ITA submitted but may still have to leave NZ

[ulto]

I submitted my ITA a few weeks ago. I have been assigned a case officer and just really playing the waiting game but as I am in NZ on a WHV that is coming up to the end on the 11 of December we are kinda screwed. Now with work I can get a 3 month extension on my contract that will take me to march as I can get a work permit/visa but as it is only a 3 month contract my OH cannot get a defacto visa.

So is there ANY way of staying in NZ? Even if one has to fly to OZ and back as a tourist is this possible? Anyway of speeding up the residency application of getting some kind of bridging visa for the mean time?

[GrumpyGoat]

I feel for you as we were in a very similar situation recently. It is terrifying!!

Our work permits expired (and were unable to renew because of changes to the LTSSL) and our PR had not been granted yet.

Talk to your case officer. The PR case officers do not do work permits but will refer you to someone who does. But if your CO knows the situation--(by that, I mean bring it to their attention), they may be able to advise you what to do or may speed up the process for you.
If yours is straightforward, there may be a chance that it will be finished in time. Dec 11? That is a whole month away!!
Our CO didn't finish our app and issue PR until our work permits expired (she was out on leave). We were dreaded overstayers for about 3 days--unable to go to work or school!! This is what she told us to do until the PR stickers were in our passports. She told me that as long as we had an application in the works, we were fine to stay. But we couldn't work because we had no legal right to do that.

So the best thing you can do is call your CO and calmly explain that you are FREAKING OUT!!! And get his/her advice about the best way to proceed.

The good news is that it will likely work out fine. But between here and there, I am sure there will be lots of anxiety and hoop jumping.
GOOD LUCK!!

[ulto]

Well the immediate concern is my GF. If she doesnt have to work than thats ok, so she can stay...?? She wont get kicked out or anything?

[GrumpyGoat]

Originally Posted by ulto

Well the immediate concern is my GF. If she doesnt have to work than thats ok, so she can stay...?? She wont get kicked out or anything?

I don't know this situation so can't comment at all.

Call your CO and calmly explain the situation and get their advice.

Good luck.

[cappuccino]

I think you can get a visitor visa for up to 6 months to tide you over.

Just read some good news (though it may not be in time for you guys...): http://www.dol.govt.nz/actreview/upd...ng-summary.asp Part 3 - interim visas.

[JandM]

That's interesting. I would think, if that change in the law is in the pipeline now, it ought to mean that sympathetic consideration is straight away given to people who WILL come under it when it officially begins.

[GrumpyGoat]

Wow--that is a GREAT new visa--the interim.

What a relief that would have been to have when we needed them!