Completed Immigration Interview today

[nms.sun3]

My wife and I had our interview this morning. Went without much hiccups, I think.

We had answers prepared for just about any question based on questions posted in enz.

Our CO stated we would get a response within 1-2 weeks(!) As I recall though, I believe that is their standard response, and they typically get back in a day or two. Is that correct? I hope so. I know a few days is not much, but I've been here for a long time, and sure would like to be done with the process and start planning our move.

The interview began with a brief overview of the structure of the call, followed by some security questions. These questions clearly are to make sure they are speaking to the correct person, . There were about 6-8 questions in rapid sequence covering areas the applicant should know off the top of his head and i did answer them all without any issues.

The entire interview lasted only 30 mins and quite surprised as others interview lasted for more than 45 mins - 1 hr based on the forum posts. CO had estimated it would be about 30-45 minutes but emphasized not to be concerned if it were longer or shorter. CO typed our responses into their notes as we spoke and warned us would do so.

There were no surprises in the questions. All fell in the standard categories of
- Primary Applicant Employment Prospects
- Preparedness of Partner / Family
- Familiarity with New Zealand
- Linkages and Levels of Support (i.e., family in friends in NZ)

As my wife does not intend to work for the first year, her questions were more related to preparedness. As we have no family and few contacts on the ground, that section was limited.

Standard disclaimer: this is my opinion, and not advice, etc. etc.

Also, I don’t think I’m giving away any state secrets here. Questions seem to be fairly standard, but everyone will have his own response. And these are fair questions to see if you understand what you are getting into. You would not do yourself any favours by memorising the desired response if it did not reflect what you truly thought. For instance, INZ want to hear you understand adjustment will be a challenge and will take time. If you say that to get through the interview, but think inwardly it will be a breeze, you are only hurting yourself.

Questions

Employment Prospects:

- What opportunities exist in your industry in NZ?
- What recruiters have you approached?
- How many hours/week do you expect to work?
- What type of salary do you expect to earn?
- What barriers do you anticipate in finding a job?
- If you are not successful in finding a job, what are your plans?
- What savings will you bring over? How long can that carry you if you do not find a job in the short-term?
- How difficult do you expect it to be to find a position?

Preparedness

- When will you move if approved?
- What work does partner intend to do?
- What research has partner done in looking for work?
- Where do you expect to settle?
- Have you ever moved before and resettled other than in your hometown / region?
- What challenges did you face?
- What difficulties do you anticipate in settling?
- Why do you think you will be successful in overcoming difficulties in settling?

Familiarity

- Have you ever been to NZ?
- What do you know about cost of housing?
- What do you expect to pay for rent?
- What is the cost of living like?


Linkages?

- Do you have family in NZ?

There probably would typically be some other questions, like what companies have you contacted? Have you applied for positions? Etc. but we had covered them in the course of the other questions listed.

It also was very well received that I had plans to visit NZ in September.

A couple of important points I found out along the way. In general, INZ are looking to determine the probability the applicant’s move / settlement will be successful. They also seek to determine that you have a realistic view on NZ, have done your homework, that you are flexible should things not work out as you planned, and that you understand the personal and professional challenges you will face.

It appears that a combination of employment prospects, preparation, and familiarity are the keys to a successful interview. Great scores in one area, but low scores in another likely would not go over well. Family support can help but is secondary to the others.

And now we wait....

[neeldivyabenny]

My interview was on 20/03/2015 and waiting for response. For me it took exact one hour and five minutes.

[chetan gandhi]

best of luck to both of you

[Roger_J]

My wife and I had our interview this morning. Went without much hiccups, I think.

We had answers prepared for just about any question based on questions posted in enz.

Our CO stated we would get a response within 1-2 weeks(!) As I recall though, I believe that is their standard response, and they typically get back in a day or two. Is that correct? I hope so. I know a few days is not much, but I've been here for a long time, and sure would like to be done with the process and start planning our move.

The interview began with a brief overview of the structure of the call, followed by some security questions. These questions clearly are to make sure they are speaking to the correct person, . There were about 6-8 questions in rapid sequence covering areas the applicant should know off the top of his head and i did answer them all without any issues.

The entire interview lasted only 30 mins and quite surprised as others interview lasted for more than 45 mins - 1 hr based on the forum posts. CO had estimated it would be about 30-45 minutes but emphasized not to be concerned if it were longer or shorter. CO typed our responses into their notes as we spoke and warned us would do so.

There were no surprises in the questions. All fell in the standard categories of
- Primary Applicant Employment Prospects
- Preparedness of Partner / Family
- Familiarity with New Zealand
- Linkages and Levels of Support (i.e., family in friends in NZ)

As my wife does not intend to work for the first year, her questions were more related to preparedness. As we have no family and few contacts on the ground, that section was limited.

Standard disclaimer: this is my opinion, and not advice, etc. etc.

Also, I don’t think I’m giving away any state secrets here. Questions seem to be fairly standard, but everyone will have his own response. And these are fair questions to see if you understand what you are getting into. You would not do yourself any favours by memorising the desired response if it did not reflect what you truly thought. For instance, INZ want to hear you understand adjustment will be a challenge and will take time. If you say that to get through the interview, but think inwardly it will be a breeze, you are only hurting yourself.

Questions

Employment Prospects:

- What opportunities exist in your industry in NZ?
- What recruiters have you approached?
- How many hours/week do you expect to work?
- What type of salary do you expect to earn?
- What barriers do you anticipate in finding a job?
- If you are not successful in finding a job, what are your plans?
- What savings will you bring over? How long can that carry you if you do not find a job in the short-term?
- How difficult do you expect it to be to find a position?

Preparedness

- When will you move if approved?
- What work does partner intend to do?
- What research has partner done in looking for work?
- Where do you expect to settle?
- Have you ever moved before and resettled other than in your hometown / region?
- What challenges did you face?
- What difficulties do you anticipate in settling?
- Why do you think you will be successful in overcoming difficulties in settling?

Familiarity

- Have you ever been to NZ?
- What do you know about cost of housing?
- What do you expect to pay for rent?
- What is the cost of living like?


Linkages?

- Do you have family in NZ?

There probably would typically be some other questions, like what companies have you contacted? Have you applied for positions? Etc. but we had covered them in the course of the other questions listed.

It also was very well received that I had plans to visit NZ in September.

A couple of important points I found out along the way. In general, INZ are looking to determine the probability the applicant’s move / settlement will be successful. They also seek to determine that you have a realistic view on NZ, have done your homework, that you are flexible should things not work out as you planned, and that you understand the personal and professional challenges you will face.

It appears that a combination of employment prospects, preparation, and familiarity are the keys to a successful interview. Great scores in one area, but low scores in another likely would not go over well. Family support can help but is secondary to the others.

And now we wait....

It depends on case to cases, I got it within a week after the interview. All the best :-)

[Sun777]

With the details in your post, it looks like you have nailed it! All the best

[nms.sun3]

Thanks everyone

Wondering whether it is going to be one day or one week or two weeks before i receive the result from CO. I felt like i answered questions with too much confidence and thats nagging me since yesterday whether CO would think me as over confident in answering questions.

Question :What obstacles would you face in settling down in NZ ?

Answered : it should not be problem for me to acclimatize myself with NZ as i had spent about 15 years away from home/hometown. it may be difficult initially to settle down as i wont know the local vicinity and in time i will get used to the area and settle down.

[JandM]

I felt like i answered questions with too much confidence and thats nagging me since yesterday

So you're human and you're worrying and will continue to do so till you get the answer - and you are not the only one. Most humans would even worry about not having anything to worry about! Hang in there.