[Wiggy]

From a previous thread you can see I was trying to get PR or even only a Work Visa through the De Facto category. This however didn't work out and our 5 year relationship is apparently not deemed to be 'serious' as we haven't lived together for 12 months (even though the total amount of time we have lived together summed up totals over 3 years).

Anyway, I now have to be positive and go down the harder route of a job offer with no work visa in place. So my question to my fellow forumers is

Q. How should I approach the covering letter (to go with my CV) with regards to my lack of visas when I feel I have to explain I am a British citizen. ie do I state that I could obtain a work visa IF I get the job?? I don't just want a potential emplyer to read 'British citizen' and throw my CV away!

Your advice and inout is greatly appreciated......................

[feathers]

Hi wiggy

I know this isn't strictly answering your question but my advice from NZIS about being unable to prove the defacto stuff was to get myself over there and live with my partner for four months, documenting all of the joint things like bank accounts, apartment lease etc. Then after four months use that evidence to apply for a one yr work visa as a partner of an NZ citizen. And then you will be able to start working and earning and then when a year is up you can do the PR stuff!

I know this would mean being unable to work for four months but perhaps you can save up some cash now and use that for your first few months in NZ.

Anyway good luck with the job hunt!
Feathers

[foolsgold99]

I'd echo that advice, if your relationship is serious you must miss her like crazy and be glum.

Get on a plane and go to NZ. Just do it, don't wait and try and save money. That's what credit cards are for. :P

You're never going to prove a relationship from 11,000 miles. As feathers said after 4 months you can apply using that route.

As for not working for 4 months ? Let's be honest there are always plenty of ways to make a bit of cash short term. Cash jobs in bars / building sites etc exist everywhere.

If you love her and miss her, don't let the paperwork get in the way of your life.

[Wiggy]

Thanks Feathers and Foolsgold99 for your positive feedback. As much as I want to just up and leave to get to NZ, I'm trying to be a little more careful by trying to secure employment before leaving my career in the UK. Of course if that doesn't work, then yes it'll be time to get real!

I would still be very grateful to hear of other experience relating to the covering letter side of things. To be honest I don't quite know where to start with it. Are there any websites that advise potential immigrants applying to NZ?

Thanks again

PS. Feathers....how did you actually get such advice from NZIS? Did you visit New Zealand House in London?? I've found on the phone that they are helpful if you ask the right questions but don't make any further suggestions?

[wayne]

I'm with foolsgold on this one trying to apply for a job when youre over here is usually met with a polite "come and talk to us when youre here"
My son went to auckland and found work straight away starting with casual work and then picked up full time work all by word of mouth

[feathers]

Hi wiggy

I think I was just lucky with my interaction with NZIS I am based in the US at the moment so I emailed the Washington Branch with my question about de-facto relationships, and someone called me back and gave me his opinion on what he thought my options were!! He was very helpful and knowledgeable about the whole process!!

I know what you mean about wanting a job lined up, its a scary if not a completely crazy idea to give up your job and income to move to the other side of the world with nothing securely set up! But the reality as it appears to me is that unless you are in one of their high demand occupations such as nurse or engineer then its a hopeless cause trying to secure work from the other side of the world without a work visa! Lots of jobs won't even let you apply if you don't have work authorization.
But of course you are right to try first and I have my fingers crossed for you that it works out!!

In the covering letter I would write something along the lines that you are relocating to NZ to be with your partner, i would be inclined to leave out any mention of a work visa and how to get one, But if you do want to address it then you could write something telling them you will need work authorization but you have spoken to the NZIS and they have assured you that with a job offer it is a straightforward and fast process!

Good luck and take care
Feathers

[Wiggy]

Thanks for all the advice. It is very tempting to up and leave, especially when by all accounts the weather over there is just fantastic at the moment!

I have just come accross a job ad in the NZ Telegraph which suits my experience and qualifications to a tee......I'm going to apply today, if nothing else to see what reaction I get. I'm also taking the day off work tomorrow to go into London and visit NZ House. Apparently you can turn up from 10 am to 3:45 pm and queue up for an appointment. It might take all day, but hey, it's worth it! I just feel my case really is a special case and who knows, maybe I'll get just the news I want! I'll keep you posted.....

Thanks Feathers for your view on covering letters.....I think I'll proceed by leaving out the whole right to work issue....maybe I'll get a call that will give me an opportunity to explain. Fingers crossed........

[Rimbo]

Wiggy,
Sometimes we have to take the “just do it attitude”.
I leave for NZ on Sunday.
I leave behind a wife and 8 year old son. I love them both very much and don't honestly know when I’ll get to see them again.
Why am I doing this?
We want to live in NZ, that’s why.
I require a job offer before I can submit an EOI as i only get 55 points. I work in a skilled field, but this may be hard to prove too.
I have severed links with my employer here (October) and have spent the last few months sending my CV and a good cover letter to prospective employers and agencies.
Still the replies came back “see you when you get here”.
I have 3 Interviews lined up so far at opposite ends of the country. I have another 20 or so contacts to phone upon arrival, hopefully they were sincere when they said “see you when you get here”.
It has a come at a huge cost and a massive sacrifice, not just in monetary terms, but in hard work and sweat and tears too.
I have a bonding day tomorrow with Jon, I’m taking him out of school so we can go to the driving range, cinema, McD's etc.
I'm having a family photo done on Saturday with the in-laws.
Saturday night I have all my immediate family coming round for a takeaway and of-course drinks.

It's all very real now; I can do no more organising.
I'll give it my best shot when I get there, and if that’s not good enough. Then I’ll become a shelf stacker when I get back here.

As for the Cover note, like an interview. don't waffle (like I have done here, sorry :oops: ). Sell yourself. If you think that your immigration status is a negative, then do you really want to mention it?
Would you go to a job interview and tell them the REAL reason for wanting a new job?....
"er yeah, I want to work here cos it pays more money than where I work now.... and I don't like my new boss"!

At each stage of my application with either employers or agencies. The question always comes back about my residency status. With it there are generally questions regarding when you expect to arrive in NZ. I could answer this and give a date and flight number. This has already opened up doors for me. Now they know I am serious.

We are commited to a new life in New Zealand. As a family unit we have decided to do a very hard thing, something most people won’t be willing to do. I hope it pays off for us.

You may not need to go to these extremes. But I though that I’d share our experience with you, as, it’s always nice to see other people on this forum in similar circumstances to you.
I hope this helps.

Good Luck

John.

[Wiggy]

My goodness and I thought I was going through emotional upheaval! I wish you all the best and truely hope it all works out. Full marks for effort!

Your input on covering letters I think is spot on. It's obviously a sore point from my point of view so I think I'll leave it out for now and just bombard them with what a wonderful employee I'd be!!

All the best