[wendywolf]

Hello everyone,

After a year of studying all about it, I just spent 2 months traveling NZ and Im hooked. I want to move there and have been trying to gather the right stuff to do so. The thing is, I have a feeling it is going to take me more than 3 months which is all my Visitors Visa will allow as a US citizen though I live in Amsterdam and have been in Europe for 10 years. What I am wondering is this thing I have heard somewhere about " Visa Runs" in which people like me leave the country for just enough time to get re-allowed in for 3 months... repeating until I either find what I need or run out of money and throw myself from a cliff. :exit

Any ideas on this? Has anyone had to do this? How long do you need to stay out of the country to qualify to come back in legally? I want to stay legal for obvious reasons but I dont mind pushing the limits of the system a bit.
Thanks,
Wendy

[Lukas]

you can extend your visitor permit up to 9 months

[wendywolf]

Thanks... I didnt realize that I could do that. That should be sufficient enough for the classes and other appointments Im setting up.

Cheers...
W~

[Daffy]

Not sure about NZ, but that is what I did whilst living in Taiwan.

Got a return ticket to Hong Kong, and on arrival went straight to departures and got the return back. On arrival back in Taiwan I got another 3 months visa.

I always had a flexible out going ticket from Taiwan to Bangkok that I could change the date 3 times within a year without a charge.

So I think as long as you have a valid out going ticket (not one-way) you maybe OK, depends on the passport stamper maybe?

[wendywolf]

Thanks for your input. I would think this is legal enough. I mean, I am just spending alot of money to travel back and forth, and coming in to spend more money. Its not illegal but I think you are right too with the person stamping my passport might think its a bit dodgey and question me a bit much. Already got a great greeting the 1st time in. yikes....
Im hopeful to get that extension of up to 9 months and during this, I am going to go to the polytechnic in Tauranga to begin some classes that will build up a sagging CV. I want to go in to Hospitality, and to begin with Bar Manager which isnt a shortage list job but Im told there are never enough of them and I can at least get temporary permits to stay and work while the classes continue further into Hospitality skills and then..fingers crossed, I get that job offer.
Its all daunting.. Im freaking out regularly.

Wendy

[Oregonkiwi]

If your course at the polytechnic is longer than 3 months, you will probably need to get a study permit.

[Oregonkiwi]

also...
Can I apply for a further Visitor’s Permit?
You can apply for further Visitor’s Permits while you’re here, so long as you don’t exceed the total maximum time allowed for visitors. In many cases this is nine months out of an 18-month period, but you may be eligible to stay for a maximum of 12 months. You’ll have to show that during your stay:

* you’ve supported yourself financially, and have enough money to continue supporting yourself
and
* you’ve not worked, been sponsored, or held a Student Permit.



If you gain this extension you’ll have to leave New Zealand at the end of the 12 months and remain away for 12 months or more before you can again return as a visitor.


http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/alreadyinnz/visitors/questionsandanswers/stayinglongerasavisitor/caniapplyforafurthervisitorspermit.htm

[wendywolf]

The courses are short. One is 6 weeks long and the other is just a one day thing. They are The Real Bartenders and The sale of liquor act. I have tons of bartending experience in a couple different countries and Im hoping to use this as a sort of way in to a job that will get me a temporary work permit. Id like to work there in this capacity for awhile to see if I really do like it enough to go further with schooling, taking a 17 week course in Hospitality while I work, and then if after that, I can find a decent full time job with an employer who recognizes I am very motivated for work so that I can stay, then apply for a permanent Visa.
Yes, it is a long shot.. I know. But sitting here and wondering if I could pull it off and regretting my never trying is not the way for me to go.
W~