I've decided I'd like to move to New Zealand, most likely via a Work to Residence visa. I plan to apply for web design positions remotely from the UK and interview over skype/telephone.
Before I begin anything though - I have a few questions about the practicalities of actually doing this. But my first, and most important is the following...
I would like my girlfriend of two years to move over with me on a partner visa. I think there's technical issues with doing this however...
- We both still have our own places so not technically in a de facto relationship.
- She separated from her husband three years ago (he actually deserted, never to be seen again, she thinks he's moved abroad). Divorce proceedings have never been sorted however. She'd now like to get a divorce through the courts, though as he cannot be contacted this may actually delay things.
- She has a 6 year old son with said deserted husband.
- She works as a waitress, and would struggle to get a NZ job offer remotely, or have the qualifications/experience to get a separate NZ work visa. So partner visa seems only option.
We very much want to get married once the divorce is finalised, and start a new life in New Zealand. My questions on this are...
- Will we have to be married at the time of my work to residence visa application for her to come to NZ on a partner visa? I read with a de facto, you have to prove you've been in a de facto relationship immediately preceding the visa application, but is this the case with marriage as well? Or could I apply for jobs now, get an offer and work to residence visa before getting married. Once I've moved over, ans her divorce is finalised, could we get married in the UK and have her come over on a partner visa at that point? Or is that not how it works?
- Would there be any requirement in the visa application to provide the fathers consent or to show she has full legal custody of her son? i.e would she need to obtain anything through the courts in order to bring her son over?
I understand there's a lot of obstacles here, however we are both very keen on the idea of moving to NZ. If anyone can answer any of these questions it would be much appreciated!