[Moorf]

Good question - I don't know the official answer but I'd have thought that, since they are on PR, they can work. Something I'll look into...

[sizzlingbadger]

We'll look into it but the computer nearly always end up being thrown out the window when we use the immigration site as it's either down or takes you to so many pop up windows you've forgotten what you're looking for :uhoh :D

[Moorf]

I had a quick squizz on the NZIS site but found nothing. However, thinking on it, parents could be any age so I'd have thought they would need to work (for sanity if not $$!!) and couldn't live here unless they could. :confused:

[Mickstim]

Hi guys - yes you definitely can work - I can't remember where I found it but I did check it out.

B x

[JandM]

Good heavens, Moorf! - 'I'd have thought they would need to work (for sanity if not $$!!) '?:uhoh

When we come over, we'll be retired, and we're really looking forward to it! For one thing, even if I had about six normal-length lifetimes, I don't think I'd get to the end of all the things I'd like to do, and M's the same. Some of the things I want to have a go at will make me a bit of money if they turn out all right, but even if they don't, I'll've enjoyed the experiences. And just think of nobody ever again having the right to tell you what to do, or not.:nice1

Then, I remember my parents coming out to the car after Dad's retirement do. As the door of his office closed behind them, they flung their arms round each other and danced a few steps, going, 'We're FREE!' About six months later, Mum said, 'I don't know how we ever had the time to go to work.'

[sizzlingbadger]

Meant to say 'we'll also look', sounded a bit rude didn't I, whoops :D

We had the debate yesterday as we're looking at OH's parents coming over permanently even though they'll be just over 60 if they do come they still will want to work. Can't imagine OH's Dad retiring, it's just not in his vocabulary :exit

That's when the issue was raised about whether they can work or not. All descended into an argument because everyone's age and health is different at that age but still the visa and conditions surely are going to be the same for everyone ?

[JandM]

Oh, yes, I'd think they are. And Barb says she knows it's okay to work on PR gained that way. I know it's okay to work on PR gained by the Partner route.

[Mickstim]

Oh, yes, I'd think they are. And Barb says she knows it's okay to work on PR gained that way. I know it's okay to work on PR gained by the Partner route.

Yep - it's somewhere in my paperwork!!

Barbx

[dilanium]

Just a question-

If I were to get PR in NZ and then try to sponsor my mother, would; I not be allowed so since she'd be over 55 (and I have a brother and a sister who both would still be living in the US?). Would I have to convince one of my siblings to move first?

[JandM]

I'm afraid I think you probably would, Liz, because the parent sponsorship will only be allowed if the 'balance of the family' is in NZ. (Even numbers of adult children in NZ and somewhere else is okay.)

[dilanium]

so if one of my siblings moves out of the country to, say, somewhere in Europe it would be okay?

hm...

[JandM]

It looks as though that's true. http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/live/parent/canimovetonz/whatisrequired/ If you go to that link, then click on 'centre of gravity', a separate window opens up that gives you extra explanations and various examples.

[Moorf]

Good heavens, Moorf. 'I'd have thought they would need to work (for sanity if not $$!!)

While my Dad will have retired I know he wants something to do, the option to work would be good for him, so that's good news.

Plus, rememmber, not all parents coming over are of retirement age!! ;)

[Moorf]

Update: The application has landed! My parents went to NZ House on Monday and dropped it in in person :clap - now the waiting begins.

[willsken]

It's so exciting for you - I'm so jealous (in a very nice way!) :D

[Asli&Mark]

all our fingers are crossed :)

[Rusty]

Congratulations Moorf, must be a great feeling as your family comes together.
My MiL could have given hers in today, but has not completed all the form yet. Should be in within a week at ChCh - we will see which side of the world processes them better?

[benandclare]

Another step covered :clap Fingers crossed :nice1

[Moorf]

Cheers guys :nice1


we will see which side of the world processes them better?

I'm betting Chch!! :yes

[Mickstim]

My bet is on London - they moved like a rocket with ours. So glad it's all happening and looking forward to meeting your parents again at the Sussex meet!

Bx

[zardell]

Update: The application has landed! My parents went to NZ House on Monday and dropped it in in person :clap - now the waiting begins.



Hope the wait isn't too long.


Here's to a quick turnaround.

:cheers

Julie

xx

[JandM]

Hope it all goes quickly for both lots. Watching closely to gather info for when it's our turn.

