Visa Class for Spouse immigration to NZ

yesindeed_me · Testing The Water Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Posts: 1

Hi,
I am getting married to a NZ citizen and would be applying for my immigration to New Zeland thereafter.

Could anyone please help me out

1) with the Visa class under which I will have to apply for my immigration? From the NZIS I could make out 'Family Category' to be the class. Am I correct or is there a better way out?

2) What would be the expected time the process take? Is 3-4 months a fair assumption or could it be earlier or later than that also?

3) Do I have to fill an expression of interest for that also?

Thanks in advance

Grey · I Like It Here Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Posts: 74

Hi yesindeed_me,

To get residence under the family category you will need to show & give evidence that you have lived together for 12mths, regardless of being married. If you can't meet this then you can still apply but the PR descision will be deferred until you meet the 12mths..you may be granted a work permit to allow you to live together in NZ while you wait..

Your timescale sounds about right, if you qualify..and no, you don't complete an EOI..

You could also look at going out as a visitor, there's a special categroy for partners - Visitor - (partner)
Would be quicker to process, if successful you could use this time to qualify for PR (it mentions this at the bottom).