[Jaideco]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone tell me whether an offer of PR would be permanent or would it be only for as long as I stayed in NZ? If I decided to spend a year back in the UK after being in NZ for two for example... would I have to start applying to NZ immigration again from scratch?

Just curious...

[Aydon]

Once you are given PR you have a year to "activate" it - this means travelling to New Zealand.

Once you arrive, your PR gets stamped and your Returning Resident Visa becomes active.

This RRV is active for two years. During this two years you have to spend a minimum of 6 months per year in New Zealand (Although they do take into account if your job includes International Travel)

Once that two years is up, if you have matched the criteria you get a Permanent Returning Residence Visa which allows you to travel freely, albeit as a European citizen.

After 5 years you can then apply for Citizenship.

All the above is according to our Case Officer.

[Glenda]

During this two years you have to spend a minimum of 6 months per year in New Zealand (Although they do take into account if your job includes International Travel)

Is anyone certain about this point? I have not seen it in the NZIS 'guide' to RRVs and in our case I very much doubt hubby will be here with us in NZ for 6 months per year.
:confused: