If I can help

Hi there sadoldgit(I'm sure you are not)

The Family Quota scheme works on the basis that if you have a family member resident in NZ and you do not qualify for residency under any of the other schemes ( in my case too old and not qualified enough to get the desired number of points), you can be sponsored by that family member in the Family Quota Scheme.

Your family member ( in my case it is my mother) will submit an application and the application will go into an annual draw, from which 250 applications are selected. The draw takes place every July.

We were successful first time, but it can take a number of years to be drawn out the hat. A separate application has to be submitted every year and there is an unrefundable cost of, I think NZ$100.

We were lucky I suppose, but now that applications can only be accepted in respect of english speaking people, the odds are more favourable.

If you are successful you then submit an application for a residents visa as anyone else applying under any of the "normal" schemes. You have to have a medical and police check etc. You are however able to include wife/partner and children on the application.

If you feel you are eligible and want any more detailed info, please do not hesitate to contact me.

We visited NZ House yesterday and now have the residents visa in our passports, giving us one year to arrive. We are not sure exactly where we are going to live, but we are now very excited about going.

Dave

I am marrying a kiwi next May, then we are both moving back to NZ. When should i apply for a visa - here or there?

If i'm not mistaken, I believe your hubby-to-be must be resident in NZ before he can apply to sponsor you, so I would imagine that applying when you get there will be the best option!

I will double check that, to be sure, but I'm pretty certain thats the case.

Hi Nickyg

You will need to apply after you are married because the rule for the sponsoring kiwi being based in NZ does not (I've been told) apply to partners. You will still need to prove you've been in the relationship for a lot longer though.

Hope this helps.