[Sarah & Alex]

I was in the unlucky group that had 100 points on the day they changed the rules, so I need a job offer for PR (then I'll have 150 points).

Just had a interview (awaiting the response) but one of the interview pannel was interested in how long the PR visa would take to be granted, luckly one of the people on the interview panel had just been granted PR 2 weeks prior and answered their question but then added "but if we need you to start earlier I believe that you can get a normal 12mth work visa and then you can apply from NZ for the PR".

If I do get the job (thinking positively) and they need me straight away. Has anyone had any experience of applying for PR not have it granted and then apply for a 12mth Work Visa prior to re-applying for PR?? I just wandered whether the NZ immigration had any problems with this approach or whether they would reject the Work Visa as I'd already made a previous application for PR.

In case I'm starting to make a mountain out of a mole hill how long in your experience did it take to process and recieve your PR Visa from selection from the pool (With a Job offer)?

[Mal]

Hi Sarah & Alex,

My situation is slightly different, have job offer starting July 11th but have not yet submitted EOI and don't think it will complete in time so I am applying for a work permit until my PR is completed.

Spoke to the UK helpline and they said the lead time is currently 4-6 weeks.

Can't answer any more of your questions, but hope that helps.

Mal

[Ant&Eve]

I was in a similar situation 12 months ago – got the job offer, returned to the UK to get a work permit processed at New Zealand house (since I was told it would take 2-4 weeks in the UK vs 6-10 weeks if applied for in New Zealand – go figure!).

In the end I was given the work visa there and then from New Zealand house – it took about 30 minutes of which 20 were spent queuing. I then submitted the EOI within a couple of days of getting the work permit.

Certainly this caused me no problems with PR or with the immigration people. If anything I think it helped. These were our timings:

May 5 2005: Accepted job offer in Christchurch
May 10: Returned to UK
May 16: Applied for work visa in London (GBP80)
May 16: Work visa granted/issued. 2 year, money & return flight requirements waived
May 18: Submitted EOI ($240)
May 26: EOI selected (from pool for initial screening)
June 10: Back to New Zealand
June 14: Started work in Christchurch
June 18: Invited to apply for Permanent Residency
July 4: Submitted PM application and had initial meeting with immigration in Christchurch ($660)
Sept 5 2005: Gained PM + 2 year returning residents visa

Good luck with it!

[Simon & Emily]

Hi Sarah and Alex,

I can't offer you any advice, but just wanted to say Welcome Aboard and Good Luck with whatever you end up doing.

Although we have PR and not a working visa, all our dealings with 'the powers that be' were clear and transparent, and they were open and honest with us all the way through. Remember that this country wants you to go over and live in their country - they make it as easy as possible to get good/skilled people to work there. They are all human and will understand the situation, and I've read many times that case officers will do everything possible to get you over in time to start a job with a time limit.

All the best,

Emily

[Sir]

HI All,

Quick question.....need to know if I get a Work visa with Job offer, what visa does my OH have to get in order to be allowed to work in NZ.
1)Can she apply for this here(South Africa) without a job offer,or can this be done in NZ once we arrive there on a visitors visa?
2)Does our child(5 yrs) need to obtain a student visa in order for him to attend school?
looking forwards to you replies :confused:

[Esparton]

Your OH will also get a work visa and it will not be tied to a particular job offer. You children do not need student visas if you are in work visa. You can apply for the visa while you are in NZ, however, it typically takes longer [6-10 weeks]

Cheers