Permanent residence in 1980, .... is it still valid ?

AlanW · Testing The Water Joined: 07 Jul 2004 Posts: 2

Hello to everyone ...I'm new to the forum.

I lived and worked as a computer programmer in ChCh (beginning Jan., 1980) for a year and a half. I received permanent residence in either late '80 or early in '81.

Would anyone happen to know if this might still be valid. I might want to start a small business but, if not, it would certainly be nice to retire there.

Thanks for the help. -Alan Confused

karltsmith · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 4:40 pm Post subject:

Hi Alan,

Sad to say no I don't think so!!!!!!

I also had permanent residency from 1987-1991. When you leave you need to get a returning residents visa and keep it up-to date. the max i was given was two years out of the country. I can't hurt to ask but if you have been out of NZ that long it's very doubtful!

Karl Nice One

Lukas · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 8:56 pm Post subject:

If you have had a returning resident visa with for an indeffinite period ar at least if you were elligible for one, then YES your PR is till valid

AlanW · Testing The Water Joined: 07 Jul 2004 Posts: 2

Thanks Karl and Lukas. I do not have a returning residents visa that I am aware of.
Is there an address where I should write to check on this or is it hopeless ? -Alan Confused

Lukas · Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 6:20 am Post subject:

The best ideea is to phone NZIS or even better to go there in person. probable something can be done. I meet an Irish guy who hhve ad PR on the early 60's now he was back as a pensioneer. He told me that the entire process of regaining his PR status was about one year. Aniway it may be worth trying. Nice One

captainxmas · Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 10:28 am Post subject:

That's interesting, because my wife spent time in hastings as a teenager and sadly came back before receiving her PR status. Although I believe it was issued in her abscence, and subsequently not taken up.

Does this mean that there would be some identifiable records somewhere, I have asked the question at NZ House, but they can be hit and miss.

ps. I like clutching at straws... Nutcase

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 11:24 am Post subject:

I've fired off an email to my case officer on this point...i wil post her reply!!!! Nice One

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 9:23 pm Post subject:

I just Heard back from my NZIS case officer on this point, her reply is as follows

A resident who leaves NZ must have a current RRV in order to return. If you have an indefinite RRV then that is fine, you can come and go as often as you please, however the first RRV that is issued is not indefinite and has an expiry date. If you let that lapse then you do lose your right to residency.

Therefore if you did not get an RRV before leaving you lose you right to residency when you leave the country!

Regards Karl Nice One

captainxmas · Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 10:12 pm Post subject:

Cheers Karl

Back to the long and winding road..