Hi there,

We came over to NZ for 6 months. During that time we decided we wanted to try and stay. My husband got a job quickly and was granted a 3 year work visa. I was then granted a work visa for the same length of time. My son (3.5 yrs) was granted an extended visitor visa. These were all granted within a couple of weeks. Our daughter (4.5 yrs) has Moderate Global Development Delay and it took 5 months to be granted an extension of 6 months to her visitor visa. The reason it is not for longer is that she is due to start school (we plan for her to start in late Jan 2014).

When her extended visitor visa was issued we were told that on applying for her student visa we would have to supply a 'Updated Cognitive Status'. We supplied a recent pediatric report, a letter from her daycare teacher (she is in full time care) and a letter from her Speech and Language therapist (we arranged this privately).

Yesterday we received a letter from INZ saying that it is likely that she will qualify for Ongoing Resource Funding when she goes to school and they have estimated the likely cost would be $17,000 per year. They have said that we can provide further information (e.g. an opinion from a suitably qualified professional). It goes on to say that if we provide an opinion that disputes the original assessment it will be forwarded to the assessor for consideration.

They also say that if we do not provide any further information it is unlikely they will approve her application.

They do make reference to 'severe' developmental delay but her diagnosis is 'moderate' development delay so we think we should employ a private pediatrician to assess and make comment. We also think that we should employ a immigration consultant to help and advise.

It is also worth mentioning that an application for residency (through skilled migrant category) was submitted in July. Does this mean we could go for a medical waiver?

Is anyone able recommend a consultant who would be helpful in this specific area?

All advice would greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much

Esther