[Debbie]

Moorf,
Do you happen to know what fee your parents paid?
I'm trying to use Avalons thread as a start and personalise it for my parents but when it comes to the fee and the NZIS link http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/live/parent/howdoiapply/stepstoapply/
has nothing about sponsored applications. Did you use the residency -other option?
Ta Debbie

Hope all is going well with the parents application. Keep us all in touch with how they go.

[Moorf]

Hi Debbie

I believe the application fee was £460, hopefully Dad can confirm that.... :)

Moorf

[andy141]

Hi Debbie

I believe the application fee was £460, hopefully Dad can confirm that.... :)

Moorf

Yis, Application for Residency costs £460 in UK no matter how many people on application (actually caters for parents and up to 13 kids :eek: )

[Debbie]

Moorf and Andy
Thanks for that. Sorry Andy, I forgot that you were registered online yourself now. Hope it all goes well for you. I'm sure I'll have plenty more questions to ask as we go along. All the best. Debbie

[steveybj]

Hi New this forum and I am in the process of putting in an EOI, The bits I understand are... On Getting my PR i then have to wait 3 years before I can sponsor my inlaws. My Wife is an only child and we have a little girl (there only grandchild)... We are looking at trying to get out either Oct 08 or Feb 09, The plan is for the inlaws to sell up with us and go out on mass, My issue is whether the inlaws will be able to work Both coming up to 60 this year... They both are extremely fit and healthy but am struggling as to find a correct type of visa for them in the interim? Any ideas, I understand they may have to go out on a Tourist visa but are there any real options to work once there out there?

Any advice would be appreciated and I apologise if there is a thread elsewhere!...

Steve

[JandM]

Hello, Steve, and welcome.:)

I'm sorry - this isn't going to be what you want to hear. It's something I'm sure several of us have run our heads up against for various family members.

I'm afraid your in-laws wouldn't legally be able to stay in the country all the time while the three years pass till you can sponsor them to get PR of their own. A UK citizen can stay for six months (and I haven't looked into matters enough to see why some of the notes then mention nine months).

One note on the NZ Immigration website http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/alreadyinnz/visitors/default.htm says this.

What happens when I reach the maximum time as a visitor? How long must I stay out of New Zealand before returning?
Broadly speaking, you need to leave New Zealand before your permit expires and remain away for the same length of time as you were here. For example, if you visit for nine months, you’ll need to stay away for nine months before returning.

But you may not be entitled to another stay of the same length. The length of any subsequent stay is dependent on how long you have spent in New Zealand in the period immediately preceding your application and whether or not you are a genuine visitor.

And then there's this.

Can I apply for a further visitor permit?
You can apply for further visitor permits while you are here, so long as you do not 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 have supported yourself financially, and have enough money to continue supporting yourself and
you have not worked, been sponsored, or held a student permit.

If you gain this extension you will 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.

To find out more, see our Visit pages.

Once your in-laws have PR themselves, then they'd be allowed to work in NZ.

[Moorf]

From a previous post of mine - this may be another option for your parents.

I believe there have been recent (Nov '07) changes to the Parents and Grandparents visa allowing them to enter NZ multiple times over a 3 year period. No one stay can be more than 6 months but parents can then leave and come back as long as they don't stay more than 18 months in NZ across the 3 year visa period.

More info here: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra...alvisitors.htm

and here: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra...itpleentry.htm

HTH
Moorf

[Moorf]

A UK citizen can stay for six months (and I haven't looked into matters enough to see why some of the notes then mention nine months).

You can upgrade, for a fee, to a 9 month visa from the UK - at least you could when we came over. :yes

[steveybj]

Thanks for the quick responses... Is there anyway they can work whilst out there for the 6 or 9 months, Seems a big brick wall when the end goal is PR for them. Obviously were a very close family and the plan was to buy together over there, Am I right in thinking thats tough until the three years have lapsed? Oh the joys of emmigration... I think I hoping that there will be an option for them at least to work whilst over here...

Steve

[JandM]

I don't think there's any way they can legally work before getting PR, no. The upper age limit for immigrating as a worker (i.e. in their own right) is 55, and it's against the law to work on a visitor's visa. If they did cash-in-hand jobs and were caught, it would work against their eventually getting PR. Likewise, you could buy together, but they wouldn't be able to live there with you full time until the three years are up (and presumably, it's the proceeds of their UK house that would help buy, so that would depend on whether they wanted to rent meantime). And it's three years till you can put in the sponsorship papers and they apply, and then you wait as long as it takes till the application is dealt with.

