[SteveO]

I have a TEC Level 3 Mechanical Engineering which has been fully assessed by NZQA as:
Level 4: Certificates
and comparable to ......Mechnaical Engineering Maintenance

I now work in IT and this is the only solid qualification I have so any help appreciated

I am trying to get some points for this but don't know who to contact to give me the definitive, before heading out and potentially being disappointed is there a web address or best contact to go to ahead of submitting EOI which I don't want to do at this stage.

Thanks!

[Trigirl]

hi steve. plenty of people on here can probably help you with how many points you are entitled to. which area of the points system are you confused about?

the basics regarding work/quals:

you will be entitled to points for work experience - up to 30 points for 10 years. you are entitled to 50 points for your qualification. however you are not entitled to any points for either work experience or qualifications in an area of absolute skills shortage - as your qualification does not match your experience.

hope that helps?

[SteveO]

Thanks Trigirl, that helps and clears up one area of confusion for me. However at the moment I only get:
40 points for work experience (10 years for ICT in a growth area)
20 points identity
zero points for qualifications (could really do with the 50)

The ambiguity arises when clicking through the links on EOI form for my Level 4: Certificates comparable to Mechnaical Engineering Maintenance qualification

"Register level 3 & 4 = 50 Points (Note restrictions apply: points are only awarded for qualifications in a specified acceptable trade)"

I don't know who to ask for what is a specified acceptable trade ?

[pinkpiggy]

Hi Steve

You could always try ringing NZIS to ask them. They are usually very helpful. Found this on a previous post about which number to contact them on that isn't extortionate.

Instead of the premium number call 01344 716199 - it's the same phone line and they won't know that you haven't called the premium line.

BTW, it was nice to meet you on Saturday. Hope the journey home wasn't as bad as the journey to the meet.

[Trigirl]

The list of acceptable trades for hte purposes of levels 3 and 4 is in appendix 8 of the operations manual

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/nzis/operations_manual/6519.htm

by the way you aren't entitled to points for your expereience being in an area of "future growth" unless you are also claiming points for a job or job offer in NZ

also from the operations manual
Recognised work experience in an identified future growth area qualifies for points if:

1. the principal applicant* has points for current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment in an identified future growth area (see SM8.10); and
2. the experience is relevant to that employment (see SM7.10.10).

edited to add - pinkpiggy is right - ringing NZIS is a very good idea - they are very helpful in general.

[SteveO]

Thanks again Trigirl, and thanks Paula (it was great to meet you and Sam on Sunday), I'll give NZIS a call and post the outcome.

Kind regards
Steve