[AlastairUK]

Another question :) Unrelated so thought I'd start a new thread.

Is there any defining factor of whether they'll give you PR as opposed to WTR?

Basically I've been freelancing for a number of years, and had plans to continue this or to contract for a short while when I arrive in NZ (if all goes to plan) to check out the area, get myself settled and so on. I do have long term plans to find a company to work for and establish myself with. If I was to suggest this was my plan, could I endanger my application? Should I be going over with the mindset of getting a permanent job from the off and telling INZ that this is my plan?

[JandL]

There are many many posts with the same question, and all have the same answer :), we don't know. It's your ability to integrate with the country, so should cover your knowledge of NZ, salaries for your area, house prices, if you have a support network (family friends), if you have visited or lived in another country/been in a comparable situation, ability to communicate etc etc. Dunno which are defining, personally I think communication and support network will be high in the list.

Applying for PR without a job offer, if you are accepted you can take any job. The fact that you have a realistic plan is likely more points to you then attempting to placate them with answers that they want to hear.

[AlastairUK]

Thanks for your reply, appreciate the feedback! Luckily due to the kind of work I do, I'm in a lucky position that even in these times of economic hardship, there's still plenty of work in my industry (web development) and so finding work is not going to be that difficult. I think I'll just have to go with my original plans and hopefully try and prove to them I'm a risk worth betting on :)