Hi there
My partner has applied for Residency but regrettably has a drink driving conviction from nearly 5 years ago in the UK. He's had 3 working visas in NZ approved since 2010, disclosing the conviction on all occasions.
They are going to ask him for a character waiver so we'll do our best to own up, plead and grovel to get the waiver. I am a NZ citizen (he's applied under partnership category), we own a home together here, he has a brother, sister in law & nephew who are residents here as well and he has a fulltime skilled job, and he's not been in any trouble since.
What do you think the chances are of getting the waiver? I know it probably depends on the Case Officer, but there are no other issues with the application.
Worst case scenario and if it doesn't get approved, can he re-apply after the 5 years is up for drink driving convictions? We stupidly didn't look closely at the regs before we submitted the application (had we waited 4 months, the 5 years would have been up!)
Any advice would be appreciated as highly stressed right now :/