[djchicane]

Hi All,

Been lurking here for some time, reading up best I can, but am having one of those days where I am concerned things may not work out, so in need of some like minded support!! :yes

A bit of history, decided after returning from NZ for the third time last October that it really is my kind of place. I attended an Expo in London mid October and had some positive feedback from potential employers, (one of which I got through a second interview). However, I have found that its difficult to secure a Job Offer without Visa, and also not actually being there.

I am in IT, have been an IT Manager for 7 years, prior to that was more concentrated on the tech/support side of things. I don't have a degree and my 'highest' qualification is a BTEC National Diploma in Computer Studies.

Anyway, have spent months since then putting plans into action, rehoming dogs, cats, clearing out the fish tanks! (I still have one dog - he is proving to be more difficult to rehome!!) Have a buyer for the house... Resigned from my employer in November and am now 1 week away from finishing up there for good... arghh...

I found out about BUNAC whilst reading Leccy-Lee's posts, and decided that perhaps that is the best option - there are no limitations on the type of work I can undertake, and it is valid for 12 months.

So.. my passport, and completed application are currently in the post..

My question, does anyone have any experience of applying for PR/WTR whilst in NZ on the BUNAC, (General Work) VISA?

Confused!

Dave :uhoh

[JandM]

No knowledge to share on this one - but hello, and hope you find what you're looking for soon.:)

[Croft]

Welcome to the board!

Didn't even know you could do BUNAC outside of Higher Education!! I did it in 1989 to the US - most fantastic summer of my life. Back then the programme to Australia and NZ was tiny by comparison.

Good luck with your PR/WTR.

[danwoods]

I came over to NZ on a Bunac visa in Aug, found a job (also in IT) and then got invited to Apply for PR. The application is now in and waiting for the outcome. It has been fairly straight forward so far. I do not have any quals in the IT field, but ended up with enough points with the job.

Good luck with the move, it is worth it!!:)

[djchicane]

thanks for the responses, am feeling more positive today!!

I will be out in April, come what may, with a view to starting on the South Island.. looking forward to the ski season :o)

croft: sure, the BUNAC is available to 18 to 35, (as I am 31, the WHV was out), it has no restrictions on the type of work you can do, hence seems to be the perfect balance.

danwoods: did you arrange your own flights/independent option? When you say you were invited to apply for PR - did NZIS contact you directly, or did you start the ball rolling? just curious.

Thanks again for the help, and welcome. now off to pack some more boxes for storage..!! arghh.

[Leccy-Lee]

Glad to see my posts have a use :)

Yup as a forum search will prove, i came out here last June as a 34yo on a Bunac IEP visa. Worked very well for me Dave, they are nice and helpful and as the WHV is a no-no after 30 its a great option (and i only just made it in time!)

I havent actually still applied for PR yet here (due to reasons posted) but i have seen immigration in Wellington and they seem to think being here and working full-time etc it should be a simple process of rubber stamps etc.

So good luck, glad you found my old posts useful!

[danwoods]

danwoods: did you arrange your own flights/independent option? When you say you were invited to apply for PR - did NZIS contact you directly, or did you start the ball rolling? just curious.

Yes, arranged all own travel/insurence etc (one way flights). The ITA was via the normal route of the EOI selection (just added in the job offer on the existing EOI I had submitted, then it was selected on the next selection) The ITA arrived with in one week of being selected, filled in the forms got medicals done, (allready had police check etc before we left the UK) We are now waiting to see the outcome!

[Steadybears]

Im not familiar with this BUNAC - as we do have our PR but am looking for something similar for our son to do for the first couple of months when we arrive in NZ before attending Uni. Think this would be a great way for him to meet people his own age. Would he be able to join this group or can someone explain it to me

Tks
Jayne

[djchicane]

thats all positive to hear, and I have just returned from my last Monday commute into Euston... phew..!

thanks again for all the help

Dave