[Naomi]

Hi! I have been poking around this forum for a few days, and my head is swimming. :)

I have been to Australia several times, but never to NZ. However, when my husband and I began to look at countries to which we might emigrate, New Zealand clearly stood out as the winning choice for us. We do plan to take a trip and check things out, but we aren't sure if we will start applying for PR as a skilled migrant beforehand or not. We would be relying on my husband's points to bring us both over.

The points system has us flumoxed. Part of this is because my husband's skill set happens to encompass two future growth areas: He is a Java software developer (so ICT), who has specialized in Bioinfomatics software for the last 6 years (so that is biotech). We were thinking it might be more advantageous for him to apply in biotech, because his BA is in Chemistry, with a minor in biochemistry, but he doesn't have a Computer Science degree (common in the Silicon Valley). Does that sound reasonable?

But, because of the Java programming, does that mean we can *also* claim points in a Long Term Skills Shortage? Or is that prohibited? He would also theoretically be eligible for bonuses for work experience in both areas (long terms skill shortage, and future growth area).

Am I over-counting?

I *think* that even by the most stingy measures, we have over 140 points for an EOI (I am getting 145 at the moment). I do understand that a point change is about to go into effect, but the basic premise appears to be the same, and the point changes were announced, is that correct?

Sorry to go off like this on my very first post, but this point issue has been driving me around the bend! I just would like to know one way or the other, are we over or under 140? I know we have enough points to get into the general pool.

Thanks! This forum is enormously helpful!

[dilanium]

Well, I don't know the answers to your questions, but welcome to the forum!

[james the mechanic]

My heads swimming as well (bio what?) but welcome anyway.
I would say, if you don’t have a job offer, or intend to obtain one, apply as quickly as possible it’s a long old process.
James

[Naomi]

Wow, that was fast! Thanks for both your answers! Yes, it is beginning to look like we should start the process. I want to get a few things in order first, but I think it is time to start getting organized for the plunge.

[Chiba]

Firstly, welcome!

As I understand it, your degree has to match your job in order to claim points. I have a computer aided engineering degree but am a straight software development guy - no match apparently, so they reduced my points. To claim points for 6 years of Java I think he'd really need a CompSci degree. So, he might be better off biasing his application towards his degree subject. Please check formally though - NZIS's instructions are extremely comprehensive, but it's all in the interpretation.

Agreed on starting early - just get stuck into the online application and you'll know what you're missing soon enough. Some things take a while, like police checks.

[Bruckner]

Just wanted to say welcome to the forum Naomi!

Emily

[Naomi]

Thanks for the welcome! :)

[Familyofmonkeys]

Personally I would have a chat with NZ immigration before submitting EOI.
OH worked in IT for about 8 years, but his background was physics. Applied with IT, not physics and it caused no problems. NZ is really short of IT people, especially JAVA, so as long as you have go something to back up experience e.g. reference from employer, of past contracts of employment, records of training courses, you should have no problems applying as IT. You do not always need to have qualifications and work experience to match, but it depends alot on what area of work you are in.

PM if you want more info from us.

[holland]

Welcome to the forum

j x

[Chiba]

OH worked in IT for about 8 years, but his background was physics. Applied with IT, not physics and it caused no problems. NZ is really short of IT people, especially JAVA, so as long as you have go something to back up experience e.g. reference from employer, of past contracts of employment, records of training courses, you should have no problems applying as IT. You do not always need to have qualifications and work experience to match, but it depends alot on what area of work you are in.

You got lucky. I got returned to the pool basically because my degree wasn't CompSci. Here's an extract from NZIS's letter:

Qualification in Absolute Skills Shortage
To claim bonus points for your qualification, you have to meet the requirements set out on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. For the occupation of IT Professionals - Systems Development Staff, you are required to have degree level qualification majoring in computer science, information science or information technology. Therefore, we are unable to award bonus points for your qualification.

Work Experience in Absolute Skills Shortage
To claim bonus points in absolute skills shortage, you have to meet the requirements set out on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. To be awarded bonus points for being an IT Professional - Systems Development Staff, you have to have degree level qualification majoring in computer science, information science or information technology and three years of work experience. As you can not meet the requirements, no points can be allocated at this section.

See what I mean about inconsistency?

[Naomi]

Thanks Chiba, holland, and FamilyofMonkeys (heh, my husband's user name at a lot of places is MillionthMonkey).

Well, at least now I understand that my confusion is legitimate!