Skilled migrant visa

Skilled Migrant / Medical Waiver

Can you tell me a bit about your background and how you came to apply for a visa for NZ?
I come from the UK. I was offered a great job in New Zealand and needed to apply for a skilled migrant visa. We needed Aaron's help because my husband is in a wheelchair as has a disability, and we knew this would make it more difficult to get a visa.

How did you find the process of applying for your visa?
Very, very stressful. But Aaron walked us through the whole process and we felt very reassured. On the Immigration New Zealand website you can do a free online check to see if you are eligible for a visa, but it's not very comprehensive. Aaron went through everything in loads and loads of detail and did a really thorough check. So although we were stressed, Aaron reassured us we would get the visa.

What were you struggling with?
I didn't know how my husband's disability would impact on our application. My husband is an incomplete paraplegic and we wouldn't have known where to begin with bringing that into our residency visa application. Aaron advised us on what to do, what steps to take, who to get references from, and when to do each step. Halfway through the process we also found out that I am diabetic, and Aaron was very good at adapting to this. Without Aaron, my husband and I probably would have panicked and not taken our application further. But Aaron adapted quickly and supported us by saying 'this is what we're going to do' and 'these are the steps we need to take', and in general assured us that what we were doing was right.

What specific help were you looking for?
Getting help in applying for a skilled migrant visa because my husband is in a wheelchair.

Before you started working with Aaron Martin, what other options where you looking at?
We looked at an immigration agent, we looked at doing it ourselves, and we looked at other lawyers. But when I contacted Aaron, he had a personable nature about him that really stood out. He phoned me back straight away after I put the online query in.

Why did you choose Aaron to assist you?
His knowledge. Aaron really knows immigration law and he knew all the steps that would be involved for us. He didn't shy away from the fact that things might be tough for us and that we wouldn't get our visa straight away. He was very realistic and didn't over-promise.

After you started working with him, did anything surprise you?
Aaron always seemed two steps ahead of where we were headed, warning us what was going to come up next and telling us what to do to prepare for it. Aaron really took the stress out of the situation.

What has impressed you the most about Aaron's service?
The way he communicates with you. You can email Aaron at 3 o'clock in the morning and he'll email you back. You can ask him what feel like the most stupid questions and he will answer them - I feel comfortable asking him anything.

If you were to describe Aaron Martin's service to a friend, what would you say?
Aaron is very professional, he is a great communicator, and he knows his stuff.

Stories

• Work visas
• Skilled migrant visa
• Residency visas
• Pathway to residency
• Deportation