[coyotewildwomen]

Hi,

We are considering trying to get into NZ before the law changes concerning citizenship- from 3 years to 5 years after Jan 1, 2005. My husband has enough points to qualify without a job- but will likely have a job offer in a few weeks. What is our chance of getting permanent residency by January 1, 2005 if we submit our initial application in the next few weeks? We have not submitted any paperwork to immigration at this point, anticipating a job offer.

Is it most likely that he would just get a work visa to convert to PR status at a later date? We would need to really rush things along to get things together by Jan 2005 but it may be worth it to get citizenship in 3 versus 5 years. But we don't want to bother if our chances are slim. What are your experiences?

Thanks so much,

Wendy

[Diny]

Hi Wendy

I'm probably not the best person to answer this question for you as my PR is being sponsored by my Kiwi husband, not through the points system and job offers.

However, although I've submitted all application forms, medical reports, certificates, proof of this that and the other to NZ House for our 2 sons and myself - and have received confirmation that they have all the information they require - we're still not expecting our passports back (stamped with PR visas) until mid December.

We submitted everything to the NZIS mid September.

I don't know how it works for EOI's and ITA's, but going on our timescale I think you'll be pushing it to get PR by January 1st.

I hope I'm wrong and that you get what you want. Just as a matter of interest, why is is obtaining citizenship in 3 years rather thatn 5 so important?

All the best.

Diny

[wilson182]

I agree with Diny.

We have come over to look for a job for my Husband, once he had a job his work visa was issued the same day. My visa was issued on the strength of that, and was also issued the same day. I explained to the immigration officer that we would be applying for pr, and she seemed to think that it would take in the region of six months. (An issue for us because my youngest daughter is too young for a student visa, so we have to make sure we renew her holiday visa in six months.)

I am happy to be corrected, but I dont think you will get pr by January.

[sarahw]

Hi Wendy,

I think Wilson & Diny are right - my other half has got a job starting in January and are going through the process of applying for PR at the moment - ITA should arrive any day now and we've had medicals, police certs, but even so we'll probably end up having to get work visas organised as it'll be touch and go...

I'd go for work visas once he gets the job offer and apply for residency when you arrive (its cheaper if you apply in NZ too!)

Good luck! :hopeso

[Sarah Jane]

I'm not sure it's cheaper to go for skilled migrant in NZ.....we've got the idea it's $1360 for british citizens inside NZ..or anyone for that matter ...I'd love to hear we're wrong