What to do ? USA or SMc JSV ?

[esk]

Dear All

I have some personal story and I need your thoughts about the best option that we can take.

My partner got a full scholarship to study in US, the expected study date is 2 months from now. I got a J-2 visa which allows me to work in the US ...On the other hand, My NZ SMC application still did not approve (my CO was assigned 2 months back and sent emails to me that she almost finished reviewing my application ).

my questions

- should I inform my CO about this?

- Can I request to withdraw my NZ SMC application?

- I think the jobs market is wide open in the US and maybe it would be better to give up on chasing the NZ dream.

- what do you advise if you were in my situation? (we are a family with 2 kids )

any ideas ..

[LemonAndPaeroa]

In your scenario I'd feel like I had been mucked around by the NZ immigration system & definitely have some sour feelings towards the country. If you have the skills, you'll have better opportunities in the US. But they are two very different countries and it really depends what suits you and your family - in terms of culture I'd feel more comfortable raising a family in NZ, however cost of living is an issue.

[Auckland2016]

If I were you, I would proceed with the SMC as usual. If CO asks later because your contact address is changed, then just say your partner is studying in US, perfect legitimate reason. Since even if the residence visa is approved, you have a year to enter NZ. By that time, you would have stayed in US for a while, either you can get a job and can apply for H1-B visa for green card. Otherwise, if it doesn't work as planned, you still have NZ to fall back to. Best of both worlds! Anyway, just my $0.02 ...

[JandM]

Please remember that nobody here is allowed by NZ law to TELL you what to do. You have to make up your own mind after hearing what they might do in your place. You know where the INZ site is, to check for the actual regulations

- should I inform my CO about this?

If and when you are living in the US, you need to tell INZ your changed contact details. If you decide eventually and get permission to stay on in the US, you would need to tell INZ that. You don't have to tell them all your possible choices ahead of time.

- Can I request to withdraw my NZ SMC application?

You could do that. You would not get a refund. Bear in mind that this would be a full stop on the application, and therefore a waste of all the time and effort filling in forms and getting evidence. If, later on, you decided you wanted to try for NZ after all, you would have to start all over again from zero.

- I think the jobs market is wide open in the US and maybe it would be better to give up on chasing the NZ dream.

"I think"... Why do you think that? Who has told you? What research have you done? Can you trust this information?

- what do you advise if you were in my situation? (we are a family with 2 kids )

Nobody here is allowed to give advice on your life choices. As I said before, you have to make the decision for yourself.

[TheNewKiwi]

Questions relevant to INZ have been addressed, so I'll focus more on this:

Dear All

- what do you advise if you were in my situation? (we are a family with 2 kids )

any ideas ..

That is a really subjective question that only you can answer.

Just some things to consider...

• What drew you to NZ in the first place? Do those reasons still exist?
• Were you looking to come to NZ for a specific reason, or more just looking to leave your current country?
• Which culture is more suited to your personality? The "go, go, go" of the US or the more laid back NZ?
• Do you rely on same-day or next-day Amazon Prime, or are you OK with less instant gratification (and less product selection)?
• Are you keen on a more collective society or do you favour the individuality inherent to the US?
• What is your opinion on gun control? School shootings?

Not looking for you to answer these questions here, as I fear it could spark a debate. But having lived most of my life in the US, and living the last 7+ years in NZ, I can confirm they are different worlds entirely. The lifestyles are not interchangeable just because they are both anglophone countries. Many people from the US come here and are miserable. You will be happiest in the country that is best suited to your personal values, goals, and way of life.

Best of luck in your decision.

[Auckland2016]

Questions relevant to INZ have been addressed, so I'll focus more on this:



That is a really subjective question that only you can answer.

Just some things to consider...

• What drew you to NZ in the first place? Do those reasons still exist?
• Were you looking to come to NZ for a specific reason, or more just looking to leave your current country?
• Which culture is more suited to your personality? The "go, go, go" of the US or the more laid back NZ?
• Do you rely on same-day or next-day Amazon Prime, or are you OK with less instant gratification (and less product selection)?
• Are you keen on a more collective society or do you favour the individuality inherent to the US?
• What is your opinion on gun control? School shootings?

Not looking for you to answer these questions here, as I fear it could spark a debate. But having lived most of my life in the US, and living the last 7+ years in NZ, I can confirm they are different worlds entirely. The lifestyles are not interchangeable just because they are both anglophone countries. Many people from the US come here and are miserable. You will be happiest in the country that is best suited to your personal values, goals, and way of life.

Best of luck in your decision.

Well said! I think another important factor for family with children is availability of health care. Children can see doctors free of charge here and prescriptions are free.