Citizens Advice Bureaux is an independent community organisation offering a free, confidential and independent service of information, assistance and referral from 84 locations stretching from Northland to Invercargill.
We continue to be a popular country for immigration and at Citizens Advice Bureau a lot of people come in for assistance with navigating the options within the Immigration New Zealand agency. Part of the problem is that there is no longer any face to face counter in Auckland where people can go with queries. They often experience long waits on the telephone line and language can be a barrier.
Normally, only a licenced immigration adviser can give people advice on immigration matters. However Citizens Advice Bureaux are exempt from this licence requirement and can offer general information about immigrating to New Zealand or help with completing application forms. We also have access to “legal ears” - lawyers with specialist skills who we can call on for advice.
Our two colleague Bureaux at St Lukes (Eden/Albert) and Mt Roskill offer specialist immigration clinics if you require further assistance.
Here is a sample of some of the queries we receive, to give an idea of the breadth of issues.
My visitor’s visa is about to expire. Is there a way I can get it extended?
If you are in New Zealand on a visitor visa and wish to stay longer than your visitor’s visa allows, you may be able to apply for a further three months’ stay before the current one expires. With the extension you can stay for a maximum of 12 months in a 24-month period. The process for doing this is the same as for applying for a visitor visa for the first time.
Can I stay in New Zealand after my work visa expires?
If you are in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa you may be eligible for a one-off extension to your visa for a further three months. You would be eligible if you have done at least three months of seasonal work in the horticulture or viticulture (grape growing and winemaking) industries. Otherwise, you are not allowed to stay in New Zealand after your visa expires, so if you want to stay in New Zealand for longer than your visa allows you will need to apply for a new visa (a temporary one to visit, work or study, or a residence visa) before your first one expires.
The employer named on my work visa is closing down their business. What will happen to my visa?
If your visa was granted specifically for this job then it will specify the name of your employer, the details and location of your work. If any of these details change you have to notify Immigration NZ. Some changes (e.g. your employer changes their name, but their business is essentially unchanged) only require you to apply for a Variation of Conditions.
Other changes (e.g. the employer closes down, or you leave your job) will render your work visa invalid. If you've got a new job you should apply for a new work visa before you start the new job.
Can I renounce my New Zealand citizenship?
You can if you are at least 18 years old, have full mental capacity and are a citizen of another country. You might want to do this if you are becoming a citizen of another country and that country does not allow dual citizenship.
Please note that your application might be turned down if you are living in New Zealand or if New Zealand is at war at the time you apply.
I am in New Zealand on a visitor visa, sponsored by my partner who is a New Zealand citizen. If I leave him, can he get me deported?
If your temporary visa (e.g. visitor, work or study visa) is dependent on support from a sponsor (i.e. your partner), then your visa could become invalid if your partner withdraws their support.
You may be able to apply to remain in New Zealand under another category, or you may have to return to your home country and re-apply for entry. The options available to you will depend on your specific circumstances. Citizens Advice Bureaux is an independent community organisation offering a free, confidential and independent service of information, assistance and referral from 84 locations stretching from Northland to Invercargill.
Citizens Advice Bureau Grey Lynn/Ponsonby Branch, 510 Richmond Road, T: 09 376 0392, E: ponsonby@cab.org.nz, www.cab.org.nz