I have a female Thai friend who I have known for over 15 months. She is married to a Kiwi. She has a residence visa and is working in the family business. She is now awaiting less than two years to apply for PR. She has been in NZ for a little over 5 years. Have never enquired as to how long they have been married.
She has a Thai friend from her school days who regard each other as sisters - a term frequently used with Thai people. Apart from Skyping they have not seen one another in person for over five years. Her friend would like to visit NZ for upwards of 9 months to spend time with her and her husband. She will also look around the country as time allows. Although she has funds to use I suggested she look at sponsorship - the pros and cons have been explained to her. I have spoken with the lady in Thailand and she appears bona fide to me - she has a son and daughter in their early twenties who will remain in Thailand and there are other incentives for her to return home. I have offered to assist with the paperwork if a visitor visa is possible. Accommodation will be provided by both the friend and as required by myself so by my calculations the visitor will only need to prove she has a minimum of NZD400 per month to sustain herself whilst in the country - this I know she can.
1) Is it possible for a person with a residence visa to sponsor a close friend as a visitor to NZ? If so for how long?
2) If the sponsorship option is not available, is a visitor visa the next best option? As mentioned above accommodation is accounted for, including touring around. The minimum NZD400 will be available.
3) Being close friends for so long (35 plus years) will it be possible for the visiting friend to apply for a work visa (non skilled) if she likes the country and the associated cold? She is not interested in seeking a partner in NZ - everything appears above board to me - would not be assisting and seeking advice otherwise
Any assistance would be appreciated
Many thanks in advance
Reido