I'm really sorry to be the bearer of bad news, shooting down your wishes, but it's better to KNOW what you have to work with.

[Moorf]

Yup, unless they can transfer a visitors visa (including the grandparents/parents visitor visa), to another temporary visa (i.e. work visa/permit) then they can not work. However, other temporary visas do, as JandM said above, have age limits.

The only way they could work in New Zealand is, as far as I can see, if they have residency.

Info: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/qanda/mulitpleentry.htm

snip: What should I do if I need to stay in New Zealand for more than six months on one visit?

If you entered New Zealand on a parent and grandparent multiple entry visitor’s visa and you wish to stay in New Zealand for more than six months on one visit, you will need to apply for a further permit under another temporary entry policy.

If you are granted a further permit or visa under another temporary entry policy (eg a work or student permit or visa), your ‘parent and grandparent multiple entry visitor’s visa’ will become invalid.

[IanW99]

Yup, unless they can transfer a visitors visa (including the grandparents/parents visitor visa), to another temporary visa (i.e. work visa/permit) then they can not work. However, other temporary visas do, as JandM said above, have age limits.
...


Does the General Work visa have an upper age limit, it doesn't appear to have?

Ian

[Moorf]

Does the General Work visa have an upper age limit, it doesn't appear to have?


Not that I can see, no - I also don't see any guarantees that they'd get the full three years they need to remain before the start of the parent sponsorship process which could take up to a year - so they could well end up having to leave NZ and perhaps (not sure on this) then unable to return within a certain time-frame.

Not a great position to be in if you've sold up back home?

[IanW99]

Not that I can see, no - I also don't see any guarantees that they'd get the full three years they need to remain before the start of the parent sponsorship process which could take up to a year - so they could well end up having to leave NZ and perhaps (not sure on this) then unable to return within a certain time-frame.

Not a great position to be in if you've sold up back home?

Obviously there are no guarantees, but you can keep extending the general work visa for up to 3 years at a time.

So if there is no age limit, then it would be possible to arrive on a visitor visa, locate a job that will enable the granting of a general work visa. Get this approved and then renew as often as needed until the PR is approved.

There are a lot of potential pitfalls with this approach and no doubt something that we haven't considered, but at least it does look like it could be a possibility for some?

Ian

[Moorf]

Obviously there are no guarantees, but you can keep extending the general work visa for up to 3 years at a time.

Yes, but I don't think it's as easy as that - I think the General Work visa is more dependent on job offers than that as you don't necessarily have to be skilled. If I remember correctly, the temporary general work visas are the most deeply looked in to, including any family links in the country that might mean you might not want to return if/when a visa expires (I'll have a hunt on the NZIS site). I've just always had the impression that General Work visa apps were highly sought as it includes unskilled/season work but also the most abused and, therefore, the most monitored.?

But yes, as with those coming on visitors visas, it's a risk but a route to consider - just not sure it's one I'd ask my parents to take (and they'll hate me for this :uhoh ) at their age (similar to poster's).

I am pessimistic by nature btw! :o

[JandM]

Maybe M-I-L, at least, has some pension she'll shortly be entitled to? And some men have an occupational or private pension from 60, too.That's possibly one more thing to throw into the pot of ideas. I know it doesn't help with them probably being in the wrong place.

(But don't forget that UK state pensions get frozen and are no longer index-linked once you go to live in NZ.)

[steveybj]

Thanks for your help, I have mentioned the many possibilities to them, Am I right in thinking that they would go on a visitors visa and once out there attempt to look at a work permit etc,,, I know the chances are slim, but as it stands we will take any options that are open!... This is a great site and thanks.. I will keep looking to see if the news gets any better... A few years down the line i am hoping that this will be a memory we can laugh about!!
steve!

[Debbie]

I know this wasn't an option for us so I didn't look into it at all but is there a way that you in laws can be included on you PR application as dependants on you?


I may be well off the mark but it was the only solution that hasn't been explored.

