[Manks]

So, we're here on our holiday/recce in NZ (currently in the peeing rain in Hanmer Springs!).

Been thinking about the potential move and exchanging emails with the company I've been talking to about the opening they have considered me for.

It is looking like a 9-12 month contract as opposed to a permanent job. They also don't "generally" offer relocation assistance, even internationally. So, it would be a big step, and big risk, to spend our savings to transfer ourselves and our pooch all the way to NZ for the possibility of just one year. But then it could also turn into so much more. If we went for it, I would ask for them to at least pay our our fares over (well, they are an airline!!) and see what they say - they can only turn us down!

So we're generally completely confuddled now! I know that a lot of other people move over with a lot less than even a 9-12 month contract offer, but it is a huge risk. And we've been talking about doing it anyway, so does it make sense to do it while we've got that 9-12 month cushion? We're not generally risk takers, but this would be almost a dream job for me. So while last night I was thinking negatively, this morning I'm kind of saying "what the hell?"

Does anyone know if having a job offer on a short-term contract like this will mean that I wouldn't get PR through the SMC?

Thanks all :) Off to the thermal pools now for a soak ;)

[nickiware]

Hi My oh didnt even have an offer and we got PR, he got a short term contract after 2wks being here, do you have enough points without job offer?

[Leo]

Certainly appears to be a wee bit of a gamble, doesn't it?

Hopefully, a soothing soak in the thermal pool will help clarify your thoughts :)

Yours is indeed an enviable position to be in because many folks out there (... including yours truly) are still trying really hard to land a job towards satisfying the requirements of NZ work permit/Residency! :wah

[Manks]

Thanks guys. After our massage and soak :D we tossed a coin for it, even though I'd told hubby what I thought (as in what the hell!). The coin toss said come out here! Although I've still got to get confirmation about the job.

Nickiware - I would have enough points on SMC without a job offer (abour 135 IIRC) so maybe it wouldn't affect my application. We really need PR coz hubby wants to work for the police or fire service.

Leo - you're right, and as I said, so many people make the move even without this type of offer, so we really would be privileged. And if we were thinking of doing it anyway, this would seem like the ideal time.

Thanks for helping put things in perspective! Off to Greymouth today to sample some Monteith's brew ;)

[Duncan74]

No need for a permanent contract for PR, but a 9 month contract wouldn't be applicable, so you may still apply for Skilled Migrant, but it would be on the 'slow' path I think, ie 6 months ish. You'd get a work visa before then so you could go out there, but obviously from what you say then your OH wouldn't be able to work if they require PR for applicants. I think. But check all of this on the NZIS website.

[nickiware]

Just a thought but when we put in our application I am sure there was a paragraph saying if you get a job offer forward it and your application moves a bit quicker, good luck, we were lucky enough to have some savings to fall back on if OH didnt get job. He just wanted the freedom to look around for a job once here, rather than be tied to an employer with job offer.

[Manks]

Just FYI to answer one of the questions I asked about a short-term contract affecting my SMC status.

We visited the NZIS office in Queenstown while we were there. They couldn't answer anything for definite, but it appears that a job offer is a job offer, regardless of length of contract. If you have an offer for work of 12 months or more, you get 60 bonus points. If it's less than 12 months, you get 50 points. So both even if it's a 9-month contract, it would still rocket me well above the 140-point threshold that I'm so close to anyway. I'm assuming then, that a job offer of any sort would qualify for fast-track. Here's hoping!

[Suniel]

It's similar to how things are forming at my end, I've my application for PR and just few days back received an offer...(though I'd say I have been dreaming for this role), on the other hand its a contract role...(there's no mention of relocation etc etc exactly same as you) and it would mean moving from London to NZ...packing, flying with OH, moving our little four legged son...woah!! its a long list. I have also left a word with my prospective employer on air-fare to be the least... as its a holiday on monday, I will get an update by tuesday. Nevertheless, wishing you the best too.


Cheers

[KelvinAng]

If you have an offer for work of 12 months or more, you get 60 bonus points. If it's less than 12 months, you get 50 points.

Interesting... When I applied for residency last June I was told my 6-month contract in IT was deemed "unsustainable employment" and for the purpose of residency application it was of no use. I was then later offered permanent employment so it became a non-issue. Things may have changed since.

[Manks]

Interesting... When I applied for residency last June I was told my 6-month contract in IT was deemed "unsustainable employment" and for the purpose of residency application it was of no use. I was then later offered permanent employment so it became a non-issue. Things may have changed since.

Maybe your experience is more accurate as the officer did admit that they don't deal with PR applications at that office, so they had to look it up on their website. I guess only time may tell.

[Manks]

Suniel - wishing you the best too.

Well, I've just registered on the NZIS website and filled in the majority (missing some minor details) and I only have 105 points without the job offer :wah so it isn't as good as I thought it was :( I don't know how I got it so wrong previously! Maybe it's because I've looked into it in more detail and know what each section means? Is it still worth applying and then update the EOI if/when the job offer comes? Is there any chance we'll be picked before a job offer comes?

[JandM]

100 and over can get picked, and forumites HAVE been picked with 105. If you update with a job offer, the points are immediately bumped up and your application is dealt with as a priority (and/or you're issued with a WP to enable you to start).

[Suniel]

That's right, I have 105 points (though it was a bit high when I applied in Mar'08 as I got some points for being under 29.. <on the margin though> and later it was deducted ...LOL). I'd say its a gamble, just a few days back I saw someone's post of EOI not being selected for 115 points (not sure but pls check along the forum). I consider myself a bit lucky atleast on this front. Its totally your call. I'd say take up the offer and sail to the NZ shores and once you know the ground reality apply EOI and get it done faster.

Its just a matter of 2-3 months wait either at the beginning or at a later stage, atleast you'll have the country explored and a job at hand....but but but... please consult your heart before taking the decision, I might be over-rationalizing and looking at my greener pastures. (I've still not been there)

All the best mate.

Cheers,