[leslie]

we applied using hub as i am now home with kiddies, but am wondering if it will matter that i had own business for years and am lining up a couple nz projects related to past work experience? neither of us is on pref list although our professions come very close.

waiting making me paranoid!

[NickH]

Hi Leslie

I'd assume from your question that you're thinking of the Long-term business visa (LTBV) - is that correct? There's no concept of 'self-employment' any other way as far as I can tell.

If so, you'd have to nominate one of you as the 'principal applicant', and it would mean that person would have to have the experience of running their own business.

Is this the way you're thinking of applying?

Nick

[leslie]

we looked at applying via l-t business visa but decided it would take longer than pr. we had to apply for pr thru hub, but its a teeny bit degrading that only one spouse makes contribution. does second spouse count for anything besides degree at any time?

[SueH]

'Fraid not

Basically with LTBV there's a principle applicant and a spouse/partner. No concept of 'joint points' or anything.

PS - sorry - created this reply with Darlings Mrs's ID. Sure she won't mind

Nick

[veronica]

with the LTBV the spouse automatically gets a work visa. but if I read your post right you are asking about the Spouse on the PR visa aren't you.

[leslie]

yup.

in truth expected your answers. however painful.

[Juniper]

Hi! I've got a couple of newbie questions...

So, if my husband is applying and has good points, then my points don't matter at all? We should just file jointly?

I think my main concern with filing jointly is that the "principal applicant" seems to have more rights when it comes to returning residents visas, and probably more stuff...also I am curious if this affects the family quota?

We are hoping that we can convince some family members that NZ is the place to be...if I was just "the spouse," then can I still sponser -my- parents? Is there a limited number of family members you can bring over? (seems to be implied by the term "quota"...)

Hubby would probably go for the "entreprenuer" category, and I would be a "skilled migrant." Do we have to file jointly, and are these good reasons -not- to?

[Timbo]

'Fraid not

Basically with LTBV there's a principle applicant and a spouse/partner. No concept of 'joint points' or anything.

PS - sorry - created this reply with Darlings Mrs's ID. Sure she won't mind

Nick

Welcome Juniper. I think the answer to you main question is in the above, since the entreprenaur is basically a follow on from LTBV (I think) It may be worth you sending either an e-mail or PM to Jamie Smith as this is his specialist field.
Good luck

[Juniper]

alrighty, thanks for the tip...it was the first time i'd heard that only one of us really counts up points, so just wanted to confirm ;)

[Douglas]

Hi Juniper,

If you have sufficient points, immigration is much, much more straightforward via the Skilled Migrant Category than via a Long Term Business Visa.

If either you or your husband become the principal applicant in Skilled Migrant Category and you are awarded permanent residence, the spouse will have exactly equal entitlement to work, to returning resident visas, bringing in parents etc. It is best to claim any points that are available for spouse's qualifications because clearly the more points you have the better.

In addition to it being a more complex process, the Long Term Business Visa does not entitle you to permanent residence. This comes later, provided your business is successful.

If your husband wants to run his own business in NZ, but you can qualify for permanent residence through the SMC it's best to get Permanent Residence via SMC and then your husband can do whatever he likes, including starting a business.

[Juniper]

oh wow, that could change everything...i have okay points (just over 100 without trying...), could be pretty good points if i got a job...

the intention was for hubby to -move- his business rather than start one, would that change the picture? he's got a cell phone game studio just getting off the ground here in california. should be a nice addition to the wellington creative scene, especially if his projections pan out... :cool

[Douglas]

No change to the picture - if you've got Permanent Residence, you can do whatever you like. :nice1