off aload of planes about 2 months ago.

I am not saying that there's no job, just intreged! For some reason ,the Kiwi's think they need no ,or little air protection. ? It would please me to know that they still take defence seriously .

I do wish you all the very best, and blimey ,they have taken their time over getting your quil's assessed.
Wishing you on that flight in the nwe year.
Chips.

[K&CS]

We actually had a very good experience with NZQA. We fasttracked ours and we had the whole thing turned round in about 6 weeks. It's probably luck of the draw. I'm sure they can't possibly make you reapply when it isn't your fault. Have you contacted your CO? Let us know how you get on and have that champagne anyway. It's Christmas for heaven's sake!

Kate

[StevieD]

Seems it's pot luck Keith and Debby, wish you luck from across the Irish Sea!

Steve

[Smiler]

Keith & Debbie

Sorry to hear it's taking you so long and it's so frustrating waiting on others. :wah

Good luck though and keep that champers on ice.


(((((((())))))))) big ones


Deborahx

[KD17]

Thank you for your positive replies.

We fasttracked ours and we had the whole thing turned round in about 6 weeks

That's what I find annoying, they say the fasttrack turnaround is 10 days, it's very ambigious. That means we won't get a reply until at least the end of January. As soon as we get the letter from NZQA we will write to our CO.

We do have some good news at least about the Air Force and that would be our ideal way of going there, not to say that Keith is very keen on the idea. We understand they do not have any fighter squadrons, but they have been actively recruiting current & ex air force personnel. Keith did 22 years with the RAF and took early retirement less than 2 years ago, so we think he has a good chance of success.

Chips - the boy's and i used to watch the "Ben" come in at Heysham alot in the summer

When were you in the IOM - you know what we experience here. A beautiful place for sure. I imagine NZ to be similar in many ways particularly with the attitude to life.

Thanks again for your support - we need it just now... and yes, I will put the champers back on ice :laugh

Keith & Debby

[Babette & Andy]

Hi Keith & Debby

Just catching up on postings - so sorry to hear your news. Hope your CO finds a way to get you back / keep you on track. It's so frustrating when you're seemingly doing all that is required, filling out forms speedily when needed, paying for checks etc when needed and then the '3rd' party you're having to rely on to supply you with the correct forms and info lets you down. Really feel for you. Hope you'll still be able to have a nice festive season.

Thinking of you both.

Hugs
Babette

[KD17]

Thanks Babette

We had an e-mail from his yesterday, our CO has given us one month's grace, it's just the NZQA need to pull their finger out now, I'm not holding my breath though.


Best wishes


Keith & Debby

[Diny]

Keith & Debbie

only just caught up with this thread. Sorry to hear about your hassles, hope the 1 month grace will help out.

Are you still thinking of moving to this area?

Hope all goes well and we'll see you over here soon.

Diny