[coconut]

I already have a question burning away.

I'm curious, if I get into NZ because I have a skill listed on one of those skill shortage lists...does that mean that I have to take a job in that field? Assuming I don't have a job when I get all the paper work done.

The situation is that I have 20 years experience in one career and although its great money and often in demand, I was hoping to switch careers at some point because it just doesn't have the appeal anymore. Not sure if anyone can relate.

At what point can I move onto another unrelated career? :) Totally unrelated...like slicing meat in a deli or sculpting balloon animals at kids parties.

Thanks in advance.

[JandM]

If you are granted straight PR, there are no restrictions on what you work at (or even if you work at all - but then how you support yourself would be another issue).

If you are granted PR on the basis that your application includes points for a job offer, the PR will include a clause 18A, which states Holder must take up offer of employment within 3 months of the grant of the first residence permit and remain in that employment for a period of at least 3 months. Once you've fulfilled the terms of the condition, you take your passport along to an NZIS office with a letter from your employer stating that you're an employee who has been working there for three months, and a new, conditionless PR is granted.

However, if you apply for PR, claiming the points for the skills/qualifications of the career you're fed up with, and you don't have a job offer, you will be interviewed by a CO to determine how much you know about NZ life and work and how likely you are to settle, and for that you are going to have to decide on the attitude you will take. If you said, 'Oh, yes, I know I can easily get a job as an xyz that is on the list - they're crying out for them. But I really hate it and I'd rather be a balloon sculptor,' you may get full marks for honesty, but probably not PR on that basis.