Hi all! This is my first post here, though I've been a long time member of the site. VERY helpful and happy there are wonderful people who are willing to share their own experiences pre, during, and post NZ life!
QUICK QUESTION!
I've been researching on INZs requirements for converting to Permanent Residenct Visas, but a bit confused as to what we can do in our situation. Here's the quick details:
Resident visas granted - January 2011
Moved to NZ with hubby - April 2011
Started permanent full time work - April 2011
We've both been in the country since, and will only be exiting NZ for a couple of weeks in December 2011.
Now we're about ready to look at purchasing our first home, but banks are hesitant to give us a mortgage because we are not yet "permanent residents":
- Are we already qualified to submit a PR application under "established base in NZ" criteria, as stated in the Ops Manual http://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/30505.htm
- Do we have to wait out the 24 months requirement of having held the Residence visa? or can we use criteria 5, as I will have fulfilled the 9 months on the full time job requirement?
Hope somebody out there can help shed light on this, and maybe share your experiences as well?
Thanks heaps!