Monday, June 21, 2010

complications

Having delved more deeply this week into the dark, remote corners of New Zealand immigration policy, we have been spending sleepless nights wondering if our timeline is going to work out like it needs to for us to stay in the country. Here's the short of it:

Our current visas expire on August 20th. The work permits we are applying for take up to 1 month to process, and require us to submit a police check from the FBI, medical and chest x-ray exams, and college transcripts, in addition to all of the other paperwork regarding our background and the jobs we'd like to take here. The police checks take up to 3 months to receive. See the problem? 3 months police checks + 1 month visa processing =  4 months. We're already over our timeline by 2 months.

We met with an immigration adviser today, who as a Sunday school teacher at an Anglican church was particularly sympathetic to our situation and offered some advice without charge. We left encouraged, but also more aware that the immigration process is extremely nuanced and in many ways subjective. Unfortunately, it looks like we can't move forward in our planning as quickly as we'd like: there are a few jobs at the University of Canterbury that are closing this week that I would have definitely applied for (one of them was exactly what I was doing at NCU, only with much better pay), but they won't even look at applicants without a work visa so I guess it will have to pass me by. :(

-Rachel
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3 comments:

  1. KarenHasTwinsJune 23, 2010 at 12:11 PM

    Maybe doors are closing for a reason...

    ReplyDelete
  2. RachelJune 23, 2010 at 3:34 PM

    I've been wondering that as well, but both Bryan and I feel confident that this is where we're supposed to be, so we're just waiting it out to see what will unfold... :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. John DuffusJune 25, 2010 at 2:01 PM

    Hello Rachel,

    I am a friend and co-worker of Nathaniel (Nat) Coil.

    Nat introduced me to your pilgrimage site and I am planning a trip to New Zealand in October this year.

    I understand the challenges your going through with long term visa there in NZ.

    In December 2002, I went to Perth, WA for 3 months with the dream I could permanently reside and adapt to Aussie life. The challenge was to obtain a work visa, but could not get one without a job offer (It was a circle).

    More homework was in order.

    The Aussies were friendly, however, the job market was not too good at that time. I actually did have a Business 457 work visa, sponsored by "FreeSpirt". But I did not feel that held as much water as a Visa issued from DIMA (Immigration Australia).

    I am optimistic with my 15yrs of Information Technology experience, management degree, and Microsoft and Linux certifications, along with 2 friends who are Kiwi's I may be able to obtain work visa and eventually, if all sorts out, then apply for permanent residency.

    Does it look like this is possible? Are you seeing a need for skilled IT professionals?

    If you can recommend a good migration agent that would be helpful.

    I love the way of life of Both NZ and Aus and feel I am more like that than the fast, shallow life style that has developed in California. Good people and friends, but too fast paced life style for my health (Very Nebulous, too many directions, scatter brain).

    I am seeking peace, fellowship, and love and have a lot to offer.

    I wish you and Bryan the best with your visas and endevors in NZ and encourage you to persist in your efforts.

    Any suggestions and planning you have prior arriving in NZ much appreciated.

    Cheers,
    John Duffus
    jaduffus@me.com

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