NewHampshireDem soon to become NewZealandDem

[NewHampshireDem]

Well, my wife and I have finally taken the plunge. We completed an Expression of Interest and were chosen from the pool during the selection last week. That means that we will soon be receiving an Invitation to Apply. For those who don't quite know what all of that means, the EoI is sort of like a pre-approval, and the ITA is the formal verify-all-your-information part of the proecess.

The long short of it is, we should be in NZ with permanent residence within the next 6-12 months.

We're both really excited, and I'm rather sorry that we waited this long to go through with the application.

[BooScout]

1. Congratulations & welcome to the world of Ex-Pats

The first steps on the journey are sometimes the hardest...you're going to encounter hills and valleys and mountains and peaks. Remember to stop and smell the roses from time to time and you'll do fine.:-)

[AspenRose]

2. I'm jealous

...but happy for you too.

(I thought NZ was one of the harder countries to flee to)

Please keep us posted!

[NewHampshireDem]

3. Still waiting on my paper work

Called the London office last week as they are handling my case. Was told it takes 3 months to get the ITA if you don't have a job offer, as those with a job offer have higher priority. :sigh: Still waiting ...

[NewHampshireDem]

4. Picked up my Invitation to Apply today at the post office

It's a pretty thick packet ... and I have 4 months to complete it!

I've set myself the goal of having it done by Thanksgiving.

[uppityperson]

5. congratulations! this sounds like a good adventure to go off on

[Eurobabe]

6. Awesome! It 's wonderful to be outside the insanity

I now live in Germany. I tried it in 2001, but for personal reasons (and undiagnosed thyroid problem) I was very depressed and went home after 9 months. I regretted not sticking it out. We got another chance this past year and jumped at it. So, since June '06 I've been in Deutschland, learning the language this time, making friends, kept a house in US. Knew all the things to do to make myself feel connected.

I recommend a good book, Expert Expats of you haven't already read it.

Best of luck! Let us know how you are doing.

-48

[Carolina Voice]

7. Germany

I have a nephew who is still an American Citizen although he has lived in Germany for more than 35 years. He hardly speaks English anymore. He occasionally comes to the states but the family has gotten smaller here and larger there so he doesn't come as often. He does love it though.

[NewHampshireDem]

8. Target Date: September, 2007

I submitted my visa application the first week in February and immigration NZ should review it in the next 2-4 months, then another 2-8 weeks for the review itself. So, it looks like the whole process, from initial application to having visas in hand will take about 12 months, including 3 months for me to get my application in.

The house will most likely go on the market in April or May and hopefully everything will dovetail nicely ... otherwise it's gonna be heck!

[mnhtnbb]

9. Congratulations to you! Hubby and I looked at NZ in 1994--but

at the time, English-speaking psychiatrists were leaving South Africa in droves, and one of them jumped on the job my husband wanted in ChristChurch.

So, we ended up staying in the States. Hubby is now past 60 and NZ doesn't want us.

When we started looking at places to escape after the 2004 election, we settled on Panama. We're building a place on the Caribbean side, up near border with Costa Rica. I'm going down later this month to pick up my permanent resident visa as a 'retired' person. We'll probably retire to Panama sometime after
our youngest graduates high school in 08. We HOPE the house will be done by this summer.

Wish we were going this year.

Best luck to you!

[NewHampshireDem]

10. How exciting for you!

Too bad NZ didn't work out ... I hope that sometime in the near future NZ changes its immigration policy to create a 'retiree' category. In the meantime, I'm sure Panama will prove to be a good choice. While I don't know anyone who has settled in Panama, I know folks who have settled elsewhere in Central America and they've had nothing but good things to say about it.

Buena suerte! :)

[mnhtnbb]

11. Gracias! Keep us posted on your transition to NZ.

[MaineDem]

12. Kia ora!

I'm insanely jealous!

Enjoy the rugby. And contact the Democrats Abroad in NZ.

:thumbsup: