Expatriate Forums in New Zealand

roger2shirts

Should I use an immigration consultant to process my application?
Can anyone recommend a very good one in the UK?
Is NZ the best place to raise 3 young children in this crazy world? Certainly the UK isn't anymore.

Thanks,

Roger2shirts

anais1028 · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:50 pm Post subject:

I went through this same line of thought; ultimately, what I have learned from lots of people on the web who have gone through this, NO, don't give your money to an immigration agent. Everything you need to do can be found on the governtment site for NZ immigration. If you google it, there is a search tool on the site that works well for telling you the process.

Some people have success with agents and loved having them take care of the details. But...You will be charged a large fee for something you are smart enough to do on your own. It really isn't as hard as it seems.

On the gov't site I mentioned, there is a timeline/process chart that tells you what steps to take at what point. Essentially, you submit an EOI-expression of interest (online is best), pay a fee for that at the same time, if you are selected from the pool of other applicants, you get an ITA-Invitation to Apply from a NZ immigration case worker; from there they will request various documents that verify all the things you claimed about your experience, etc. on your EOI. You will need a police check and medicals, and all forms are located on that website for download.

You'll have a certain amount of time to get that in--3-4 months, I can't remember which, but after you submit everything, you will be notified by your caseworker in NZ if are are granted PR (permanent residency). From the time of acceptance, you have 12 months to move to NZ.

See, it is not that hard. The forms are lengthy, but they are mostly asking questions about YOU and your family and your job. So, why sit and tell that to someone who will in turn write it down for you? Why not do it yourself.

I think NZ will be a wonderful place to raise kids. Wide open spaces and a slower pace of life--yes!

Anais

roger2shirts · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 12:15 am Post subject:

Thanks for your help.

pat.craig · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 5:05 pm Post subject: Using an immigration consultant

We started using one and they took a big chunk of cash and did nothing for it. We found a site called nzemigrate.co.nz and they provide all kinds of free help and advice. Even if you don't use them, they have tons of useful info on the website. They are non-profit making apparently. Worth looking at.

maxius42 · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 6:40 pm Post subject: Running of the same doubt...

Hi,

I am new to this nice forum, everyone can call me Max. I am an IT Pro currently in Pakistan. I make a fair of 110 points to submit EOI. Hope to move to NZ to make it my new home. Cool

Same doubts running in my mind. Should I go for a consultant or is just a waste of bulk $$$ for a little documentation ease. Question

I think NZ government site provide a heap of useful information to let one go for it... I just wanna know whether a solo application made by an individual get the same amount of attention from the authorities or they are used to the patterns of consultants... Rolling Eyes

Regards,
Max