[Dozzer]

Hi all,

We are considering going to NZ as a visitor (6 months) and finding a job, then getting a work permit.

Is this an acceptable way to do things ?

Also when I've got a job.. then apply for PR or WTR visa.

Any input on this ?

regards,

Doz

[Avalon]

Many people do this. Although I think Techncally you are not supposed to do it (according to the NZIS peopel at the roadshows).

Just dont say to the immigration office at the airport that you are going to look for work ;)

Also - bear in mind that you can actually apply for a 9 month visitors visa if you think that would help.

[Moorf]

We did exactly that. And it worked for us. But we don't have children to consider etc.

[thegatehouse]

Hi Doz

I am doing that right now. I am in Auckland and have got a job offer. I submitted the visa/permit forms last Friday (24 Mar). Hope to hear in a few weeks time. PM me if I can give you any more info.

Bruce

[Mal]

Me and my partner are doing the same in June. Went on a 3 month visit at the end of last year and fell in love with the country.

I have been told also that it is best not to get onto the system with NZIS, as it may flag you when you come to apply for a work permit. Not sure how much truth there is in that, but I have not given my name to be on the safe side.

Another of my worries was trying to explain why I was 'on holiday' with my birth certificate and medical records to the immigration service at the airport. Was advised to have them forwarded on by a courier when I was out there.

[Moorf]

We had already submitted our EOI, and had been selected, before we left UK to arrive in NZ on visitors visa's. It didn't appear that we were flagged on arrival, although if we had been I would simply have told them we were scoping out the country before we proceeded to PR.

We completed the process through to PR whilst in NZ whilst still on our visitors visa. When at the immigration office with Woz's job offer he simply said that we'd found jobs whilst on our recce and so wished to stay and complete the process, we had no problems doing this and immigration was completely aware of what we were doing. As long as you don't intend to "overstay" they were quite happy with us "job hunting" whilst here. If you come through customs with everything including the kitchen sink, on a visitors visa, that might flag you up!!

We sent our residency/eoi application and documents such as birth certs etc to a friend in NZ via registered mail to avoid having them at customs.

[foolsgold99]

Just bear in mind, they actually are very keen for people to move to NZ. Countries are in a frantic competition for skilled people. They're not going to put hurdles in your way without very good reason

[Singel]

Another of my worries was trying to explain why I was 'on holiday' with my birth certificate and medical records to the immigration service at the airport. Was advised to have them forwarded on by a courier when I was out there.
We have no friends or relatives in NZ and we arrived at the airport custom, pretending we are here 'on holidays' :D (actually looking for jobs ;) ) We have our birth certificates and medical records in our hand luggages. We even pack our desk top computer in our 2 large suitcases. We just show our returned air-tickets and explain to the custom staff why we stay here for 3 months (our maximum limit). So we go through the border check without any problem.

I remember there is a TV programme last year about border control at the NZ airport. There is an American guy who arrived with 11 large suitcases and he told the custom people that he is here on holidays. The custom staff do not believe him and rejected his entry, so he was put on the next flight out of NZ.