[5kings]

We are hoping to be coming over to NZ sometime soonish (house sale dependent etc) probably early 2009. We are planning on saving some money for the application, but could start proceedings in a couple of months.

Currently we have 105 and no job offer, but qualifications and experience in job on ISSL and area of growth. If we wait till the end of the year,I will have my degree result, so points would go to 125. Although I don't think I have my certificate until around Feb time.

I am confident about passing my degree, but obviously can't claim I have it until I have the final result, so is it worh trying now, or should we wait? I see some people are being selected with 105 points and no job offer.

Thanks in advance,

Helen

[Beetle]

Hi 5kings,

My opinion is this is the high time for you to start with your EOI. After submitting the EOI start looking for a job offer so it will help to minimize your application processing time. To my knowledge, once you got your degree you can add it to the application later speaking to your Case Officer.

Good Luck! :)

/Beetle

[lizzyplop]

HI
I think it depends on what area of industry your experience is in as to whether you will be selected with 105 points, you could end up being in the pool for a while if you don't have experience on the skills shortage list. Have a look at the recent selections from the pool to give you some idea of what they are selecting.

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/2CA991AE-6767-4B5A-BE27-FF7724D1DE04/0/FactSheet20080716.pdf

Hope this helps

Liz

[beater]

My advice is to make very sure you can already claim points for work experience based on your current qualifications. They tend to be very sticky about it, you do not want to find two months down the line that they reject your EOI because they did not allow they bonus points. It may just mean you have to do the EOI from scratch once you get the degree certificate. Also note that if you claim bonus points, it is very likely they will require at least an NZQA pre-assessment (PAR) of your qualifications. This step can be avoided if your current qualification is on the list of approved ones. I thought mine was, only to find out now I had to get NZQA PAR L6 in a hurry, or my EOI will be rejected. NZIS only gave me a month grace period to get the PAR. If I had to do this all over, I would have rather waited for NZQA assessment results before submitting my EOI. Remember that you only have six months to send back your ITA. You do not want unnecessary pressure on yourself while waiting for your certification and/or NZQA.

[5kings]

My hubby is a Graphic Designer with an HND on the accepted quals list.
His job is on ISSL, and his qualification and work experience are also in Graphic Design.
It's so hard to know which route to take, and we are half thinking about coming as visitors then getting work visas and job offers from there. We'd definately do this if it wasn't for the kids, but just worried we wont be able to get them into schools etc without PR.

Thanks for all replies!

Helen