Help me compose a letter
Discussion
Backgound
I was adopted. My birth mother was born in NZ. I was entitled to NZ citizenship under their Section 10 (born abroad to a NZ citizen before a certain date) and successfully applied early this year and now have citizenship and a passport. My son was born in 2003. Had I been NZ citizen at the time (I didn't know, back then) he would automatically be entitled to NZ citizenship by descent. But because I wasn't a citizen before his birth, he doesn't qualify. However, the Embassy in London tell me that I can apply for citizenship for him and put a covering letter in to the Minister explaining exceptional circumstances, which might allow the application to proceed.
From my point of view, had I known about my heritage before my son's birth, I would definitely have made sure of his citizenship status, but for a cruel twist of fate, he's apparently not eligible. So can anyone suggest the best way to beg for mitigation?
I was adopted. My birth mother was born in NZ. I was entitled to NZ citizenship under their Section 10 (born abroad to a NZ citizen before a certain date) and successfully applied early this year and now have citizenship and a passport. My son was born in 2003. Had I been NZ citizen at the time (I didn't know, back then) he would automatically be entitled to NZ citizenship by descent. But because I wasn't a citizen before his birth, he doesn't qualify. However, the Embassy in London tell me that I can apply for citizenship for him and put a covering letter in to the Minister explaining exceptional circumstances, which might allow the application to proceed.
From my point of view, had I known about my heritage before my son's birth, I would definitely have made sure of his citizenship status, but for a cruel twist of fate, he's apparently not eligible. So can anyone suggest the best way to beg for mitigation?
Shot in the dark ... but, I would be inclined to have an opening gambit / synopsis of what the letter is about at a high level and then bullet the series of events chronologically
End it with a request for more information on how to seek resolve on the situation.
Include a curly curly and some hand sanitiser.
End it with a request for more information on how to seek resolve on the situation.
Include a curly curly and some hand sanitiser.
Don't 'beg'. Keep the tone matter of fact.
Structure it something like this:
Opening paragraph: Explain who you and for what purpose you are writing.
2nd paragraph: Background - why you're in the position you are.
3rd paragraph - Impact; what your situation means for your son and introduce here the reason why you're asking for what you're asking for. It would be advantageous to demonstrate here equal value to you / your son as well as to New Zealand.
Sign off: Keep this brief and to the point - that being that you would be grateful for any assistance in the matter.....
HTH and Good Luck
Structure it something like this:
Opening paragraph: Explain who you and for what purpose you are writing.
2nd paragraph: Background - why you're in the position you are.
3rd paragraph - Impact; what your situation means for your son and introduce here the reason why you're asking for what you're asking for. It would be advantageous to demonstrate here equal value to you / your son as well as to New Zealand.
Sign off: Keep this brief and to the point - that being that you would be grateful for any assistance in the matter.....
HTH and Good Luck
Thanks Stevie, I've drafted out something along those lines.
With regards to the exceptions, there is nothing I can find except 'the minister may grant citizenship in exceptional circumstances'. I'm hoping that not knowing about my status and having no way of knowing at the time of my son's birth this will constitute exceptional circumstances.
With regards to the exceptions, there is nothing I can find except 'the minister may grant citizenship in exceptional circumstances'. I'm hoping that not knowing about my status and having no way of knowing at the time of my son's birth this will constitute exceptional circumstances.
Tyre Smoke said:
Thanks Stevie, I've drafted out something along those lines.
With regards to the exceptions, there is nothing I can find except 'the minister may grant citizenship in exceptional circumstances'. I'm hoping that not knowing about my status and having no way of knowing at the time of my son's birth this will constitute exceptional circumstances.
See if you can find some test cases. Any specialist forums who might be able to advise?With regards to the exceptions, there is nothing I can find except 'the minister may grant citizenship in exceptional circumstances'. I'm hoping that not knowing about my status and having no way of knowing at the time of my son's birth this will constitute exceptional circumstances.
I'm taking some comfort from the reply to my enquiry email from the Embassy. I explained the circumstances and they gave the 'under normal circumstances...however, here is a link to the application'
Now, I might be adding my two and two to equal five, but the impression they left was it wasn't a waste of time.
Now, I might be adding my two and two to equal five, but the impression they left was it wasn't a waste of time.
Taylor James said:
There will probably be a clause in the rules about exceptional circumstances and exceptions. Research those before you do anything else because anyone you write to will start with the rules.
This is good advice. Find out what the the criteria are (I'm not familiar with the immigration act, but if the Minister has decision making power, there should be something setting out what he/she must take into account). Then explain clearly and concisely why your case meets those criteria.Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff