[sfinn23]

Hello all,
I have recently received a job offer to work in NZ which i would really like to go for. However 3 years ago i stupidly got into a fight and i have a criminal record for 'assault' and 'GBH'. My question is would i automatically get turned down on my visa application for this? I would like to apply for a visa but if my record means i would be automatically declined then there is no point me wasting time and money with the application. I have searched the web for information on this and I can't find a definite answer.

Many thanks in advance

[IanW99]

Hello all,
I have recently received a job offer to work in NZ which i would really like to go for. However 3 years ago i stupidly got into a fight and i have a criminal record for 'assault' and 'GBH'. My question is would i automatically get turned down on my visa application for this? I would like to apply for a visa but if my record means i would be automatically declined then there is no point me wasting time and money with the application. I have searched the web for information on this and I can't find a definite answer.

Many thanks in advance

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

Check out Character Requirements (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/community/stream/employ/talentartscultureandsports/employeerequirements/characterrequirements.htm) for details of what NZIS (New Zealand Immigration Service) are looking for.

You don't say if you had been sentenced to a prison term, so I assume not. In which case you won't automatically be turned down but they may still decline your application.

We may also decline a person’s application if they have ever been convicted of an offence, including immigration, drug, and violence offences.

Ian

[sfinn23]

Thanks for the quick response Ian and you presumed correct, i didn't receive a prison term (just a fine).
How would you recommend i proceeded with this? Do you know of any companies where i could talk to someone with experience in this field?

Many thanks

[StevieD]

go for it, it is only a prison sentence that would cause probs..

Good luck!!

[victoria]

Go ahead with it. You may need to submit an EOI manually instead of online. This is because you'd have to supply a letter detailing the situation/circumstances & how contrite you are about it. You might need to supply some good character refs, Do you know of any people with a professional status (ea. solicitor,clergy etc.) that could supply these for you? In this case NZIS give a character waiver on your application if successful. Hope this helps you.