Hey everyone. So I just got my ITA for a CPVV thanks to the newest exemptions set in place for visa-waiver partners of New Zealanders! So sorry for the essay that's about to ensue, but I've been waiting for this moment for 7 months so I don't want to stuff it up! I'm going through the application form now and have a few questions, as the situation I'm in in a little unconventional.
So just a little backstory on my relationship:
My partner and I met almost 6 years ago, been together for 4, lived together since 2018 in the UK. In May 2019, we decided to quit our jobs and take our life savings and go travel indefinitely. Covid cut that short in March 2020, and since then I've been in my home country, Portugal, and he's been in New Zealand. We were apart when the borders closed completely by chance - we had just visited my partner's family in NZ and, before resuming our travels, I decided to visit my grandmother in Portugal for her 90th birthday. My partner didn't come because flights were super expensive and I was meant to meet him in SEAsia in a couple of weeks anyway to keep traveling. So for the past 7 months, we've been living at our parents', job-less, sitting on a big chunk of savings awaiting our next move. So this is where the tricky part comes in.
In my visa application I'm asked for proof of sufficient funds. As far as I'm aware, there's no specific amount stipulated to be "sufficient" for a month in NZ, so I don't know how much I should have to begin with. Also, because we quit our jobs in May 2019, we haven't received a paycheck since then, especially not in the last 7 months.. But they ask for statements for the last 6 months. I'm not sure what to show them? We also have quite a bit of money in shares - is that considered proof of funds? Should I show them our share portfolio? We won't be paying for accommodation in the near future, as my partner's parents have kindly given us their bach to call a home.
Also, they ask for evidence that I'm a "bona fide visitor: provide evidence to demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor to New Zealand. Examples that you are a bona fide visitor include: your personal, financial, employment ties to your home country and New Zealand; whether you have previously been declined a visa; evidence that supports your reason for travelling to New Zealand. Evidence may include: documents detailing your personal or financial commitments such as mortgage or rental documents in your home country, a letter from your employer stating you have employment in your home country that you will return to". I have no ties to Portugal anymore. I've not lived here in 3 years so I don't have a job, a house, a will, an investment, anything tying me to the country (other than, of course, family). I've also applied for a Partner of a New Zealander Residency Visa, so it's clear that my intent is to live in New Zealand eventually. My purpose is to be reunited with my partner and start our life in New Zealand, in the hopes that my residency visa gets approved in the meantime. (If not, I will of course leave once my CPVV expires, but it won't be because I have a commitment in Portugal). So again, not quite sure how to prove this. I'm thinking honesty in the best policy and just try to detail all of this out on a cover letter?
I'd be super grateful if anyone who's been in a similar situation, with any visa, regarding these situations could let me know their experience! Thanks!