English test won't be difficult for Juliet Garcia

Juliet Garcia, pictured with resident Kathleen Bowater, is feeling more secure in the job she loves at Switzer Residential Care.

On April 7, Kaitaia couple Juliet and Eric Garcia were given 48 hours to get out of New Zealand, failing which they would be subject to deportation.

Four months later Ms Garcia, who has worked at Switzer Residential care for 10 years, has been granted a two-year work visa, and is confident that she will gain residency. All she has to do is pass an English test in Auckland on Saturday, a process that will include a three-hour written exam.

"I don't think I will have any trouble," she said.

"I have lived here for 10 years, and I've done all my training and gained all my qualifications in English."

"This is a small town but the people here have big hearts."

Her husband, who is not the primary work visa applicant, will sit his test later in the year.

Ms Garcia said Immigration NZ's change of heart, after rejecting her application for a work visa that had been renewed nine times over 10 years without question, had lifted a huge weight from her shoulders.

In April she had been tearful and afraid to leave her house in case she was arrested. On Tuesday she was happy, confident and laughing.

And she was extremely grateful to Switzer general manager Jackie Simkins and Mayor John Carter for the efforts they had made on her behalf, and Kaitaia for its support.

"This is a small town but the people here have big hearts," she said.

"It's easy for people to portray it the way they do but they don't know it. They shouldn't judge what they don't know. This town has a big spirit - it is like one family. I am so blessed by all the people I have around me. Getting residency will be a bonus."

Not all the clouds have lifted, however. The couple travelled to the Philippines last month to see their older son, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. They worry about their son, and miss their grandchildren, who they hope will be able to visit them in Kaitaia one day, but don't know if Immigration will allow that.

Both sons worked in Kaitaia until they turned 21, and were ordered to leave.

Meanwhile Mr Garcia, who had been working at Pak'n Save until Immigration told them to leave, has a new job with a local builder, and life has returned to normal.

All it needs now is the official stamp of approval.