[Werner]

My husband and I are considering applying for our Expression of Interest. We only have 110 points without jobs offers (husband is a spraypainter, wife an admin manager). We have had quite a few personnel companies interested in interviewing my husband as soon as we arrive in NZ (about Sept 2008). We are aware that once he gets a job offer it would take about 4 weeks to get a work permit.

Once he gets a job offer this will increase our points to 170 (50 for the job offer and 10 for been out of Auckland) and hopefully then be invited to apply for residency. I have read on previous posts that once immigration have a copy of the job offer they will speed up the process for residency. I am worried though how long this process will be. Do you have any idea?

Would it be better that I apply for the work permit and only once I receive my work permit apply for my EOI or do you think it would be worthwhile applying before we leave?

Sorry about all the questions- we just can't wait to start our adventure. Wish we were leaving tomorrow

[Chaz]

EOI route is more difficult and expensive but rewards you with PR. Work visa is cheaper and easier to some extent, but is less permanent. All depends on your time lines, what you want the end result to be and your ability to pay for the EOI process.

[Pebbles]

It is worth considering doing the EOI (110 is enough last time I checked) and then if/when job offer materializes it will certainly speed up the whole process. That's what I would do anyway ...