emigrating to New Zealand

izzybobo

I was wondering if anyone has any experience of companies that help you to emigrate to New Zealand. Specifically I can't seem to find any information on how much they charge beyond an initial assessment fee or if it is worthwhile to use a company rather than doing it myself. So, has anyone out there used such a company to support them with a visa application, what kind of ball park figure should I brace myself for and was it worth it? Thank you.

sazaccount

Are you looking to go by yourself or as a family?

Do you/partner have a skill on the demand list?

Do you have any friends or family already living in NZ?

Are you looking for just a work permit or PR? If PR I would suggest looking on google for an EOI assessment to see if you reach the 160 points that they recommend

if you are under 30 have a look at a working holiday Visa, this is the "easiest" visa to get to work on as it gives you the option to travel and try out different jobs get to know the country better

If you are not able to get a WH visa Do you have a Job lined up?

izzybobo

Thanks for the reply. We're looking to go as a family (husband and two children). I've been on the NZ gov site and think I qualify for around 200 points and we satisfy the other visa conditions to get PR. I know the pathway for getting there is simple on paper but in reality what I don't know is how much proof, paperwork and how much navigation it needs. That's why I was asking if anyone had experience of any of the companies that you can work with to go through the process and a ballpark figure for their services. I see from your sig that you've been around, do you have PR somewhere other than UK and if you do did you navigate it yourself?

[Deleted User]

I've applied for a visa to Australia and would never pay an agent. All they do is fill forms based on questions they ask you. Such a waste of several thousand pounds. If you meet the skills test and get the points you just have to evidence it with documents. Only you can do that an agent would just tell you what documents to get for them.

izzybobo

Thank you. Can I ask if was for permanent residency or a working type visa?

[Deleted User]

PR, spouse and child. This forum https://www.expatforum.com/ helped a lot.

LadyDee

Look for a forum dedicated to emigration to New Zealand. I think British Expats has a New Zealand section. Oh, and don't dismiss agents as being a waste of money - you've only got to check out some of the posts on the Australia forums to see what a mess people can get into when they do it for themselves. Each person's situation is different and a good agent can often stop you making a mistake that can means you won't get your visa. A bit like insurance - a waste of money until you need to claim on it.

knightstyle

DD emigrated to NZ in 2007 so prices well out of date!
However they got some furniture moved by sharing a container arranged by a removal company, They also got their two cats sent over after them as they had to wait for six months after injections.
All went well and they and their children love the life they ave over there.
One thing to be aware of is the strict rule about importing wood and other organic items. They only took a few bits of furniture that were family bits, they sold the rest and bought replacements out there.
They also rented before buying as their UK house sale hadn't completed in time.

izzybobo

Thanks for the replies, I have found the forums and am busy gathering information.

LadyDee

Check out Seven Seas Removals MoveCube for shipping.
Also, if you plan to travel light so you can perhaps stop off and do some sightseeing en route, without having to lug a heavy suitcase around, you can get some very good rates by sending Fedex through Parcel2Go. Things like clothing etc. No suitcases though - must be in a cardboard box. Much cheaper than Unaccompanied baggage with shipping company.