Hi.
I came here seeking for some help, advice and reassurance.
I am a 23 year female New Zealand Citizen. In June 2014 I met a 25 year on French man (who was here on his working holiday) and we hit it off almost instantly. We have been in a relationship ever since. Unfortunately his working holiday expired in 2014 October and he had to re-enter the country twice (on a three month tourist visa) to come back to NZ.
He left in March 2015 for France. During the time he was here we didn't live together officialy and I understand that means it wont apply when it comes to giving evidence of living together. We continued our relaltionship long distance.
I went to see him in June 2015 for almost a month.
He wants to move back to New Zealand as he is not happy in France and we want to be able to start our lives properly together.
I understand that due to the fact that he has used up his one year working holiday, he will have to come here on a holiday visa again , live with me, and apply for a temporary work visa from within. This will give us a year to build up to apply for a partnership visa.
I am very scared of getting rejected. I understand that the general notion is that we rack up as much evidence (phone bills,,tenancy agreement..chores list..photos .. in our names etc) while he is here on his vistoris visa and that around 3 months is usually enough before starting an application for temporary work visa.
However people are telling me that I need to hire a lawyer which will cost between 6-10 k so that we can guarantee approval. reasons for this is because we are apparently "too young" and not in a relationship for "long enough"...
I know this is all hearsay from people and I am feeling very discouraged.
Can someone please help? Has anyone had similar experiences? And how long was the turnaround? Am I going about it the right way? And is it realistic to go through the applications ourselves withouthiring a immigration lawyer that will cost me an arm and a leg.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks in advance,
A loved up nz citizen