I'd like to hear the views of people who have successfully applied for residency as parents. Did you apply in UK or NZ? Did you do it with an agent? If you did it without an agent, was it straightforward? All advice welcome.
I'd like to hear the views of people who have successfully applied for residency as parents. Did you apply in UK or NZ? Did you do it with an agent? If you did it without an agent, was it straightforward? All advice welcome.
we haven't done this yet as we haven't lived in NZ long enough but we plan to when we reach the 3 or 4 years (can't remember how long you have to have been here). My parents are intending to get some advice from a professional agent, but they are confident that once they know the ins and outs, they can get through the process on their own without spending the heaps of cash to go with an agent. I know some agents will give you an initial consultation for a fixed fee, I think this is what they are considering and then once they've done the consultation, they'll go it alone. Think it should be pretty straight forward if you have all your documentation etc, don't think there is anything an agent can add to the value of the application.
Hi Soozles
I have applied for a Parent Visa (our son is sponsoring myself and my husband). He has had to have been a resident in New Zealand for 3 years BEFORE you can send in your application. That does not mean living there - you have to apply for residency. My son had lived there for over 5 years in total (married to a kiwi).
We did it all ourselves, it is not too bad - I would not pay for someone to do it because after all it is you that is gathering all the evidence together they are just asking for it and filling in the forms - you can do that - the earlier you start collecting all your evidence the better. We got a box file and kept putting our paperwork into it.
We went down to London on 20 March 2009 and handed our application in to New Zealand House and got a letter about a week later saying it could take up to 2 years before our application is looked at and a further 4 to 6 months after that before a decision is made!
As you can see by the date, the first year of waiting is nearly up. We have heard NOTHING yet.
Things to get together
Our Full birth certificates (not the shortened version) apply for a full one if you do not have one - I asked for 3 copies as I thought they would come in handy.
Childs full Birth certificate (your sponsor) which shows their parents on it (us) not the short birth certificate. Again I requested 3 copies.
Marriage Certificate - I applied for 3 certified copies.
Utility Bills in both your names. Ours were all in my husbands name so I got some changed to my name, some in both and some in his. This shows that you are living together in the same house. We have been married 41 years but that is not enough!
Get your BMI down to under 35. Mine was above 35 so I joined Weight Watchers and lost nearly 3 stone.
Get your waist measurement down to the correct measurement.
If you have things like high blood pressure, get a printout of your readings from your Practice Nurse to show that they are normal while you are in medication.
If you know you have any blood abnormalities - get them sorted out with your GP now while you have the time.
My Liver Function Test was abnormal so I was referred to a Liver Specialist and after a Liver Scan and various other tests it turns out I have a Fatty Liver. I then asked for a letter from the Consultant addressed to Whom it May Concern - giving the reason for my abnormal liver readings and the prognosis. I put that in with the medical report.
I ordered the police check forms on line.
Before I put everything in an envelope I photocopied all the evidence and reports that I was giving NZ Immigration. As we had gone to London I asked if I could have our passports back as I had scanned the pages with our details and photographs on (in colour) and they just checked with our passports that they were the same and certified the pages. We got our passports back.
Sponsor - They have to earn a certain amount each year and be able to produce a contract of employment, payslip evidence, evidence that they are a resident in New Zealand, utility bills to show where they live etc., all this has to be certified - my son went to a Justice of the Peace in New Zealand and he certified each page of the form that he had filled in plus all the evidence (photocopy behind each page). Justice of the Peace in New Zealand do not charge for this service, they are not allowed to.
You obviously have to have 50% of your next of kin living as residents in New Zealand. I have two children and they are both living as residents over there.
I also printed off the medical questionaire, and the sponsorship forms etc., well in advance and read everything that they were wanting - you have to be organised and methodical. Do not get your Police Checks and Medicals too early (advice on the web site Immigration New Zealand) www.immigration.govt.nz/london
I hope this is of some help - good luck with your application.
Last edited by Trendynana; 4th March 2010 at 10:04 AM.
Hi Trendynana
Thanks so much for your full reply. I've got all the forms for multiple entry and permanent residence for ourselves and for our son and partner as sponsors. I've been studying the forms and guides and had already reckoned we can do it on our own. So it was good to have that confirmed by you. I was particularly glad to read about your own experience - and impressed no end by your determination to lose weight. Congratulations!
It is a rigmarole but worth going for - just needs patience. I shall start the box file! Do post good news when you have it. They do say it takes two to two and a half years - you're well on your way. All the best, Soozles
Soozles
Your good wishes worked - we have been allocated a Visa Officer TODAY!!! it is just under a year since we applied - so there is light at the end of the tunnel - we are so excited.
congrats Trendynana.. wish you good luck for further process..
Oh, what lovely news! I'm really pleased for you.