Hi there,
I'm currently on an interim visa waiting for my medical to be cleared for my 23 month working holiday extension. My girlfriend had her essential skills work visa approved a few weeks and I am keen to at least get the ball rolling for my partnership visa so I can resume work as soon as possible. I went to the immigration office today to pick up my passport so I can get my NZ driving licence. Whilst there I asked the officer what I could do in my situation. She suggested after looking through my file, completing the partnership visa application and sending it in with a cover letter outlining my situation. She then advised once it is lodged, phoning up and asking to withdraw my WHV extension application. By the time my partnership visa is being worked on, hopefully my medical has been cleared and it would mean saving weeks of further waiting.
There is nothing on the immigration website nor within my interim visa letter to say I cannot do this. However within the Immigration Act it states, [I]'The holder of an interim visa may not apply for a visa of any other class or type.' Does this mean I cannot apply for any kind of visa at all or is the immigration officer referring to it being possible as it's not a different class or type because it will still be a temporary visa?
Does anyone have any thoughts or advice on this? The officer I spoke to seemed very knowledgeable and helpful - she suggested I did this. Nevertheless I do not want to do anything which would jeapordise my application. At the same time if this is an option, I do not want this to pass by.
Thanks in advance for all your help.