[jasonhess]

My g/f and I would like to move to NZ (that's pretty obvious since I'm here on this forum). She works from home and can keep her job whereever. I'm an IT guy for over 10 years now, but no degee. I have several industry recognized certifications. I have some college work done and open to the idea of going back to school, but it would take 2+ years for a bachlors degree.
We have talked about getting married and if that would help with the immigration process, we'll do it sooner rather then later. I own (mortgage) a place in florida that is currently rented out and we are renting a place here in iowa. I'm 3 months into a 6 month contract, but it will likely get extended if I want it to.
I'm hoping there is a fellow techie out there that can help me clear up some things on the EOI. In particular how to get points for my certifications and or years of experience. Also, should we get married before even submitting the EOI or is it no big deal?
thanks all!
Jason

[jasonhess]

oh I've thought of another question already. The proof I can speak English? uhhh.. is it ok to just say "other" and explain it's my native language from the USA?

[Ana&Steve]

Hi Jason and welcome!
Unfortunately you are in the same boat as a bunch of people on here; 10+ years of IT but no Bachelors. If you have/can get your Associates it's good for 50 on the EOI. All schooling has to be assessed by the NZQA before claiming points. I don't know if industry certifications will help. There are still options: one is to procure a job offer in NZ from the States, not easy but your certs may help; another is to go on a visitors visa and find employment. Either way, you must have a work permit in hand before starting work in NZ.
There is no benefit to getting married for immigration to NZ, just for love:)
oh I've thought of another question already. The proof I can speak English? uhhh.. is it ok to just say "other" and explain it's my native language from the USA?
Yep:nice1

[jasonhess]

" to NZ, just for love"
hah.. of course.. just do I spend the $$ on a ring or on getting the cat to NZ? lol (that's not a real question.. just meant we need to set our priorities)

[BkyMonster]

Nah, marriage doesn't matter as long a you can prove you've been living in a stable and genuine relationship for more than 12 months. This includes rental agreements, utility bills, photos of you together, travel together...you get the idea.
Industry certifications aren't going to be worth anything (generally, there may be exceptions but I'm not aware of them), but you can claim points for experience.
If your girlfriend has a degree it will also give you points. If she has a degree it may also give you points to have her be the primary applicant. If not, your best bet is probably to try and get a job offer if you don't have enough points and aren't likely to get more. NZ companies are more likely to offer you a job if you are available for an in person interview. Other than that there are lots of threads on hunting for jobs while outside NZ.
Good luck :)

[Ana&Steve]

do I spend the $$ on a ring or on getting the cat to NZ? lol
Honestly I'd prefer the cat:D

[BodaciousBean]

Hi there,

My husband and I fell into the same trap. He has been working with computers for 17+ years, no degree, some college but has some certifications from workshops and whatnot. They did not count for anything. If you do not have a degree, you cannot claim bonus points with your work experience. With that, we had too little points so I had to be the principle applicant. I have a Master's and have been working in my field for nearly six years.

As far as claiming points for your certifications, you may need to have a NZQA done, which I am not too familiar with. I am sure others can delve into that more. :) Getting married will not necessarily speed up the process. You just need to be able to provide evidence that you and your GF have had a stable, genuine relationship for the last 12 months. They call it a del facto relationship, I believe. This can include providing joint rent/mortgage papers, shared utility bills, pictures, letters from people whom know you best backing up your relationship and so forth. But you do not have to provide that evidence until you are invited to apply for residence.

What I would do first is research the NZQA first, find out of you need to do one, get that out the way and then do an EOI. I have read an NZQA can several weeks to process, perhaps longer. There is a place on the EOI where an applicant fills out the NZQA info if he/she had to do one.

Hope this helps. Good luck! :nice1