My New Zealand Visa is approved! Happy dance!

7.36am, my phone rings. With my sleepy head I try to reach for it. Too late. Someone left a voicemail. Immigration. My heart skips a beat. I’ve only handed in my dossier last Friday, why are they already calling me? It usually takes up to a month to process. Is something wrong?

I take a few breaths, get that heart under control and call back. A friendly lady answers: “Hi Lieselot, can you come to Immigration today with your passport, so I can put the label in it?” I’m like: yes, of course, I can come by… And then I realise what she said! “Sooo… I have the visa?”. I hear her smile and say “Yes, I gave you the work visa”.

WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO After a little happy dance in bed, I told her that I’ve never had such a good-news-call that early in the morning! * Smile again *

I can stay in New Zealand. I can stay in New Zealand! I CAN STAY IN NEW ZEALAND!

No need to pack my bag in 3 weeks, no need to find a new country, no need to say good bye to these massive mountains. No need to post more about my uncertain situation. I can’t believe it! I can’t wait to start my day tomorrow, waking up without any stress about my current situation. Time to start planning some more adventures in New Zealand! This country has so many hidden treasures, ready for me to explore!

I wouldn’t have been here without Stephen though, the man at the counter at Immigration Christchurch. He’s the one that gives all the advice to people. He sits there all by himself, has non-stop people coming over with tons of questions and he’s ALWAYS smiling, giving you courage and happy to help. He’s the one that mentioned I could still apply for a partnership visa, although we didn’t tick all the boxes. He’s the one that encouraged me to apply and because of him I won’t have to leave New Zealand. Is it obvious I’m super grateful?

I wanted to share my happiness and of course thank him, so I went to give him some Belgian chocolates. He recognised me when I walked in (I’ve been there so many times) and with a friendly face he asks what he can do. I tell him I’m coming to thank him, ’cause I wouldn’t still be here without him (hence the last paragraph). He was super happy with my visit, but wasn’t allowed to accept any gifts..

So now, I’m celebrating my new visa with some Belgian chocolates. To you Stephen!

Do you have any visa stories, with a happy or bad ending? Let me know!