[worsie]

Hello, just joined this forum. We from Cape Town South Africa.

Interested in moving to New Zealand, not sure where to start as we have only started looking into this. None of us have family in NZ or have the required degrees. Our options are currently looking dim as I do not make the required 100 points. (or so it seems)

I therefore would like to come over on the work Visa, not point based. As far as I know I am on the WR3 Long Term Skill Shortage list. I have over 10 years working experience in my field in IT, but it seems that a degree is the requirement. I have read elsewhere on this forum that not many people have managed to get in on this visa without a degree.

I have friends in New Zealand that have successfully managed to move over, they have less skills than me. I have recently spoken to them and they have said we should just come without a job. They have assured me that I would get a job within 3-4 weeks, I have enough money to support our family for about 6 months, rent etc. But it still seems a bit risky. Second kid on the way!!! :-)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[speckythecky]

Welcome to the forum,
If you have the money to support you for 6 months, go on a visitors permit and look for work, then apply for work permit, but be warned this can take over a month.

Good luck with whatever you decide

[Rhodan]

Hey worsie, I'm in Midrand. :)

I'm also in IT, and will be going the same route as you. You'll need to go over to NZ as a visitor, and secure a job offer. You can then submit an EOI along with your work permit. I've heard of people getting work permits the same day, sometimes within 2 or 3 days, up to about a month.

Add the points for your age + work experiance + job offer (50 points), and if you get 100 or more, you'll be fine.

Good luck and keep us informed. :nice1

[worsie]

Thank you guys for all the information.

Yip with a job offer I am over 100 points. But now what happenes when I get to NZ on a visitors visa? How do you go about securing a job if you only have a visitors visa?

Still in 2 minds about the whole thing. Need to try and secure the 6 months, still not sure if we going to sell our house or keep it. I may have to end up selling it which is not what i really want to do. It will be a pitty but i suppose its what has to get done.

Anyway guys, thanks for the help

[Sue]

Hey there
Am also an expat - living in AKL now for 6 months- came in on a visitors visa, got a job offer and work permit in 10days and residency in 1 month. things are much easier when you are here and you chat to immigration directly. come in on a visitors, but do not let customs at the airport know that your intention is to work. dont have any documents or other items that my suggest you are coming here to work. you should be good - IT is in demand here and I am sure you will find a company that is willing to hire you based on your skills. best advice is to contact a few recruitment agents here in NZ they can give you an idea about the job market and are very helpful - we secured both our jobs via an agent. also, check out www.seek.co.nz - the ad's do say 'apply only if you are legallly able to work here' but that doesnt really matter. Kiwis are keen on hiring South Africans - we have a good reputation when it comes to work.

Regards
Sue

[Bruckner]

Just want to say welcome to the forum!

Emily

[brianw]

hi worsie van die kaap af. nog 'n afrikaner hier.

Well worsie this is exactly what we are doing. me/wife coming over on a visitors visa, touring for about 3 weeks and then into the job market, we both also in it with me having about 20 years experience and wife about 10 years. no degrees here either. have however had 3 job offers already but have to check them out 1st. plan is to convert from visitors visa -> work visa -> pr -> citizen ..yip we have a long term plan. nearly at the point were we getting tatoo's on the bum that says ..NZ or Bust ...:laugh

[worsie]

Good to hear stories simular to mine.

Thanks guys.

PS: A few questions about NZ,

- whats the weather really like in Wellington and Auckland? Most people just say cold/wet. I have never been to NZ, Looking on the map is looks like Auckland is even further south than Cape Town.
- sea temp, is it cold like Cape Town? I also surfski quiet a lot and would like to know if its quiet a popular sport there?

[Brad77]

Wellington - windy! Summer between 18-25, winter 7-14, wet all year round

Auckland, much milder, summer can be humid and warm but not anything like SA. Winter about 12-14 max, wet.

Please remember this is not Australia. We have scenery, they have the warmer weather.

[MPD]

This sounds great.

I am currently completing a Bsc (end 2008 at UNISA = after 15 years!), and am arranging enrollment into the Open Polytechinc for a Diploma (I believe this is 50 points on the points assessment). I also have over 10 years IT experience - 8 at "managerial" level.

Question is, what does one need to arrange for WP - do I need to get XRays etc BEFORE leaving SA? Can I do it there?

Also, do people go via a recruitment agency? What do they say? Do you "exagerrate" your position in terms of WP? Or are they willing to accommodate you?

Thanks guys!
M

[zatexmom]

Hi MPD,

With your current qualifications and experience, you could apply for PR now already, perhaps even have it by the end of the year. But if you can't wait that long, you can go over on a visitor's, and get a job, and then get the WP there - and do the medicals there too!

Be as honest as possible about your quals and experience. No need to exaggerate.

And DIY. REally, agencies just suck you dry and the DIY is SO easy, believe me!