[DejaVoo]

I am under the assumption that if I get my PR or WTR before starting my hard target search for employment, that will add to my attractiveness to a future NZ employer. Does anyone know if it makes any difference to potential employers if your have your WTR or PR first? I have heard that being in NZ for interviews definately increases the chances and I do plan on a recce trip, but I was hoping to have the WTR or PR as well during that trip.

Just wondering :confused:

[JandM]

Yes, almost certainly it will help. NZ employers know that a foreign worker can't start until s/he has PR, WTR or a work permit. If they make a job offer to someone with none of the above, there is going to be at best a delay for the bureaucracy, and at worst, some hindrance that means the candidate doesn't get their permit at all, so the boss is back to square one.

If you turn up actually in NZ to be interviewed, that shows you're serious about the whole thing, and if you've already got the necessary permit in some form, that's another thing to count in your favour.

[IanW99]

Yes, almost certainly it will help. NZ employers know that a foreign worker can't start until s/he has PR, WTR or a work permit. If they make a job offer to someone with none of the above, there is going to be at best a delay for the bureaucracy, and at worst, some hindrance that means the candidate doesn't get their permit at all, so the boss is back to square one.
...


One additional comment, I assume that you mean that you have / will apply for PR and you may be offered an PR->WTR instead.

If you get the WTR then it is only valid for 9 months and some employers don't understand this option so may not want to employ you (as your permit won't be long enough). I believe that you can get a letter from NZIS to explain that on getting a job they will 'upgrade' your WTR to a full PR. But it would be best IMO to make sure that the employer is fully aware of this.

Ian

[Wooly_Cow]

WTR is dependent on employers support so PR is definately a better option.

[M-Squared]

Hey DejaVoo, looks like you're already well on your way to getting PR and YES it will be a big help for your recce as it shows an employer that you're serious! If you can actually stay and start work instead of returning back to the US, then they'll love you even more. :)

[Ash3000]

Pr is no doubt the bettr option but employers will consider you if u r on WTR as well...better than a visitor's permit :D

all the best!! :nice1

[JandM]

WTR is dependent on employers support so PR is definately a better option.There are two kinds of WTR, though - one when you've got a job with an accredited employer, and one that comes when you've applied for PR but they're not certain about you settling, so they give you WTR as a chance to come in and prove yourself. Same name, different processes.

[DejaVoo]

Hey DejaVoo, looks like you're already well on your way to getting PR and YES it will be a big help for your recce as it shows an employer that you're serious! If you can actually stay and start work instead of returning back to the US, then they'll love you even more. :)

Yeah, I am working on the timing of all that. I don't want to leave my current job or sell the house until I know that I have gainful employment in NZ first. I understand that is all wishful thinking, but that is the desired plan thus far. Until I talk to potential employers in NZ I don't want to do anything rash and regrettable. I do plan on the possibility of starting work very shortly after a successful interview (within days or weeks) so that is why I am trying to line up all my duckies prior to my recce. That includes the possibility of me being in NZ for a few months working while OH is back in the US closing up shop.
(And she would just LOVE that scenario :roll)

I am shocked at the number of people on this forum that pick up and emmigrate to NZ without jobs. :eek: At this point I am working on trying to make myself as attractive of a candidate to a future employer as possible while not putting everything on the line.
Am I just fooling myself and using those rose colored specticles again??? :rolleyes:

[JandM]

You're aiming for the best of all possible scenarios. Of course, it's down to you upon how many points of that scenario, and how far, you're willing to compromise. Some of the people whose stories shock you may have started out just like you, but ended up thinking, 'Well, with all those problems, I'm just going to go to NZ anyway...'

[DejaVoo]

So I was just reading some posts and one of them got me thinking...
If I have an Industrial Engineering degree, yet my work experience is in the IT field, will that effect my ITA score or anything??? I kinda figured since I got past the EOI stage that I should be good.