Debbie

[JandM]

Here's the place on the NZIS site that relates to temporary work visas. http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/worktemporarily/howdoiapply/ Following through links from there, as Moorf said, it does look as if they're VERY tight on what they allow. There are so many people that feel like your family, Steve, thinking there ought to be a way to slip round, that they're alert for it. You say, 'Am I right in thinking that they would go on a visitors visa and once out there attempt to look at a work permit etc,,, I know the chances are slim, but as it stands we will take any options that are open!...' You'd need an answer ready for what would happen if they got there and COULDN'T get a job offer, each, before a visitor's visa ran out.

Then, thinking about Debbie's suggestion, here http://www.nz-immigration.co.nz/faq.html#5 (talking about the Skilled Migrant category, which I guess you're applying under), unfortunately it says Q. What family members can I include in my application?A. The principal applicant, their partner (married or de facto relationship partner) and any dependant children they may have. Dependent children must be under the age of 25 years, be single with no children of their own and rely mainly on their family for their livelihood.

[Rusty]

Cheers guys :nice1




I'm betting Chch!! :yes

Hi, to give you an update.
Had my interview with a case officer today and asked them about timescales for sponsorship (seeing as I had her on the phone ;) ). The answer was 3-6 months, but they are speeding things up (allocating C.O) for the end of the financial year. Also how straight forward the application is.

Good luck

[Avalon]

Right, the application went in on the 4th January. (Wellington Branch)

We were told it would be up to a year to get a flippin' case officer.

During February, we had a letter requesting extra blood tests (Dad is Diabetic).

Then we waited.:wah

Mum and dad were due to leave NZ at the end of April as their 6 month visitor visa came to an end. So I tried to email the Wellington office to check that would not cause a problem. And got utterly ignored.

So I rang the officer that was generally dealing with me, and managed to get through.

It appears that as Mum and Dad were now going to be resident in the UK, wellington cant handle the application. So I had to write an email requesting that the forms be transfered to London. So I did that at the start of April, and by the end of April had recieved not so much as a letter confirming this.

So, slightly fed up by now (not an unusual occurence for most people dealing with the Wellington office, I understand), I used the email "Contact us" form on the NZIS website.

I get an email from wellington confirming that they had sent the info to London. I also got asn incredibly detailed and helpful email from the London office, telling me that they had the details, and were just waiting for the paperwork (which for some reason takes 3 weeks in a diplomatic bag to get there - they use pigeons I guess:confused:).

London have a 3-6months witing list, compared with Wellington's ridiculous 12 months.

We have now just recieved another letter requesting yet MORE medical info on my Dad's diabetes. We have till the end of July to get that in (this requires a specialist to look at it, and give an assesment on likely outcomes and costs, rather than just more tests.)

So that is our timescale at the moment. The outcome of which is that I dont have the foggiest idea how long it will take in the end to get my parents residency.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6752/fascinatingcj7.th.jpg (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fascinatingcj7.jpg)


I would however strongly suggest that it may not be the most effective way to go about it by having your parents arrive in New Zealand on as Visitors Visa and apply here. We have found the difference in competence when dealing with the London office as opposed to the Wellington office to be pretty amazing.

On the plus side - today we found out that Alan and I have been granted Citizenship. We applied for that on the same day as we applied for my parent's residency.Go figure!

Hope that helps.

[Moorf]

Hi Avalon - lovely to hear from you and thanks v. much for the update.

Strangely, after weeks of hearing nothing, my parents have also received feedback today after their application at the beginning of March - Dad, who initially had to redo some chest xrays, has now been asked to go and have a couple of hundred quid's worth of tests to make sure his other organs (heart mostly) are okay, despite all his bloods and other tests being absolutely fine. Apparently, if he gets them back to the NZIS by XX date (about 3 weeks I think!) then they can hurry through the rest of the process...

It's really getting quite torturous... especially for my Dad who was given a clean bill of health by the doctor!!

[Rusty]

Well the update for my MiL and using ChCh office.
It didn't go in until the beginning of May and heard the expected nothing except for this weird little 'red tape' cameo of officialdom: "We need to have police certs for daughter living in NZ for the last 5 years".
Answer "But, she has been in NZ only 4 years and you have that cert, before that she was in the UK and had those plice certs done for her residence. She has not left the country since".

It doesn't seem to register as they still want UK police checks for my sister even though she has not been here in 4 years (hasn't even activated her RRV) and had a full, valid check for her own residency.

