[KD17]

Sorry to keep on about this but I can't seem to find the answer and would appreciate if anyone knows.

We want to complete our EOI but have hit the "proving partnership" hurdle. We are engaged but have not been living together for the obligitary 1 year yet, although we have been a couple for longer than that.

I'm trying to find out if we were married whether a marriage cert would do, without having to have lived together for the year and just proving the relationship

or

if we submit our EOI now and, considering how long it takes to process, we could have been living together the year by the time we have to complete the application form.

All thoughts greatly appreciated...

Keith & Debby

[Dave & Sandra]

Hi Keith & Debby

Sorry but a marriage cert. is not enough, you still have to prove that you have a long-standing relationship.

When I got my work permit to match Dave's the immigration bloke wasn't too fussed about seeing our proof because he said we weren't in the age group that usually tried to pull a fast one on them and we were obviously a long-standing couple from our chit-chat. I had all of the proof ready to show him and we have been married for 9 years - living together for 11. I think he might have insisted on seeing it if maybe we were in our 20's - 30's.

Also this was a lot more informal than going for PR - I just wanted to apply for a visa to match Dave's existing work permit and we did it at the local NZIS office in Palmerston North.

I'm not sure about timing of EOI processing and assuming you will have been together for a year when you are invited to apply. Maybe somebody else can help with this.

Good luck - Sandra

[Lily]

Hi
My fiance and I are going through the same process at the moment
(he's Dutch, I'm Kiwi) - are either one of you a NZér?

I have just looked in the Guide to Applying for Residence In NZ book from NZIS and it says that to be eligible to apply under the Partnership policy you must meet all their requirements including living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months.

It also says that "if you have being living apart from your partner for any periods during your relationship, you must also provide evidence of the length of these periods and the reasons for them".

Being married is not enough unfortuately (would make life a lot easier!)

Regards
Lily

[KD17]

Thank you both.

We are both in our 40's (OK, I admit it :oops: ) and unfortunately neither of us are are from NZ, both UK born.

Does it make any difference going through an agent, I have thought about this but haven't a clue where to start.


Keith & Debby

[veronica]

I have heard over here in NZ that the length of time living together is actually 6 months but you have to be able to prove the relationship. Maybe they will accept any proof of a longer relationship but not cohabiting. will try to find out more on that but I would say your best bet would be to phone the immigration people direct.

[Timbo]

Keith & Debby. I think you will find that no matter what visa category etc. you are applying for, it makes absolutely NO difference wether you use an agent or not.
You should, with a little patience and help from others, be able to sort out everything yourselves, and save a small fortune (we were looking at £3000.)
Good luck

[Diny]

Don't know whether I'm reading this wrong, but are you wanting to enter NZ under the partnership policy?

I understand to enable this to happen, the sponsoring partner must be either a NZ citizen or have PR status.

Good luck and best wishes.

Diny

[KD17]

Thank you all for your replies.

Perhaps I should have said that my fiance will be the principal applicant and I will be the secondary (rather than partnership)

We may well submit our EOI and depending on how long it takes to receive a reply and then submit our application [thats being hopeful ;) ]we may well be OK on the living together for 1 year rule.

The questions look quite straightforward until you start digging a little deeper :?


Thanks a bunch

Keith & Debby