[edsinclair]

Hi, I have been reading the forum for the last 2 years and have really learned a lot from all the helpful people here. I could use some advice on visas.

We are US citizens and we are going to NZ on vacation and will be looking for jobs while we are over there. From what I have read we are not required to get a tourist visa for stays of less than 3 mos.

My question is: Will we have trouble if we are offered jobs while in NZ and then apply for a working visa and then apply for PR from within NZ without first having come on a tourist visa?

I don't want to spend the money on tourist visas for our entire family if we really don't need them...but I really want to make sure we do it right and not get into trouble.

[Questor]

As far as I know - as long as you don't actually work before getting a visa, you should be fine

[edsinclair]

Do you mean start my job before receiving a work visa from within NZ?
So, I can apply for a work permit/visa even if I've entered the country without a tourist visa?

[ruthyroo]

Hi Ed

"So, I can apply for a work permit/visa even if I've entered the country without a tourist visa?"

I can only inform from the UK persective but tourist visas / permits are generally issued on arrival in New Zealand, and you don't pay for them. You arrive at airport / immigration and they basically stamp your passport to say that you can stay for (6 months for UK people) 3 months of that date - as long as you have an onward / return ticket. So the tourist visa is not something that you buy in advance anyway. Basically, everyone that arrives as a visitor (and promises faithfully not to work at that time) is issued a visitor visa / permit on the spot when you pass through immigration.

Many people on this forum have arrived in NZ on tourist / visitor visas, then found a job offer and then applied for WP / PR. There is nothing wrong with this - but you cannot then start work until your WP / PR has been approved - so make sure you have all your paperwork with you!

HTH

[tigerlily]

...tourist visas / permits are generally issued on arrival in New Zealand, and you don't pay for them. You arrive at airport / immigration and they basically stamp your passport to say that you can stay...

This was our experience. As an US citizen, they stamp your passport on arrival with your tourist visa. If you just happen to be offered work while you are there, great. But you are there for a holiday so that is your purpose as you enter the country.

[edsinclair]

Thanks Questor, Ruthyroo, & Tigerlily for your helpful replies!