My MiL is back here in the UK for now and looking at the grandparents visa to give her more time in NZ - I hope it doesn't get transfered to London as this will add more time.

[Chaz]

Anyone know what the options are to allow a parent to stay indefinitely as a visitor where the parent is retired and does not intend working?

[Moorf]

Strange, I didn't give police certs with sponsorship form either as assumed the ones from my residency application would count - I too haven't been out of NZ (except for long weekend) since arriving here nearly 4 yrs ago.... I guess that'll be the next hurdle they put in front of my parents :roll

[Moorf]

Anyone know what the options are to allow a parent to stay indefinitely as a visitor where the parent is retired and does not intend working?

Family sponsorship, I don't think the Family Quota route is available at the moment.

For family sponsorship you need to be a permanent resident and have been here for 3 yrs (or is it 5 yrs now?).

[Chaz]

Family sponsorship, I don't think the Family Quota route is available at the moment.

For family sponsorship you need to be a permanent resident and have been here for 3 yrs (or is it 5 yrs now?).

Thanks, will be a while then before we can consider doing that. Perhaps a visit and a 'forget' to go home might be considered - heh.

[Rusty]

Strange, I didn't give police certs with sponsorship form either as assumed the ones from my residency application would count - I too haven't been out of NZ (except for long weekend) since arriving here nearly 4 yrs ago.... I guess that'll be the next hurdle they put in front of my parents :roll

I don't understand why they need it either, but we are letting MiL deal with it as we have enough going on ourselves at the moment. I guess we will see what happens.

[vixxann]

For family sponsorship you need to be a permanent resident and have been here for 3 yrs (or is it 5 yrs now?).


my parents have been asking me about this - can anyone confirm if it is 3 or 5 years PR before we could sponsor them??

thanks :D

[Moorf]

Can confirm it's still 3 yrs :nice1

Sponsorship requirements
A sponsor must:

* be 17 years of age or over
* be in New Zealand
* be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or the holder of a current residence permit that is not subject to requirements under section 18A of the Immigration Act 1987
* have been a New Zealand or Australian citizen and/or the holder of a Residence Permit or a returning resident’s visa for at least three years immediately before the date their registration is received by the New Zealand Immigration Service
* in each of the three 12 month portions within that three-year period, have spent a total of 184 days or more in New Zealand
* meet the minimum income requirement (unless they obtained residence in New Zealand as a refugee, or they are aged 65 years or older).

A sponsor must undertake to ensure that financial support and accommodation is provided to you, if necessary, for at least your first 24 months as a resident in New Zealand. Sponsors who gained residence in New Zealand on the basis of their status as refugees are only obliged to accommodate you for the first 24 months of your residence (if necessary).

A sponsor aged 17 to 24 must satisfy us that they are able to meet the undertakings given on the sponsorship form.

Source: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/live/parent/canisponsormyparent/sponsorshiprequirements.htm

[vixxann]

thank you :clap

[Avalon]

The 5 year rule applies to Citizenship applications only - for those who arrived in NZ after 1st April 2005.

[Tia Maria]

OK, this is quite a long thread, so can I just be a bit lazy and ask:

1) Is it PR your parents end up getting on the sponsorship route?

2) Do your parents have to show they are willing to work? Or is retired, with suitable funds to support themselves, enough?

Apologies if this has been asked and answered a hundred times, but I saw the 11 pages and wimped out!

Cheers

Tia

[Debbie]

Tia,
My understanding is that I will sponsor my parents for PR when the time comes. This will entitle them to work if they wish (or not). There is not expectation on them either way. They also get all the health/ benefits that we have as PR.

You, (the sponsorer) has to prove that you have enough $ to support them. I can't remember what the required salary is at the mo, sorry.

Now for my question. I know for the grandparent visa they need to complete the full medical and that you are only able to sponsor 1 party at a time, (1 pair of grandparents or a single grandparent but not both sets of grandparents).

SO.....Does anyone know if the same limit on sponsoring numbers applies to the family sponsorship?

Debbie

[Debbie]

Tia, found it!

