[doctor]

I had interview last week and at that time I was hinted that I may be considered for WTR instead of PR. Today I checked NZIS website. My status is shown as "work visa lodgment date 20th March 2006". At the time of the interview I was also told by CO that if WTR is considered, I will be issued a WTR application to be sent back to NZIS within 3 months. Does this change of status in NZIS website indicate that they are going to mail me WTR application? Has anyone granted WTR instead of PR had a similar experience? Now how long is this WTR application for me to fill?

[bpk]

This may seems dummy, but what you mean by WTR? is it a work visa?

[Neil,Emma & kids]

WTR = Work to Residencey(sp) :nice1

[zardell]

This may seems dummy, but what you mean by WTR? is it a work visa?

A WTR is a Work to Residence Visa.

Basically, once you have had your ITA processed and you have completed your interview, NZIS reserve the right to grant you either a WTR or PR (Permanent Residence Visa)

PR is self explanatory.....you may reside and work in NZ permanently. There are certain rules to abide by I.E You must reside in NZ for 180-odd days per year and neither will you be entitled to claim any state benefits etc for 2 years, but that's about it. (All this is explained in the guide that accompanies your ITA)

WTR however has certain conditions attached to it. When you arrive in NZ on a WTR Visa, not only must you obtain employment within your field (Because you entered through the SKILLED Migrant Category) but you must find that employment within 6 months of arrival and continue with that employ for 3 months and then you may submit your application for PR.

I believe that a WTR is issued if NZIS are not, for whatever reason, totally convinced of your ability to settle in and contribute to NZ.

If I have got any of the above wrong, well I'm sure someone will point that out !!

Hope that helps.......

Julie

xx

[bpk]

well

I got WTR visa within 2 months (including x-mass holiday) without applying for PR. I have a job offer already and I will apply now for PR.

[zardell]

well

I got WTR visa within 2 months (including x-mass holiday) without applying for PR. I have a job offer already and I will apply now for PR.

Yes, I believe there is a type of WTR that's relevant to a person who has a job offer guaranteeing a salary of NZ$45,000 per annum. Something about working for 2 years before being able to apply for PR comes to mind......don't quote me on it, I could be wrong.

Never looked into it personally.

Julie

xx

[Nienke]

When you apply directly for the WTR, you get a visa which is valid for some 30 months, and after 2 years you can apply for pr under a different procedure than the one with submitting ITA's and needing 140 points (you don't need any points for instance, and no IELTS tests are necessary.
But you can, at any time while having a WTR visa, apply for PR under the points system.

[bpk]

When you apply directly for the WTR, you get a visa which is valid for some 30 months, and after 2 years you can apply for pr under a different procedure than the one with submitting ITA's and needing 140 points (you don't need any points for instance, and no IELTS tests are necessary.
But you can, at any time while having a WTR visa, apply for PR under the points system.
Absolutely true

I have asked the immigration office and they informed me that I have two possibilities to get the PR:
1-Either applying at any time within the skilled migrants category, and in this case I have advantage that I have already a permanant job offer, or
2-to wait 2 year and get it without going through the points procedure, :)