[kiwi zebra]

Hi we need some advice and we hope you can help us. For a long time wanted to emigrate to NZ and finally we are actually going to do something about it. It is difficult to know what you should or shouldn't do in the application process to final settlement therefore we would appreciate any advice that you may wish to offer. For us NZ offers much better opportunities for our children and a much better environment to grow up in. This will be a permanent move for us.

Briefly about ourselves:

My wife and I (aged 35 and 38 respectively) have three children all boys (a baby aged 2 years and twins aged 11). I am a British Citizen and my wife and children are South African. (We are currently living in South Africa) We wish to submit an EOI under the Skilled Migration Category (without an offer of employment). Our first questions are:

1. My wife is qualified in microbiology and clinical pathology, she stopped working to take care of our children and studied part-time to obtain her Child Care Diploma and her Early Childhood Training Certificate. She is now working as a teacher at a day care centre. She is willing to work as either a microbiologist or a teacher in New Zealand. Which category should she apply under? Microbiologist (22122) or Early Childhood Education Teacher (23321)?

2. I have looked at the “Immediate” and “Long-Term Skills List” and I don't fit in there (my wife is obviously much cleaver than me!). I am a Senior Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Control Officer with 12 years international banking experience.Does the NZIS give consideration to any other specialist professions or are we better just to apply with my wife as the main applicant?

3. I might be going to work in London for a while (my wife and children will stay in SA). Is it better for us to do our EOI application online and where should we say we are resident UK or SA?

4. If our skilled migration application (without job offer) is finally accepted. How difficult is it to find work. Is it better for one or all of us to go to NZ and then look for work.

Thank you in advance to anyone who has any help or advise, it will be greatly appreciated.

[Debbie]

Sorry I can't help much with your question but wanted to say welcome and good luck with your application.
Re q1. Go through the points indicator and see which one you score highest under. Factors to consider are how well the qualifications with each skill score, (does your wife have a degree or equivalant in each), Yrs of experience especially if she has worked part time in child care. Check the amount of time she has been out of work as a microbiologist with NZIS or another reputable source. I had not worked for 4.5 yrs when I applied and it was fine but there was a questionmark about it, sorry I can't recall the definative answer NZIS gave as our agent dealt with it.
All the best Debbie

[kiwi zebra]

Thanks Debbie for the support and the words of inspiration!

[High]

Hi Fellow South Africans!

So glad to hear you've decided to take the big step! Congratulations! :raebanana

I think, if your wife falls into the Long term skilled shortage, that you should apply under her name. I also think it's best to apply as the the Early Childhood teacher, or whatever gives her the most points. She'll definitely find work easily!

I've seen so many ads for her position - look on the newspapers's sites, or seek.co.nz.

I think if she goes over for a few weeks, she'll easily get a job offer, and then of course the EOI just becomes a formality, and everthing whizzes through!

Hope this helped....good luck!

PS: my OH and I came to the UK just to make the money to apply - it's very expensive, especially in rands :(

PM me if you want to chat!