So - here it is - this is the prosess we have to go through.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/nzis/operations_manual/5021.htm#o8424
F4.1 How do parents qualify for residence?
See F4.1 Effective 29/09/2003
See F4.1 Effective 01/10/2001
See F4 Effective 26/07/1999

Parent(s) of a New Zealand citizen or resident* meet Parent policy if either:
They have no dependent children* and all of their adult children* are lawfully and permanently* outside the country in which they are lawfully and permanently*, or
the centre of gravity* of their family is in New Zealand.
In each case the parent(s) must be sponsored by an adult child who:
is in New Zealand, and:
is a New Zealand or Australian citizen or the holder of a current residence permit that is not subject to requirements under s18A of the Immigration Act 1987, and
has been a New Zealand or Australian citizen and/or the holder of a residence permit or a returning resident's visa for at least three years immediately preceding the date the application under Parent policy is made*, and
in each of the three 12 month portions within that three year period, has spent a total of 184 days or more in New Zealand.
Applicants under Parent policy must meet health and character requirements policy (see A4 and A5).
F4.1.1 Minimum income requirement for sponsors

An application under Parent policy will only be approved if the sponsor and/or their partner* meets the minimum income requirement (unless the sponsor obtained residence in New Zealand on the basis of their status as a refugee, or at the date the application is made*, the sponsor is aged 65 years or older).
The gross minimum income requirement referred to in (a) above is $29,897.92 per annum. This is based on the Unemployment Benefit (married and civil union rate) plus the maximum Accommodation Supplement as set by the New Zealand Government. This must be met by income obtained from:
sustained paid employment; and/or
regular self-employment; and/or
regular investment income.

[Moorf]

Nice one Debbie - you beat me to it..

I also have a question that was posed to me the other day... in the case of families that have step-children/fathers/mothers etc... how does the centre of gravity work - do you count just blood-relatives in this case or must you include any other step-relatives? :confused:

i.e if you live in NZ and have one natural brother and two step brothers in the UK, is the centre of gravity ok or not... (does that make sense?)

[Debbie]

O' I don't know.
I just figured it would be like my own PR application with a principle sponsored (applicant) and their partner. In that case I would assume that you would sponsor the parent that didn't have the extra children:roll

Mined you, you know what they say about assuming!, probably very true when NZIS are involved.

[Tia Maria]

Thanks Debbie - nice and simple! :nice1

(and I'm sure 'Thanks Moorf 'if you'd been quicker! ;)).

Cheers

Tia

[Jo Jo]

I also have a question that was posed to me the other day... in the case of families that have step-children/fathers/mothers etc... how does the centre of gravity work - do you count just blood-relatives in this case or must you include any other step-relatives?

i.e if you live in NZ and have one natural brother and two step brothers in the UK, is the centre of gravity ok or not... (does that make sense?)

It depends on whether the step-children lived with your parent before they were 17 or not.

If they didn't, then they don't count towards the centre of gravity. If they did, then it depends on how long they were part of your family for.

From NZIS:

Children, under the Family Category (Parent Policy), includes:


all biological or adopted children of the principal applicant

and

any child of the principal applicant’s partner (whether or not the partner is included in the application), if that child has lived as part of the principal applicant’s family unit for a predominant period of the child’s life between the time their relationship with the principal applicant began and when the child turned 17 years of age.


(it comes up in a pop up window so I can't link to it, but the page the pop up comes from is here (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/live/parent/canimovetonz/whatisrequired/).

[IanW99]

...
(it comes up in a pop up window so I can't link to it, but the page the pop up comes from is here (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/live/parent/canimovetonz/whatisrequired/).

This is the direct link to the 'popup' window for Centre of Gravity (http://glossary.immigration.govt.nz/centreofgravity.htm)

Ian

[wilson182]

It depends on whether the step-children lived with your parent before they were 17 or not.

If they didn't, then they don't count towards the centre of gravity. If they did, then it depends on how long they were part of your family for.

From NZIS:

Children, under the Family Category (Parent Policy), includes:


all biological or adopted children of the principal applicant
and

any child of the principal applicant’s partner (whether or not the partner is included in the application), if that child has lived as part of the principal applicant’s family unit for a predominant period of the child’s life between the time their relationship with the principal applicant began and when the child turned 17 years of age.

(it comes up in a pop up window so I can't link to it, but the page the pop up comes from is here (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/live/parent/canimovetonz/whatisrequired/).

So, say for example my Dad could potentially apply for residency in his own right (he is a HGV driver) or I could sponsor them next year. What would you guys recommend as the best route?

