[Waters9944]

Hi Guys...Firstly, I'm really grateful for all the info you are all so gracious about sharing here..it's been an eye-opener, and truly invaluable.

I'm not sure which way to go..here's my situation:

According to the NZI Points system, I qualify for a minimum of 131 points, without adding the experience points in the LT skills shortage, Absolute Skills Shortage (in teaching), etc. points. I THINK I should be able to have the 140 points, all told.

So, do you think I should go for the Skilled Migrant Visa and look for work while I'm there, or is it smarter to try to get work from here (the U.S.) first??

Also, I've been considering the a relocation company which claims to help a lot as not only a liaison with NZI, but with in help to find an apartment and such. I can manage the fee, but it is it worth it?

Also, since my trade (for now) is still teaching, am I screwed because of the point of time in this school year? I really don't want to wait to relocate to the start of next year's term.
I am also a skilled artisan, and actually have been moving in that direction professionally...so I can look into that sort of work as well.

Thoughts, PLEASE!!! :confused:

[JandM]

So, do you think I should go for the Skilled Migrant Visa and look for work while I'm there, or is it smarter to try to get work from here (the U.S.) first??

Go for it. If you read older threads on here, you'll see how tough it is for anyone in practically any field to secure a job offer until they're actually on hand in NZ. (NZ employers, even before the current squeeze, have the folklore passing round of being let down over and over by overseas people they'd waited for who didn't, after all, make the move.)

Also, I've been considering the a relocation company which claims to help a lot as not only a liaison with NZI, but with in help to find an apartment and such. I can manage the fee, but it is it worth it?No company has any clout with NZIS. All that they will do is put information on the forms, which they have to get from you in the first place, and send it off together with supporting documentation, which you will also have had to provide. It's probably worth having a try at filling in the forms yourself (you can do it online) to see how you get on. There are a lot of people here who've gone before you who can tell you about their experience if you're in doubt what particular questions want from you.

As to finding an apartment, again, many people here can give you the URLs of estate agents and other businesses, and sometimes even personal recommendations when they know something is about to become available.

If it is possible that you may end up teaching in NZ, even for a short while, you will need to have your qualifications assessed before you're accepted as a fully qualified teacher (at the full rate of pay). Do a Search on teaching, and you'll see other people's experience. This assessment can take a LONG TIME. If you may need this done, start the process sooner rather than later.

How soon you can find work will partly depend on the area you would like to be in. However, people do move house for their partner's job, go on maternity or sick leave, etc., all through the year, so the nearer you are to an urban area with many schools, the more likely you are to get an opening - I wouldn't think there's any need to wait for a year's end. And/But the process of getting PR takes as long as it takes. If you are over there and get a job offer, you could get a work visa to enable you to start while the PR is still being dealt with.

Good luck.:nice1

[Waters9944]

Ah, Gee...THANKS SO MUCH for the quick response.....I am doing a little back-research of earlier posts...this is all so overwhelming!

I'm apologizing in advance if I seem 'thick" about any of this, and may end up reepeating questions that have already been posed.....all this is a lot to handle and process, and I'm doing it alone, so....my brain is smoking a little..... :o

[JandM]

You're welcome. Even the people who seem knowledgeable had to start from zero at some point, so nobody is going to blame you for doing the same in your turn. :nice1