[np2nz]

I have been trying to understand why somebody is given WTR while going through the skilled migrant category (SMC) instead of a straight PR. I know there is no set rule (or none of us know about it) on how they determine, but after reading many posts and looking at many timelines, I have come to a conclusion that under the following conditions, you will be given WTR over PR.

a) No job offer
b) No relative(s) in NZ
c) Never been to NZ and
d) A non native speaker of English

Please let me know if there is somebody in this forum or somebody you know who was able to get a straight PR while lacking all of the points above. Thanks.

[rizjunior]

Well, there are people who got PR without job offer, non-native english speaker may be a reason but in my view as long as he/she is communicating excellent, this may not be a reason.

What I am worried about is that current economic recession may result a large no of WTR visas rather than PR, don't know if someone else shares this concern with me or not but I have a strong feeling.

By the way a secondary question which is somewhat out of context, once WTR visa is granted, the person has towork for three months to get PR. Does this job has to be from NZ accredited employer? or anyone will do it.

[victoria24]

anyone will do, the conditions are on the section 18a

[TJH]

I have been reading this forum since 2005 and I have noticed a few trends in regards to WTR vs. PR based on what people have posted regarding their personal experiences. Whether or not these observations have any truth is unknown, it is just based on what I have read from other people's posts on here over the past 4 years.

It seems that most people that natives of English speaking countries, ie the UK, USA and S. Africa are usually given PR over WTR (of course this is not always the case). This is regardless of whether you have ever been to NZ or have relatives in NZ. Case in point, we have never been there, do not have a job offer, and have no relatives there, and received PR with no issues. We are not the only ones on the forums with the same situation that have had no issues getting PR over WTR.

If you are not a native of an English speaking country, it seems that you have a higher chance of getting WTR over PR than if you were from one of those countries. This could be for a variety of factors, but is probably linked to INZ's view of the applicant's ability to successfully permanently settle in NZ. Again this is not always the case.

Am I the only one on the forums that thinks that this is happening, or am I missing something?

[batgirl1001]

I suppose you are right. I think they probably weigh in your ability to successfully settle into NZ as the main indicator of giving you PR or WTR.

Applicants from English-speaking countries are naturally favoured over those from Asian or non-English speaking countries who may have trouble assimilating into the lifestyle and culture and it most certainly helps if you have some form of ties to NZ; like a relative or have been there before either to work, study or visit.

I suspect they also go by data which shows which migrants from certain countries are able to successfully fit in and those which have a high rate of failure as part and parcel of their analysis. Given the recession now and a new political party at the helm, I think they are more cautious now than ever.

[udang]

I believe it's all about communication skill. Communication skill is crucial to get a professional job. We are talking about SMC aren't we? Applicants from English speaking countries have an added edge in terms of communications, which if linked to the ability to find a professional job, is directly linked to the ability to settle in NZ successfully. Which means if an applicant can communicate well in English, being from a non-English speaking country should not be a reason for getting a WTR instead of PR. NZIS is probably more interested to know if an applicant can successfully settle in NZ.

[Syed]

a) No job offer
is the main issue.
INZ also consider if you have ever lived in an other country and worked their successfully. I think we have Asians members here with PR and British/USA/SA/Canadian members with WTR.

Ian99 : comment please!

[IanW99]

Well, from the residence manual it states what 'rules' the CO will follow:-
a. Assessment of whether a principal applicant* can otherwise demonstrate an ability or can realise their potential to settle in and contribute to New Zealand will be based on:
i information obtained during a structured interview with the principal applicant* and if required, other family members included in the application; and
ii all other information contained in the application for residence; and
iii any further verification of the application (including information provided at interview).
b. That assessment will include consideration of the following factors:
i employment prospects;
ii familiarity with New Zealand and preparedness for settlement of the principal applicant* and, where relevant, the partner and dependent children included in the application; and
iii linkages and support in New Zealand, through networks and family.
c. If a visa or immigration officer assesses that a principal applicant* has not demonstrated the ability to successfully settle and contribute but can realise their potential to successfully settle in and contribute to New Zealand the principal applicant* will be eligible for the issue and/or grant of a work visa and/or permit (subject to the requirements of WR6 being met) to enable them to realise their potential by obtaining an offer of skilled employment (see SM7) in New Zealand.

It is interesting to note that most posters on this thread, believe that non-native English speakers would be at a disadvantage.

Yet to apply for PR you already have to prove an acceptable level of English, and as you can see from the rules, it doesn't appear to be a factor in the decision for PR or WTR.

And before anyone disagree, yes IMO I'm sure that the ability to successfully communicate with the CO during the interview will have some bearing on the outcome (but clearly not the primary reason).

Ian

[Kalla]

hi

i don't have the answer but just from observing things on this forum it appears that the WTR applications seem to be coming mostly from NZIS branches in places like beijing or shanghai which would tie in with what previous poster said however, this might be slightly misleading because we don't know how many people get WTR from london branch but who don't post their stories here.

i think no job is the major thing and then after that, they will assess if you have the ability to get a job relatively easily and so again ties in with what previous posters have said ie abiltiy to communicate in english language, work experience, whether you know what you're getting yourself into ie how researched you are and how realistic you are with regards to time it will take to find a job/money to support yourself etc. maybe having relatives there or been there before has a slight sway but I would say mainly ability to find employment and settle into the culture of NZ.

and perhaps just a little bit depends on the case officer you get and how she/he feels on the day of interview. Generous or picky!!

[np2nz]

Case in point, we have never been there, do not have a job offer, and have no relatives there, and received PR with no issues.

You must be a native English speaker. So, you had one of the four points I came up with. That must have been a very strong reason you were given PR. By the way, congratulations to you on getting a PR visa.

[np2nz]

I was not saying that your PR is guaranteed if you have one or more of the four attributes I came up with. You still might get a WTR after having one or all, but if you lack all four at the same time, it is pretty much guaranteed that you will be given WTR (in my opinion).

I have yet to meet or hear about somebody who was able to get a PR despite lacking all the four attributes. I am one of them who lack those attributes and if I can find one success story, which would give me a big boost. Thanks.

[johanpet]

Is there not also an issue when one need to register with some athorities as EWRB.? I believe one only get provisional registration if not in NZ and this does not qualify you for PR. NZIS will then only issue WTR. One have then get to NZ in 3 months, find a job, write an exam and can then only apply for PR.
Maybe those that is in NZ already and had to go through a registering process can help.