A seamless experience

My name is Sinclair. I am from India, and I moved to New Zealand with my partner.

Challenges

To be completely honest, my experience with New Zealand Shores was so seamless that there were very few moments when I felt anxious about the application. The waiting period after submitting my documents was always a little difficult, but there wasn't a point during the process when I felt like I was going through it alone. I always knew Chelsea and Melissa from NZShores were there to help with the process.

Feedback on the process

Any feedback about your adviser and the process you went through: I had Chelsea and Melissa as my advisers for the applications. My partner Cara spoke to Chelsea to help us understand what's needed to get a visa, and from the very first moment we spoke to her, we knew NZ Shores was a good fit. Chelsea and Mellisa are kind, understanding, great at communication, and know all the ins and outs of the process. Cara and I are thrilled we got such warm people to help with my visa.

First impressions

This place is absolutely magical. Cara and I have road-tripped through all the major sights in the South Island, and sometimes I still wake up in the mornings and can't believe this country is my home.

What I miss from home

I miss the food a whole lot, but I've sought out a few Indian stores around my house and make weekly trips for that homely feeling.

Word of advice to other migrants

Try to be organised when you're applying for your visas. I made sure I had folders on my computer with dated documents. I tried to make everything as clear and understandable as possible. Keep in mind that immigration officers here are not familiar with documents from your home country, so try to add as much context about what your documents are when you submit them.

One thing I wish I knew before I moved was

It's hot and humid in India, and I'm not sure why, but I assumed the same of New Zealand (at least in the summers). But when I arrived, I realised that my summer clothes were useless here in NZ. Since then, I've donated all those clothes from back home and visited a ton of local stores and op shops to get clothes more suited to the climate here.

Comments

If you're nervous about the move (which I'm sure you are), try out NZ Shores. I know this case study of mine sounds like an ad, but I'm genuinely grateful to the people at the organisation. My life has changed for the better, and I only have them to thank (and my partner, Cara, of course).