Hi all - I don't think that this is much of an actual issue in practical terms... BUT I just want to ensure that the visa application goes through as quickly as possible without any snags, as we are pressed for time. And if I can avoid any problems/delays upfront, so much the better ...
The situation is that I'm being a sponsor for my Vietnamese girlfriend to come to NZ on a visitor visa. It's only a two week visit, so it seems simplest to apply for a visitor visa, instead of a "Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa", which requires that we have been living together (which we haven't).
My question is: should I put "friend" or "girlfriend" for the question: "Relationship to you" in the sponsorship form (Question A1, in form INZ 1025).
Presumably I should put "girlfriend", but would the Immigration Service staff make a big deal about it and ask why I'm not doing a "Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa"? Again, I can just say, well I don't think we qualify for this yet, but as I say I don't want a hold up with the application process.
Alternatively I could just put "friend", but I worry that this would be held against us later if we apply for a partnership based visa.
Thanks for any comments!