[ulto]

At the moment im in CHCH working in IT as a network/system administrator. I presume that this will come under the Information Technology Specialists in the Long term Skills list.

Also how much will PR cost? Arent the fees divided up into different stages.
Also how long will it take to process. From what I hear about 6 months is average. I hear there is some fast track process but it costs more.

[dusk]

I would havwe thought that's the right category yes

yes it's a multi stage process and there are fees at each stage. I don't know for sure what the current fees are in NZD but they should all be lsited on the INZ website if no one else knows offhand either :)

The processing time varies wildly, depending on how busy the immigration staff are and how simple or complex your case is, so it's hard to give even a vague response to this I'm afraid :)

[CJ22]

I don't think there's a fast-track process you can pay extra for, that would be against the principles of fair treatment, I suspect. There are other form of permit that can be quicker, of course, but ultimately if you wish to stay you have to get PR.

[tim&em]

When we applied there was a 'fast-track' for NZQA qualifications assessment, but not for the actual NZIS application.

I believe if you actually have a job offer or imminent start date, or indeed are working in NZ already it can be quicker than applying for PR from abroad without any definite timescales, but I don't think it's guaranteed...

There will definitely be other people on this forum who know more about this.

[ulto]

Thanks for the info.

I think it costs 1400 to have the ITA part. Do you know how much it costs to do the EOI part? I'm in 2 minds about this.

My other half has a gaurantee of getting a year extra work visa. Can I get on this visa aswell. We are not married or anything but been going out for the last few years.

[BkyMonster]

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/worktoresidence/LinkAdministration/ToolboxLinks/officeandfeescalculator.htm?level=1

It should be a bit between EOI and ITA. Enough to save up for the ITA. After the ITA and residency is approved you'll need to pay the migrant levy as well.
You may be able to get in on your OH's work visa with a sponsorship form but probably just better to go for residency as that will cost as well.

[ulto]

Cheers for the link.

Can someone tell me what the difference is between a Recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification (Masters or Doctorate) or just a normal qualification. Are the recognised qualifications the one listed as recognised on the website or one that you have to actaually graduate with in NZ.

[BkyMonster]

A recognized NZ qualification is one obtained in NZ. You can leave that section blank unless you do have a qualification obtained in NZ.

There are qualifications that do not need NZQA approval from approved institutions and can be found here (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/formsandfees/formsandguides/lorq) (though honestly, with a job on the LTSSL and a partner with a job you shouldn't need the extra points gained by NZQA assessment if your institution isn't on the recognized list)
As you are also not in Auckland that is worth extra points as well. Your application, should you submit it, will not need too much extra work from you unless there are medical issues.

[JandM]

We are not married or anything but been going out for the last few years. The partnership route is available for couples who can prove they have been living together for a minimum of a year.

[ulto]

Thanks for all the replies. Almost have the stuff sorted out.

One last thing, how much does it cost to get a partnership visa?

[phdpr2008]

Thanks for all the replies. Almost have the stuff sorted out.

One last thing, how much does it cost to get a partnership visa?

Work Permit - Partnership - 280 NZD
Work Visa - Partnership - 280 NZD

If you are not planning to go overseas before your PR has been granted, you may then not need to apply for Visa just Permit is enough.

Hope this helps.

[ulto]

Right so I am now filling out the EOI bit by bit.

At the moment I only have a temp contract, it ends in December 09. Will that blow me out of the water regarding claiming points for being in a skilled employment? Will it have to be a permanent contract to be valid?

Also what did ye guys write when they asked "Please indicate why your job is skilled"

I have a few years experience in that environment, plus masters etc. Is that all I have to say or do I have to me much more granular describing day to day tasks?

Because I'm in IT I qualify (I think) for bonus points for being in a "identified future growth areas". I also qualify (I think) for bonus points for being skilled in a "areas of absolute skills shortage". Can I say yes to both?

By the way the whole visa process will cost me about $2100 + 300 if I want my partner on it as well. For those who want to know. Thing is we have only been living together for about 7 months, but have been together for quite a few years. (We are still young ;)) Is that an issue if i want to get her on my PR as well? We have loads of photos, holidays etc that we can prove we were together.

Thanks for all your help in advance.
Next up will be the qualifications part:wah

The reason I ask so many questions is that I dont want to mess it up and that if I put something down that I am not ment to I dont want them to scrap my EOI thus me having to start and pay for it all over again. How strict are they regarding this?

[BkyMonster]

If you put something down and they feel they need more info they will ask you and you will have chances to provide the information. If you can't prove it to satisfaction then they will take away points, but there's a bit of back and forth before you get to that point. I think scrapping the EOI outright isn't common!
I am not sure on the temporary contract though. I would see if your employer was willing to make it permanent.
I don't remember having to write why employment was skilled, I thought there was a code for your employment type that you put in a little box...? Unless you mean the bottom of the page, I think that is for jobs/job titles that don't fit within the little codes and gives you a chance to explain why your job meets the requirements. I'd just outline some job duties, ie programming, etc.
As for your partner, I'd provide what you have for the whole relationship (even though they like you to be living together for 12 months) and probably by the time they get around to asking for more enough time will have passed, and you can provide them with further information you have collected in the meantime. I think inside NZ the process isn't that fast. :(

[ulto]

Unfortunately my employer cannot say if I will be offered a permanent position. Too early to say but by the time they get to the ITA stage then that time may well have come to pass.

I think I could still get a PR without a job but it would be alot easier If I had one.