Urgent!!! Problem with my work permit

[linkin]

Hi all, I am in a bad situation, can I get some help from you guys please?

I completed a Bachelor of Engineering in University of Auckland in 2006 and with 2 years job offer from my department, I started working as a software developer and gained a year of work permit (started from beginning of March 2007 till 16th March 2008). I could get my work permit extend to 31st March 2009 when a police certificate is provided. However as I tried to obtain the fingerprint required from the NZ police at the beginning of this year, they told me that its fully booked and I need to wait until 28th February.

So I managed to get my fingerprint on 28th February, applied for my police certificate from my home country on 5th March and put my application into the drop box on 10th March. I understand that it would take a short period before my police certificate arrive to the Immigration NZ but the delay was far too long and my application was finally lodged on 31st March and the immigration NZ used act 35a to consider my application, unfortunately they declined my application saying that "the circumstances of my case do not support granting a further permit" while I still have a year contract in NZ. I talked to a lawyer and she thought that there must be a mistake and suggest me to lodge in an application again under act 35a. I don't mind paying a lawyer a bit to get the job done as I spent my last 7 years here in NZ and everything I have is here.

You guys have any opinion on this? What should I do? I know it is not wise to apply for the police certificate late... but this is far too severe.

Thank you so much for reading my story... and please help...

[MotherBear]

Hi Linkin and welcome.

Have I got this right? You were late submitting your police certificate so INZ decided they would not renew your WP? That sounds a bit harsh, but I do know they have rules and often tend to stick to them.

Could your employer contact INZ on your behalf and state that they still need your services? I'm not sure how much weight this action would carry but it may be worth a try.

Alternatively perhaps you could appeal to the Removal Review Authority under Sec. 47, but you have to do this within a certain time.

[linkin]

Thanks, I may appeal or go to the ombudsman if my application does not go through again, I will attach letters from my manager and team leader, pastor from my church to the application too. It is really upsetting, as I intend to apply for PR right after I extend my permit.

[MotherBear]

Good luck with it .

[kiaora!!]

hey there, i know this is a little late, but as your permit ran out on march 16th you have to leave the country latest on that day. you have to give immigration at least 6weeks to process your application, 6days is nowhere near enough. as your police clearance came in even later they cant process your application as legally u r not even allowed to be in the country anymore.
nothing u can do, as (that s what i m guessing after reading your story) u r now ilegally in nz and they wont accept any application from u..
:(