Work to Residence - Travel Expiry Date

[prinsdirkloo]

Hi everyone, my first post!!

I have been granted a Work to Residence Visa (Talent - Accredited Employer). I have a signed contract indicating I will be starting on 24 January 2017. As such I went ahead with my visa application and was issued today. I was not aware that I only have 3 months to enter New Zealand and as such the expiry date is 6 December 2016. BUT, I have booked my flight (with the entire family) only on 12 January 2017.

I have been in contact with Immigration, and they informed me that I will need to apply for a Replacement Visa closer to the time. Can anyone comment on this, since I believe the replacement visa is for when you loose your passport or get a new one.

Thanks,

Dirk

[JandM]

It may just be a form of words, and they could have meant just another visa. But I haven't heard of this situation before, and in your place I would get back in touch with INZ and ask to speak to a supervisor, because it seems ridiculous to even consider having to pay again, when all that is required is a change of date.

[prinsdirkloo]

I agree 100%. I am trying to make contact with the immigration officer to understand what the process is.

[prinsdirkloo]

Just and update to my situation. I have made contact with the immigration officer and VFS Global in order to find out what I now need to do. I have been instructed by INZ and VFS to write a letter explaining my situation and to attach evidence of my employment contract stating the employment commencement date and they will then re-issue the work visa in order for the expiry date of first entry to be in alignment with my travel arrangements. I will have to pay an admin fee though, but luckily this is not the fee for the entire visa (small admin fee).

[JandM]

That's very good news, and good sense on their part, I think.