Case Study - The Big Move
This week, we are going to do something a little different and instead of a lengthy written piece on policy or process, I am going to introduce you to someone who has made the move, lived the experience and then come out the other side. For everyone, the process of moving from one country to another is unique and presents its very own set of challenges, however there are some common themes for most migrants.
In this weeks article, I sit down with Greg Bolek, a nearly recent arrival from Canada. Greg and his family made the move, during one of the most unsettling periods in our immigration history (the Covid pandemic) and his relocation was far from simple, however he has made it through and successfully settled in NZ, establishing his own business.
Join me and Greg for an introduction to some of things that you should consider if you are also looking at making New Zealand your new home.
Key Tips
Greg and his family moved at a time when New Zealand (and the world) was grappling with a major public health crisis and that meant facing more challenges than most.
However for all migrants, there are some really useful lessons to be learned in terms of how you make the move a successful one.
Plan Ahead - Good research helps, but don’t be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available. Find a good source of information you can trust and stick with it.
Each Application Is Unique - No two migrants will experience the same set of rules, in the same way. No matter how many Facebook posts you read, your situation will always be a little different - so tread carefully when trying to work out how the rules will apply to you.
Get The Right Advice - This process is complex, no matter how many websites you manage to read. If you are unsure, nervous or simply want to have an insurance policy, contact someone that can guide you through the process.
Expect the Unexpected - Greg and his family faced numerous challenges, none of which were expected at the start but overcome along the way, through a combination of good advice, carefully planning and well thought out research.
Eyes on the Prize - Whilst the visa process can be complex, throw up unexpected challenges and require a few changes of plan, if you keep focused on the end goal, you will be successful. Having someone to keep you focused on that goal is often the difference between success and failure as well.
No matter what your circumstances, having a plan and being prepared to change the plan along the way is a key part of the migration process and something I talk about often. Greg’s situation highlights that it is really easy to become overwhelmed with all of the information out there, but having one reliable source to lean on, is really helpful and having someone to project manage the move, even more so.
Want To Know More?
If you are considering the big move, our advice is always to start with an assessment of your situation, your options and some clear guidelines as to the challenges you might face. Knowing whether you qualify upfront, might sound obvious, but is often overlooked.
Once you know that you can make the move, you need to work out all the various steps involved to make that move work. Often migrants will need to traverse several different visa pathways to get to the end goal of being able to live in New Zealand permanently.
Finally once you have the steps in place, you need to put the move in to action. It is easy to put this off, in search of the “perfect time” but in reality the timing in this process is often driven by things outside your control (the job search, visa timelines etc.). Being flexible is key, but also sticking to your plan as best you can helps as well.
To find out more, get in touch with the team today. We will start you off with an assessment of your options, map out the process and then, if you chose to engage us, walk you through the process from start to finish.
Until next week…why not take a look at our more comprehensive guide.
