[jbharvey]

Hi folks,

Let me first start off by saying this is the most helpful site about immigrating to New Zealand. My wife and I are very excited about making this step. Just so you know, we're starting at the beginning here.

I'm posting because I'd like the community to validate the approach we'd like to take. I think everyone's generous feedback is very useful so we can plan accordingly.

Situation: I am an IT Identity Management professional with over 10 years of experience in the field. I do not have a degree, but I have worked for some of the largest corporations in the United States. I am an expert in my field and have an industry recognized certification (CISSP). I have always been sought after by many companies due to my security and integration skills. I have a very diverse IT background and can fit in to just about any role (management, developer, integrator, administrator, business analyst).

My wife is an artist (also without a degree, but has taken photography and art classes from NYU and has attended the French Culinary Institute in NYC).

We live in Houston, Texas.

Plan 1 - My first plan was to become a skilled migrant worker. Unfortunately, after filling out the EOI, I could only get 75 points. Things like having an employer in NZ or a degree would have put me well over 100. I scored excellent points in long term shortage list and growth areas.

Plan 2 - This is the current plan we're researching. We know that we can both enter the country, since we're from the United States, and stay for up to 3months. I know that I should be able to find a job in the first month or two depending on where we settle. If, for some reason, the IT market turns out to be difficult, I can then apply for a visitor's visa which will grant me 9 more months in New Zealand to find employment. We will be saving for the next 6-7 months and coming over with about $20,000USD to ensure that we have money to live on for at least 6 mos.

Once I find a job, I can say that I am employed in NZ and then get a workers visa, which gives me even more time.

Then once I have the workers visa and have a job I can apply for skilled migrant worker, get the EOI over 100 and continue the process.

Additionally, I can apply for jobs a month in advance of my expected arrival. This will allow me to get the paperwork started for the worker visa and skilled immigrant worker EOI going sooner.

Here are the questions -

1 - Is Plan #1 accurate? I have researched high and low and can't find a way to get more than 100+ points (75 currently) unless I'm living and working in NZ (or have a job offer).

2 - Is Plan #2 the best way for us to go to NZ and work? Can anyone give advice or alternatives?

A concern I have is that I am more easily employable that my wife (Lori). She's an artist who hopes to start a photography and web design business. I think the best bet for her is to arrive on USA passport, get a visitor's visa then ride with me on my skilled migrant worker.

Any and all responses are appreciated, we're glad to be in good company in the forums. You guys are the best.

Justin & Lori

[jo b]

Justin & Lori

welcome to the forum.

I think plan 2 is your best bet but first what I would do is get a feel for the jobs out there, hope I am not teaching my granny to suck eggs here, (.....english expression), by that I mean get your cv to as many emplyers who you think suitable i.e by researching them on the web. Get in touch with as many IT recruitment agencies as possible.

Jon Rimbo did the same as you. He didn't have the right quals but was very good at his job. After a few weeks applying for jobs then following them up by phone calls an then by flying to nz for interviews he landed 3 jobs in 3 weeks Obviously he chose which was best for him. Most companies want to see you in the flesh and like you to be ready to work ASAP, so being there is one of the best options.

I don't think your plan 2 is unworkable many people have got in through that route.

best of luck with your plans and keep us all updated on how you are going on.

Jo

[Moorf]

Hi guys, welcome to the forum :cheers


I agree with Jo B above, plan 2 sounds like the best way in for you guys. That's what we did and it worked out well (hubby also in IT). I think it also gives you a few weeks to look around, check out areas/cities etc whilst job hunting - a real advantage if you haven't been to NZ before or are not familiar with the city you are job hunting in.

Did you know that your wife will automatically get a work visa when you get yours? It will be for the same time period as your work visa.

Hope that helps.

Moorf

[tigerlily]

Welcome welcome!
Sounds like a plan. I would agree that coming over for a visit/interviews/general check out the place is a good idea especially if you have not been to NZ before. IT seems to be a very hot area, so I'm guessing you will land a job before very long. Sounds like you probably are at a high salary in Houston, make sure that the salaries that you would be getting in NZ (and the cost of housing in the major cities) will allow you the lifestyle that you are looking for. Not trying to scare you off, just that it took us a while to really crunch the numbers and see what we are getting into.

Welcome!

[Diny]

Welcome to the forum !!!! I would definately go with plan 2. Haven't taken that route myself but have heard of others doing so and being very succesful.

Feel free to ak the questions ..... there's always an answer lurking somewhre. And if this is the beginning of your immigration journey - hold on - it's one hell of a ride.

All the best.

Diny

[Do B Brief]

No doubt about it! That's what we have done.

EOI is submitted and waiting on ITA.

