Kia Ora everybody,
My first visit to NZ was on a visitor visa in 2012 (February-May). I met heaps of local families and eventually decided to come back for a Working Holiday in 2013. That means I'm currently on a Working Holiay Visa here in NZ which expires in January 2013. I also met my boyfriend in 2012, but we started dating in March 2013. I really want to make sure that I can stay with him in New Zealand. I've done research and also spoke to Immigration NZ but still don't feel confident about my options.
I know that you have to be in a relationship for 12 months to apply for a Partnership Visitor Visa, but is there any chance to apply if it's only been 10 months? I heard that the case officers look at every case individually. I've known my boyfriend since February 2012 and I'm living with his mother just across the road from him (we do not live together in one house because of religious beliefs but INZ already said they will consider that). We will set up a joint bank account and we can proof that our partnership is genuine with photos, emails, postcards and so on. He is a NZ citizen and working, no criminal convictions and can sponsor me - I'm German and currently working as a casual cleaner but no chance of getting a work visa through that job.
If that doesn't work out, can I apply for a general 3 month visitor visa (without leaving New Zealand) so that I can apply for the partnership visa in March when we've actually been together for 12 months?
And also when can I reenter NZ after my Working Holiday Visa on a general visitor visa?
Would very much appreciate your help as I'm starting to panick