[dan_is_jeff]

Hi everyone,

I'm a graphic designer from the UK, working and living there.
I am qualified to degree (BA Hons) and have just over 2 years experience. I was wanting to work in NZ as a designer for a year or so because i've travelled there and would love to go back to work.

I was thinking of going next summer (August 09) so by then I'd have over 3 years work experience.

Does anyone know my best options?
should i get a visa and try to look for work when i arrive, then get a permit? or maybe apply prior to arriving for a permit and jobs online?

I'm sorry to seem naiive but i've just started thinking about it and need a starting point!:confused:

Thanks to everyone.x

[5kings]

Hi

My husband is a Graphic Designer too, so just wanted to say good luck to you! We are just starting out on the planning stage too, so can't help answer your questions.
I do know Designers are on the ISSL so that might work in your favour, do you have any family to take with you?

Helen

[dan_is_jeff]

Hi Helen,

Thanks for the good luck.
what is the ISSL? I sound like a simpleton but I'm not! ha ha.
My girlfriend and I were thinking of going. she is a radiographer with similar amount of experience but for some reason assumed she would be fine because she's in the health care!

[5kings]

Hi again

It's the Immediate Skills Shortage List

You certainly are not a simpleton, there is just so much to find out, it ends up giving you a headache trust me!

If you go to the NZ government immigration site, you will be able to find details of the long term and immediate skills shortage lists.

www.immigration.govt.nz

Loads of info in here, including a helpful points calculator if you want to sunbmit an EOI (Expression of Interest, the first form you send in if you want to apply for permanant residency) I am finding the visa side of things the
most confusing!!

Still there are loads of helpful people here, so someone else will be able to help you I am sure.

Good luck to both of you!

Helen

[dan_is_jeff]

thanks, thats brilliant.

I'll have to get my researching hat on then!

Dan

[lizzyplop]

Hi
I am a graphic designer with over 10 years experience and a degree but unfortunately didn't get the points required, I think I got 95 points in total so we have used my OH as the main applicant and claimed points for my degree.
From what I understand you cannot claim points for graphic design being on the ISSL. Hope this helps and good luck with your plans
Liz

[5kings]

Hi
I am a graphic designer with over 10 years experience and a degree but unfortunately didn't get the points required, I think I got 95 points in total so we have used my OH as the main applicant and claimed points for my degree.
From what I understand you cannot claim points for graphic design being on the ISSL. Hope this helps and good luck with your plans
Liz

Hi Liz,

We still haven't decided how to get to NZ yet, PR or work visa. We are hoping it might be easier to get a job offer with Graphic Design being on the ISSL. Fingers crossed.
Have you sent your EOI off now then?

Helen

[lizzyplop]

Hi
Yep, submitted our EOI last Thursday so its fingers crossed, we had 145 points but to be honest not convinced we will get all the points, I will keep you posted.
Liz