I am also in IT and had 2 job offers on the same day.

NIKE - Just do it!

[jbharvey]

Wow folks, thanks for the great replies.

We are really heartened with everyone's offer of help and encouragement.

We have a few more questions so I'm going to start a new thread (which I hope is appropriate) rather than reply here since we're changing subjects =)

Thanks again!!

Justin & Lori

[StevieD]

I can only echo what the others have said. To get a handle on the job market, try logging on to http://it.seek.co.nz. Browse the jobs or even sign on to get regular e-mail updates of the jobs available. It will give you an idea of what to expect.

Good luck

Steve - Liverpool.

P.S. If you in Houston, do you remember Ron's bar? A friend of the family, who is now sadly deceased, used to own it. Just a thought.....

[StevieD]

P.S. Welcome to the forum!!!!!!

[leosus]

Hello, Welcome as well. I wanted to offer the Long Term Business Visa (LTBV) as an option for your wife if she is serious, and thinks you two will do OK at this. It can be grueling from what I understand, but it is an option. I just read a book about a couple who did that option because of thier lack of degrees as well.

I am going through a similar situation, although I HAVE visited and I am in love. I am trying my damnedest to get a job offer from over here for April with no visit in between. I have 95 points with no offer. I feel your pain. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Bruckner]

No words of wisdom, just wanted to welcome you to the forum. Husband and I had lunch at Le Ecole once. Maybe your wife was in the kitchen at the time!

Emily

[JohnM]

Can Americans go to NZ on a 3 month visa and then go another 9 months as you said JBharvey? I wasn't aware of that. I would also plan to do your plan B, I'm in IT as well, but struggling to sell real estate in Michigan so I'm trapped still dreaming of NZ and not being able to act. If it ever happens, I will go to NZ on a job hunting/place to live mission, then come back to the States and make a decision whether to take the big leap! If I choose NZ, I plan to just show up and start the job hunting process when I get there.

John

[jbharvey]

Hi John,

Tell me if I'm reading this wrong. From the Immigration website:


And you don’t need a Visitor’s Visa to visit New Zealand if you’re:

* a British citizen or a traveller holding a British passport who has the right to live in the United Kingdom. We may grant you a Visitor’s Permit for up to six months
* visiting New Zealand for no more than three months and you’re:
o travelling on a United Nations laissez-passer
or
o a citizen of a visa free country. Find out if you’re a 'visa free’ visitor.


And:


E2.1.5 People exempt from having to obtain a temporary visa

Immigration Regulations 1999 Schedule 1, Part 1

The following people are exempt from having to obtain a temporary visa:

1. people who hold a current resident return visa issued by the Government of Australia; and
2. people listed in E2.1.10 below; and
3. people listed in the Immigration Regulations 1999 Schedule 1, Part 1B (see below); and

Visits up to 3 months

Citizens of:
United States of America




Can Americans go to NZ on a 3 month visa and then go another 9 months as you said JBharvey? I wasn't aware of that. I would also plan to do your plan B, I'm in IT as well, but struggling to sell real estate in Michigan so I'm trapped still dreaming of NZ and not being able to act. If it ever happens, I will go to NZ on a job hunting/place to live mission, then come back to the States and make a decision whether to take the big leap! If I choose NZ, I plan to just show up and start the job hunting process when I get there.
John

[JohnM]

I think you might be reading it wrong. What you don't need as a US visitor is a paper or electronic visa approved before you leave (Australia still does require it, but my travel agent did it electronically). I went to NZ in January, via OZ, and did not need a visa in hand, just my US passport. Upon arrival in NZ, they simply stamped my passport, BUT, the stamp reads "Visitors Permit - Current for 3 months subject to conditions of visa" AND "You must leave NZ before expiry of your permit or face removal". That's why I brought up the question. I hope I'm wrong, but it seems pretty clear to me. I think UK citizens get the extra 9 months if they want it, not US citizens. By the way, they did not stamp the passport upon departure form NZ, which I thought was odd, but it was because I left well before the 90 days so no need to. Australia stamps you both entering and departing.

Hope this helps.

John

[foolsgold99]

Hi Justin,

Easiest way is to come in with a tourist visa; you'll get a job in a couple of days, IT job market in Auckland is crying out for staff with quals and experience like yours. A 3 month visa is fine, you'll have multiple offers in 3 weeks.

We've been here a few months now (we got Pr becuase of my degree) and I decided to change jobs last week, my skill set is broadly the same as yours. I now have several offers of employment to pick from today.

From what you've said I'd expect you to earn somewhere around $80k, enough for a nice standard of living esp if you're partner works as well.

I have some good contacts with some of the specalist IT recruiters in Auckland, PM me if you want details