[Moorf]

Strangely, after weeks of hearing nothing, my parents have also received feedback today after their application at the beginning of March - Dad, who initially had to redo some chest xrays, has now been asked to go and have a couple of hundred quid's worth of tests to make sure his other organs (heart mostly) are okay, despite all his bloods and other tests being absolutely fine. Apparently, if he gets them back to the NZIS by XX date (about 3 weeks I think!) then they can hurry through the rest of the process...

It's really getting quite torturous... especially for my Dad who was given a clean bill of health by the doctor!!

An update for those following the saga.... Dad is off for the above-mentioned blood tests on the 9th so fingers crossed and positive vibes please! :)

NZIS said after they receive the results they should be able to make a "quick decision"...

[JandM]

Oh, please pass on all good wishes to him/them! We were sitting next to them at Shoreham. +++++++++++++

[Mickstim]

An update for those following the saga.... Dad is off for the above-mentioned blood tests on the 9th so fingers crossed and positive vibes please! :)

NZIS said after they receive the results they should be able to make a "quick decision"...

Hope all goes well for them Helen - keeping everything crossed for a positive decision really soon!!

Bxx

[Avalon]

An update for those following the saga.... Dad is off for the above-mentioned blood tests on the 9th so fingers crossed and positive vibes please! :)

NZIS said after they receive the results they should be able to make a "quick decision"...

Everything is crossed for them over here :)

My dad has his last medical appointment at the end of the month. According to the case officer (appointed within days of the transfer to the london office :raebanana) this is the last hoop he has to jump through, and then we have also been told that the decision will be quick.

Anyone else think the Wellington office needs a good kick up the jacksie?????

Just a note for all of you who are doing the sponsoring:

You will need to send in papers to prove you still have the right to act as a sponsor.

In our case that consisted of;

Marriage Certificate (possible just because my hubby is the one with the salary we are using to supprot the family, but its my parents we are sponsoring)
Proof that the income is still valid
Proof that we still live in NZ

[Moorf]

I'm having the worst week of my life in NZ so far thanks to the NZIS and the usual UK timescales... Dad had his tests on Monday and was promised results posted to him asap - still nothing. Calls to the specialist don't get past his officious secretary and still no news nearly a week on. It's killing me - can't eat/sleep/think - look awful, work is suffering and generally can't pick myself up (yes, I know my parents read this - they're feeling the same, which also makes me very sad and angry).

Not sure why I'm writing this here - just feel the need to tell someone I suppose :o Wake up stiff and stressed, crying and rush to laptop everyday.. but nothing.. and now the pessimism is setting in. Even the sun outside can't cheer me up today, I've had enough....:(

[wilson182]

Oh Helen, I'm really sorry to read that you feel so down today. Its not like you at all. We three are sending lots of love and best wishes, and have everything crossed. Try to stay positive sweet, BIG HUGS

Debbie

[jubjub]

Aww Moorf... its just officialdom and red tape dragging its heels and bugging the cr@p outta everyone involved in the process.... I know that doesnt make you feel any better... but it does make you feel utterly helpless when you have to rely on others to make things work for you.

Hugs...

[peebles16]

Ah Helen it must be so frustrating especially given that all you can do is wait but I've never been one for having much patience so can only imagine how you must be feeling... Sending best wishes and maybe you should try tasting some more quaffables this evening - go on I will if you will :)

Take care
Karenx

[Asli&Mark]

Helen,

There as so many people here wishing the best and quickest result. Therefore so much positive energy. Trust me it is soon they will hear the good news and we'll all get to welcome your family.

Honey be optimistic :)

Hugs
Asli

[JandM]

Hang in there, Helen - AND parents, of course. Good wishes from us (beside you at Shoreham).

[Jo Jo]

Best wishes, Moorf. I hope you get some good news soon.

[KatieBen]

I'm having the worst week of my life in NZ so far thanks to the NZIS and the usual UK timescales... Dad had his tests on Monday and was promised results posted to him asap - still nothing. Calls to the specialist don't get past his officious secretary and still no news nearly a week on.

Not sure if I can help, but I've worked in a fair few UK hospitals and still have friends working in a lot of them. If you want to PM me the details I may be able to find someone who can kick the secretary for you. As a rule, it shouldn't take a week to get blood test results unless the tests are some of the more uncommon ones that only get done in batches once a week or so. If it's just standard immigration blood count/kidney/liver/bone function then it should take 24-48h tops.