[osmyth]

Just trying to get my head around the possible options for gaining permanent residence and would be grateful of any thoughts.
I will be using my IT experience/quals, but possibly change career when I'm there, and possibly straightaway:

Skilled Migrant - gained immediately, with job offer or qualification.
Problem is that my degree isn't on the Recognised List so would need to be assessed by NZQA first.
Advantage - don't need job if quals give enough points, and could change from IT to anything else when arrive.

Work To Residence - get job offer, work for 2 years, then apply for Residence Through Work category. Could apply for PR through SMC straightaway once in NZ?

Temporary Work - get job offer, apply for PR via SMC straightaway once in NZ?

Owen.

[tigerlily]

With those choices, I'd try for the skilled migrant path. Especially as you would like to change careers, this would give you the most flexibility. If you get a job offer, you could go over and start working and then apply for PR. But having your qualifications assessed would be necessary then as well.

[osmyth]

Just done a points check on NZIS and with a job (less than 12m) and previous work experience in IT, I get enough points so the qualification doesn't have to come into it. This helps, although if I don't get an offer then I'd need to get my degree assessed. I'm hoping the Recognised Qualifications List might change in November as there are some discrepancies in it currently.
Owen.