Home > Our Publications > New Zealand Outlook > 2003 > July

MANY people delay assessment of their application for New Zealand residency by failing to provide the correct documents or failing to give the right details.
The following information for people who wish to apply to emigrate has been provided by the New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) of New Zealand House, London.
Tips for Residency Application Lodgement
* Do not put documents in plastic folders.
* If originals are provided, also provide a photocopy of the document.
* Do not provide the settlement and migrant levy at the time of lodgement, we have problems with our electronic remittance system when this happens. We will normally request this at the time your application is approved in principle.
If you are putting an application together for lodgement for NZIS London, the application should be presented in the following order (top to bottom). Note: GS denotes document is required for General Skills clients only.
Covering letter: This letter should clearly state the category the application is being lodged under and list the documents submitted with the application. It should also identify any outstanding issues surrounding the application, for example, character issues, medical issues, or documents that will be forwarded at a later date.
Application Form: The form needs to be filled out in its entirety and signed by the applicants. Please ensure that all family members are noted with their full dates of birth. You must also remember to answer Section G on how you will support yourself in NZ by ticking the appropriate box(es).
Qualification: If your qualification certificate is not in English please include a translation and the certificate in the original language.
If the institution and qualification are not on the List of Recognised Qualifications (found in the self assessment pack or at www.immigration.govt.nz) or a Qualification Assessment Report issued by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority is a lodgement requirement (see www.nzqa.govt.nz for the downloadable form). Tip - if you are trying to provide an argument that your qualification is relevant to your work history, providing your academic transcript may assist. GS
Work Experience: For General Skills clients we need to be able verify that your work history is as you have set out on the application form, evidence for this can include;
* Reference letters from previous employers stating exact dates in months and years, position(s) held, end date, plus reason for leaving,
* Pay slips (on a monthly/ quarterly basis)
* Tax records.
* If an applicant is self-employed;- A letter from their accountant is essential, plus other evidence such as company registration details (UK info at www.companieshouse.co.uk) tax statements and end of year financial reports are also helpful.
* For UK based clients;- The National Contributions Agency is also a very helpful way of establishing employment history as National Insurance records are held in the UK for a lot longer than tax records. Make a request for a:
"Data Protection Printout"
Data Protection Unit
Room BP4302
Inland Revenue
Long Benton
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE98 1ZZ
Spouse Qualifications: Provide an original or certified copy (original only for South African and Zimbabwean clients) of the qualification certificate. If the original is not in the English language, provide a full translation plus the certificate in the original language. GS
Settlement Funds: Evidence is required showing the source that the transferred funds will come from. This could include, bank statements, property/mortgage & estate agent evaluation, or share information. Remember transfer of the settlement funds will only be required after you have been approved in principle for NZ residency. GS
Applicant Identification. Full birth certificates are required for all applicants. The birth certificate needs to list the applicants' details plus their parents' details. If the applicant is married they will need to provide a marriage certificate. If they have been divorced, they will need to provide information regarding this plus any custodial information.
If children from a previous relationship are included with the application you will need to submit legal documents stating the parent is permitted to take the child out of their home country and evidence of full custody.
Certified copies of the applicants passports (identity/ bio data pages) are acceptable for the initial lodgement of the application. We also require copies of the applicants' passports.
If you do not hold a full birth certificate these are obtainable in the case of the UK from the Births Deaths & Marriages Office and from South Africa via Home Affairs Office.
English Language: English language requirements apply to all applicants' 16 years or over applying under the General Skills Category. Please note: Evidence of being taught in the English medium is not required by British citizens resident in the UK.