[kbeisel]

I'm an American who has recently felt a strong pull to start a particular business in Auckland. I've been interested in New Zealand since I was a young child, and I'm ready for this adventure.

I'd like to be in New Zealand by this summer. I have a solid business plan for a business identical to a very successful one that I ran in the States and I am certain of its success and positive impact on the quality of life for Aucklanders. However, I have read that the LTBV takes 6-12 months, which would land me in New Zealand no sooner than August. I'd like to be there in May.

Question: are there faster ways to go about this?

Is it permissible to start a business while visiting New Zealand as a tourist? I know that I am limited to 3 months. Or do I have to get the LTBV before I even start? If I am allowed to start a business, is a LTBP faster?

Would I be allowed to start the business while carrying another type of visa, such as worker or student visa?

Lastly, are there any ways to speed up the process of getting a LTBV?

Thank you all for any insight you might have.

[JandM]

Question: are there faster ways to go about this?As far as I know, no.

Is it permissible to start a business while visiting New Zealand as a tourist?No, this isn't legal.

Or do I have to get the LTBV before I even start? If I am allowed to start a business, is a LTBP faster?The visa is what allows you to travel to NZ, and the permit is the stamp placed in your passport on arrival, allowing you to carry out whatever activity you're in the country for. So you'd only get the LTBP on its own if initially you had come for some other purpose (so, on a different visa), and then successfully applied for permission to change the basis upon which you were in the country.

Would I be allowed to start the business while carrying another type of visa, such as worker or student visa?If you had been awarded unconditional PR (permanent residence) you could do so, but you'd have to have qualified somehow for that, e.g. by being a skilled migrant, and that's no easier or quicker than the business visa. Work visas are all linked to specific work, and you have to do that work to fulfil the terms of the visa.

Lastly, are there any ways to speed up the process of getting a LTBV?Only to prepare your application extremely carefully, making sure you've supplied all supporting paperwork. All this bureaucracy takes as long as it takes. The time estimates given are only approximate, and sometimes turn out to be very optimistic.

[kbeisel]

Thank you JandM. That is useful information.

[Bobbysox]

Hello there.
The whole LTBV process is dependant on a good business plan, and lots of research, but it seems like you have that in hand already.
Just to give you some hope of a speedy result............
We came to NZ from UK in Feb 08 on a LTBV, our application was dealt with by the Business Migration Branch in Wellington, they were quoting 3-6 months processing time when we submitted our application. They will only start looking at it after they have been paid, we paid by credit card and then we sat back and waited patiently. To our complete surprise we received an email 13 days later stating we had been granted our visa !!!!!!! :clap
So it is possible to get through the system quickly, might be an idea to phone them at the BMB and ask them what the current processing timeframe is, the website does not seem to be updated with this info. I assume that application from US will also be dealt with there. So here is the contact info for them.

Business Migration Branch
Department of Labour | Te Tari Mahi
Level 3, Solnet House, 70 The Terrace | PO Box 3705 | Wellington | New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 910 5415 | Fax: +64 4 801 2928
Good luck with your application and please contact me if you need anything further
Rob.

[winka]

Good luck with that mate, I hope it comes together for you.
Always great to see ambition!

[kbeisel]

Thanks, Bobbysox! It is interesting that I have been thinking all this week of ways to speed up the process and really started to believe there had to be a way. There are always options. My business plan is spectacular. I know anyone who reviews it will become as excited as I am for me to open shop in Auckland! I will call Wellington on Monday to get a clearer picture.

Thanks, Winka, I am very much looking forward to my New Zealand experience. :)

[veronica]

It would probably help to put that its time sensitive in your covering letter. by the way how old are you, cos I think under 35 can get a bunac working holiday visa and under 30 a normal holiday working visa.

[JandM]

But do you think the OP would be able to start a business while on a working holiday visa? I've never heard of it being done.

[kbeisel]

After some more research and some communications with the Immigration office, I have decided not to pursue a LTBV initially, but instead residency under the Skilled Migrant Category. It turns out I have 175 "points" due to my degree in computer science and 10+ years of being a professional software engineer. This is a more flexible option than the LTBV. I may apply for the LTBV later as a backup.

Also, I have confirmed that I cannot start a business while on a visitor's visa. I have to either have a LTBV or be awarded residency.

In the mean time, unfortunately, I've misplaced my passport and have to get a new one. Sadly, this will add several weeks to the process. But I'm making my way...

BTW, I am 34 years old.

[kbeisel]

It appears the paper point self-assessment form isn't completely clear. It appears one doesn't get points for having qualifications and experience in BOTH long-term growth and absolute shortage skills does, and the "skilled employment" section is for New Zealand employment only. Using the online form, I only have 130 points -- 10 points shy of automatic selection.

[Ana&Steve]

If you qualify for bonus points for work experience, you have a very good chance of selection. Is your degree a Bachelor's? That combined/with your 10 years experience is enough for bonus points if your 10 yrs is relevant to your degree. Take a peak at the "latest news" link on the Immigrate NZ site then find the "New Zealand Residence Programme – Skilled Migrant Category fortnightly selection" to see who's being selected.

[kbeisel]

That is good to know. It looks like my chances are good then.

I've taken the first step in the process (at least for me) of getting my passport in order, and just got an email from my birth state that my birth certificate for my passport is on the way and should arrive today! :)

I've also told my dad about my plans to move and he is very excited, as are most of my friends. It is see my family and friends excited for me! I'm 34 years old but this whole thing feels like I did when I was off to college at age 18!

[Bobbysox]

Good luck with your plans, hope it all works out for you.