[just5me]

Hi all!

We've been reading up on everything for several months, and now this 'joking' of moving to NZ is turning into a reality. The employer we contacted (OH is a mechanic on heavy construction equipment) said they can process a talent visa for us. We just need to get our passports, medicals & police checks - which we should be doing soon, after we get the last bit of confirmation on the job. Or we could come under skilled migrant doing all the EOI, ITA, & PR stuff like everyone else is doing - makes my head spin!

So what is the draaw back to the talent visa?? They said the kids get the school & med services - but we home school. Oh, and we have 5 kids from 1yo - 13yo & we are heading to the westcoast of the SI.....so are we crazy?? :laugh

[jo-and-jeff]

It sounds as though the main thing the Talent Visa (http://www.mch.govt.nz/publications/culture-guide/index.html) saves you from is going through the EOI/ITA process -- for each family member, you still have to do the rigorous medical & x-ray certificate and get your police clearance. You may have to provide documentation of your training and other professional credentials as well, and, if your profession requires it, complete registration requirements (which may include passing a test) with the regulating NZ authority.

You'll have to keep paying an annual fee as long as you have a Talent Visa. It's not clear whether you are able to renew it after the 30 months expires, but it seems that you should be able to do so.

However, if you leave your job while you're on a Talent Visa (and you haven't converted to Resident status), you'll have to immediately get a similar job with another qualified employer, or your visa will no longer be valid.

[just5me]

Thanks! There's really no concern of OH switching jobs over there - unless they transfer him within the company - they have branches everywhere in NZ. We were told there is no requirement for certification to be a mechanic in NZ and that after 2 years we are eligible to apply for residency. Am I right that we would be eligible for health care services?

[jo-and-jeff]

Am I right that we would be eligible for health care services?
It sounds as though you would be eligible. (http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/f872666357c511eb4c25666d000c8888/f9e50c19fc1ef1f5cc256dba00151fe0?OpenDocument)