[Graham Cross]

We are a retired couple with one son and family in NZ and another going in Feb. We have appt for medicals in Jan and hope to apply once our other son has gone. How long do you think the process will take and can it be done if we sell the house and go over there or do we have to do it all in the UK. just wondering ..... Janet

[Caroline and Dave]

Hi Janet,
You can go to NZ without a visa for up to 6 months and many people do just this and then sort the paperwork out in N.Z. I would get your police checks done though as medicals are only valid for 3 months whereas police checks are 6 months.As regards selling your house it really depends on whether you need to sell first before you come over or you can afford to get settled in NZ and then sell.The problem when selling and you are in NZ is that if for whatever reason you are turned down in NZ and you have sold your house in UK then you would have to get a place back in UK, but if your medicals are fine then there is every chance that you will be accepted. I am also not sure how long the NZIS take to assess someone on a family sponsorship.
I am sure their are others on here who can advise you of this.

Kindest regards

Dave and Caroline