[richardh]

I have a question for those who have looked to make the move to NZ based on their IT professional skils. Basically is there any way to work around the "major in CS or IT" requirement that has been put on the IT professional skills? I have BS degrees in Biology and Biochemistry, MSc in Biological sciences. From there I started doing Bioinformatics support, then into Senior level IT support for over 6 years. The skills are definately there, but if you go back 10+ years my degree qualification isn't in CompSci.

So, is there any flexiblilty here when applying without a open job offer? Does the situation change if I do have a job offer? Basically I am having a hard time believing that 6 years running a successful dotcom as the Senior IT person counts for nothing...

Advice appreciated.

Thanks,

-Richard

[Smiler]

Hi Richard

I'll answer this as best I can. OH's experience/skills for the last 15 years are all IT but his phD is in genetics and he has an MBA too.

He listed all his relevant work experience in IT but the phD still counted for more.

With all this we had 120+ points (but I can double check) and we did get pr with contract job offer in the end.

How many points are you up to? Have you put in your EOI?

Deborah

[richardh]

Counting my work experience as "counting" even though I don't have a major in IT/CompSci and with my partner's PhD we are up to 130 pts. Sent off EOI in this "hopeful" state today with the idea that if it doesn't count this will be the sure way to find it out. :roll But I would hate to waste a lot of time only to have NZIS tell me I don't have any applicable professional skills.

It sounds like you were allowed the IT skills points even with the degrees in other areas. When did you submit? Seems that rules have been changing over the last few years.

-Richard

[Mike & Nicola]

Richard, fear not!

I have worked in IT for 6yrs (got points for that) but my degree was in Biology (got points for that) 115 in total.

I know it says you must have an IT degree for you to be able to claim these points, but the reality of the matter is completely different.

Put your EOI and you'll be fine - goodluck

PS - just over 3 weeks til we fly off :cool:

[richardh]

Wow.. that is some of the best news I have heard all week. Almost an exact match with Biology/IT switch in both of our cases. :)

-Richard

[Avalon]

I know the others have answered this - but my OH too came in with IT skills and his degree is in astrophysics.

If I remember rightly - your work experience has to match the skill you are coming in on - so you cant claim points for work experience if you spent 10 years working packing smarties, if you want to come in on IT skills. But the qulification just need to be a degree or comparitive level - not specifially in IT.(though just read the previous post again - which suggests that this is wrong -I do have a brain like a sieve these days -but I do know Alan got points for the degree. )

Beside - how many people do get work in thier degree field - im one of very few people I know how do it.

Good luck with the process!

[zardell]

Hi.

Cant help you with your specific question, but just wanted to wish you 'good luck'. I'm sure you'll be fine.

I assume that the NZIS have guidelines and regulations that they must follow and enforce for every skilled application ,however every case is individual and holds its own merits (and idiosyncrasies) so therefor they surely must be assessed as such.

Ty not to worry too much..........you'll be right in the end.

x

[Aydon]

My BA was in Business Studies, but I "majored" in IT in the 4th year. However, at interview, they removed the points I claimed for having an IT degree as they required Comp Sci or some other IT-related degree. Luckily I had enough points without it as I had 10+ years experience in the IT industry.

[Debbie]

Hi there,
Hope your EOI goes well for you. Like Avalon suggested I claimed pointed for my degree as it was from one of the recognised universities on their list and then claimed points for my yrs experience in social work, the skill I was entering in under. My degree has nothing to do with social work BUT in order to claim the work experience I had to prove the relevant social work qualification. Either way you only have to get over 100 points,at the moment. You don't get preferential treatment for having more points, 105 or 150 makes no odds to NZIS. How does your partner score with the PHd?
I know my OH doesn't have a recognised IT qualification, he has OND but has tons of experience. The agent we used advised that we would have to go via NZQA to use him as the applicant hence I applied.
I don't often suggest people use agents to apply because if you have the confidence and time and this forum I think you can do it yourself, but if there is an issue with the points you are claiming it may be worth considering. PM me if you want feed back on agents.
Debbie

[Questor]

Yeah, many people don't get jobs in their degree area - I only did (Pharmacy) cos there aint much more you can do with a Pharmacy degree!! :D

My OH works in her field - Environmental Science - but she's not enjoying it too much atm and might be on for a career change when we get over to NZ

[richardh]

Thanks again for all of the feedback. It certainly helps make what I was starting to feel was a possible shot in the dark turn back into a a real possibility.

I am sure most of you are familiar with this little rollercoster... this was likely only the little dip before the real loops. :laugh

-Richard