We are now surrogate Kiwis!

We got a letter today from immigration and they accepted us as residents in NZ. This has been an interesting process that wasn't too difficult at any one point. It was just a lot of small hoops.

Here is what we had to do to get residency here:

• Fill out the online Expression of Interest form to get scored to be able to apply for residency.
• Wait
• Get accepted to apply for residency. They then send you a big packet with information and more forms to fill in. There is also a big list of documents they need to process the application.
• List of documents:
• Comprehensive medial check with X-ray(for TB) and blood work
• Background checks in all countries lived in for more than one year
• This included getting fingerprints here and sending off the application to the FBI
• Proof of qualifications which included certified copies of our diplomas.
• Detailed work history
• Current contract for work in NZ
• Our current passports
• And more.

Now we are returning residents which means that we can come and go as we please but we are not permanent residents yet. If we are in the country for 6 months out of each of the next two years then we will get permanent residency. Once we get that then we can come and go as we please without restriction.