[fmunoz]

Hi,

I read in some parts of the forum that if I have a WTR visa I need to wait 2 years to start the PR process. Also I read in other parts of the forum that this is not true. Now I'm confuse. Can I start the PR process early???

Also I have one more question, I have in my passport the Work Visa, when I arrive at NZ, I'll need get a work permit?

What other steps I need to do when I arrive?

1)IRD numbers to my family
2)Open Bank account
3)Driver license

I very nervous because the move time is coming so quick, (February 19). I don't know if I missing something.

Thanks everybody for your help,

Frank

[ourquest]

Visa vs permit...a visa is issued when outside NZ and a permit when in NZ. As far as I know the visa is automatically converted to a permit by Immigration when you arrive. Hence many countries being "visa waiver" countries...you arrive without a visa and are issued with a permit immediately.

With regards to WTR, Ianw99 will be along soon to confirm (he's good at these sort of answers) but it is usually issued when NZIS are not entirely confident that you will obtain employment, so they are sort of covering themselves by giving you a limited time in the country. But it does mean that as soon as you land an offer of a job you can convert your WTR into PR as normally you have gone through all the other formalities that are needed. Does this sound right, or is a WTR also given in other circumstances other than instead of immediate PR?

[fmunoz]

Hi,

Just to complement, I already have a NZ employment contract.

Best regards, and thanks for your promp answer.

Frank

[Belmont Babes]

I think (but am not 100% sure), that it is also given in circumstances where you need to take exams to obtain a NZ licence to work eg. Electricians, which is my Husband's job, have just emailed NZIS for clarification so will post when I receive a reply.

[Belmont Babes]

We too have a job offer

[IanW99]

Hi,

I read in some parts of the forum that if I have a WTR visa I need to wait 2 years to start the PR process. Also I read in other parts of the forum that this is not true. Now I'm confuse. Can I start the PR process early???

Also I have one more question, I have in my passport the Work Visa, when I arrive at NZ, I'll need get a work permit?

What other steps I need to do when I arrive?

1)IRD numbers to my family
2)Open Bank account
3)Driver license

I very nervous because the move time is coming so quick, (February 19). I don't know if I missing something.

Thanks everybody for your help,

Frank

Hi Frank,

Ok, there are basically two ways you would get WTR which is where there is some confusion.

1) You apply for PR but NZIS think you are a risk, so give you a WTR instead (usually 6 months). Once you prove to NZIS that you are not a risk i.e. you get a job then they will change it from a WTR to a PR.

Or

2) You can apply for it in which case you are normally given a 30 month WTR which you then wait for 2 years, and then can apply for PR which should be granted.

So for option 1, you don't need to start PR process early (in fact you have already done the PR process).

For option 2, there are generally two reasons why you would apply for WTR
a) You employer recommends this approach as it is quick and you or they want you to start work soon.

or

b) You don't have enough points to apply the PR straight away, so the only way to get a PR is by going the WTR route.

For those getting their WTR under option 2, there is nothing to stop you applying for a PR before the 2 years is up if you want to, but you still have to meet all the normal PR rules i.e. need enough points to be selected etc.

Some additional points:-

for 2a) you should probably have applied for PR straight away as it would be simpler / cheaper.
for 2b) although you could apply, the chances are that you won't have enough points unless your circumstances have changed so you will just have to wait.
Unless you need PR quickly for some reason, you probably should just wait
Medicals are valid for 3 months and Police certificates are valid for 6 months so if you have a WTR and can apply for PR quickly it may save you having to re-do them.


Hope that this helps to clear up some of the confusion.

Ian

[IanW99]

...
Also I have one more question, I have in my passport the Work Visa, when I arrive at NZ, I'll need get a work permit?

What other steps I need to do when I arrive?

1)IRD numbers to my family
2)Open Bank account
3)Driver license

I very nervous because the move time is coming so quick, (February 19). I don't know if I missing something.

Thanks everybody for your help,

Frank

I've answered your WTR questions in a previous post.

For the other questions:-

When you arrive in NZ, customs will provide you with a permit that matches your visa type so you don't have to actually do anything.

For IRD numbers, you could apply for them now (online form), which may save you a bit of time when you arrive.

For bank account, you could also open that now for some banks, then you only have to show up and provide identification.

For driving license, as long as you being your overseas license with you then you have 12 months to apply for a NZ one.

There will be plenty of other things you will need to do when you arrive e.g. find a rental, get electricity / gas connected, telephone line, broadband, mobile phone, sky tv, car, insurance etc.

Ian

[fmunoz]

Thank you Ian. Your information clear my mind, and now all looks more easy to do it.

Best regards,

Frank

[victoria]

Good luck with this Frank. There is also a danger of info overload so take each step as it comes. There are some marvellous people here to help & guide you. Always feel free to ask any questions.
We are awaiting a CO now having gone the WTR route which started in NZ last Aug. so are at the waiting stage for PR.

[skibumwa]

The WTR Visa and the PR Process are 2 different things actually. I came over on a 30 month WTR with a job offer. After 2 or so months on my WTR, I submitted my EOI and got picked. I then submitted my ITA (PR Application) and my residency was approved in less than 8 working weeks. :exit

NZIS does not care if you are on a 30 month WTR visa or not, because either you are or are NOT going to quality for PR in their eyes.

When you get here on your 30 month WTR, and if you are in a skilled shortage area, go for PR! It's not cheap, but it's worth it in the end!

Good luck! :nice1

-John