3 Important Things to Consider Before Starting Your Visa Process
Clients often encounter unexpected challenges in their immigration journeys because of seemingly ‘small’ details (which turned out to be potential hurdles) from their past or present. Besides preparing the obvious documents like making sure your passport isn’t about to expire, and getting a copy of your birth certificate, here are three important things you may not have considered that might influence your visa application further down the track:
#1
Child Custody
If you are divorced or separated from your spouse or partner and have children together, and your child(ren) will be moving to New Zealand with you, it is essential that both parties have agreed on child custody arrangements and have prepared the required legal documents as proof of this agreement.
#2
Past offences against the law
Past offences can range from drunkenly stealing your neighbour's goat (which has happened, believe it or not) to more serious violations that resulted in a significant fine or jail time (e.g. drink driving, drug possession, etc.). If you have committed a past offence, this will likely be noted on your police clearance certificate. You must declare and address these types of incidents on your visa application, and will be required to provide documents about the offence and proof of your character. Depending on the severity, outcome and whether or not you have committed other offences since, past offences can negatively impact your application.
#3
Existing health conditions
Immigration New Zealand has strict health requirements for temporary and residence visa applicants. To protect our healthcare system, applicants must meet the Acceptable Standard of Health, meaning they must not pose a public health risk, significantly increase costs for health services, or be likely to become seriously ill while in New Zealand. If you have an existing health condition, it's vital that you find out before you begin the visa process whether or not it will make you ineligible for a visa in New Zealand.
If you have questions about moving to New Zealand, shoot us an email at hello@nothandco.com.
