[dipto]

HI all,

my hopes for applying is slowly but surely diminishing :-(

*I have 2 years and 7 months of Software Development Experience after
obtaing my IT qualification. can I claim for Bonus point for work experience in absolute skills shortage area[I have seen in the long term skills shortage list-it mentions something about 'a degree AND 3 years experience']

** I have 2 [or may be 3] basic qualfications.
a. a recognized UK Masters degree, but witout recognized batchelors
degree.
b. a recognized UK Marine Certificate.
c. a UK HND in Nautical Science[I have applied for NZQA pre-assessment]
how much points should I get for my recognized qualifications.

*** and unfortunately[for NZ immigration purpose]I'm an Indian, living and working in India!!


thanks in advance

dipto

[dipto]

Can, someone please help.

[Bergita]

Hi Dipto

I don't know how much I can help, but here goes.

First of all, have you looked at the NZ government website? http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workandlivepermanently/

There is a link on the right to calculate your points. You may not have enough points to qualify without a job offer, but maybe you do with a job offer. This is what we are doing - it's a huge leap of faith, but we're going to go to NZ, having sold up here and apply for jobs. If we get jobs we will have enough points to submit an EOI.

I did the points check on your behalf quickly, with no qualifications, no partner, age between 30 and 39, but 2 years experience in IT, and a job offer in IT, you would have 105 points, minimum needed is 100. The comparable labour market has opened up, and as I understand it, now includes everywhere....

If you can afford to get to NZ and try for a job offer, maybe you should take that route, lots of people do. It's all up to you, and how employable you feel you are.

You could also look at some NZ job sites to see if there is anything that matches your skills before you make that decision.

Please someone, correct me if I'm wrong. And don't despair, Dipto, there are always options.

[willowshouse]

Hi Dipto,

I'd say phone NZIS and ask - and take the name of the person you spoke to. The ladies who answer the phone seem nice enough and should be able to help.

I spent a long time reading and re-reading the different requirements for bonus points for 'absolute skills shortage' and 'cluster' etc and thought that basically if your job was in IT then you'd get extra points - but my case officer has said that I'm not entitled to them and to be honest I haven't asked why yet .. other hurdles to overcome before we get to that one!

I think in trying to make the regulations and guidelines easy to follow, NZ have made them a nightmare of contradictions and the 'help' sections they have on the website are not much cop!

I have felt what you are feeling now - you will find a way that you can make it, because if you want it that much you just don't stop until you get there. Take a deep breath and make the phone call.......

Best of luck,
Dawn

[jaycee]

Hi Dipto,

Sorry, when I answered one of your previous posts I didn't realise you were from India - you didn't mention it, and I wouldn't have guessed because your English is so good.

Yes, the person specs for the IT-related jobs in Skill Shortage do all state three years' work experience, so at the moment your work experience doesn't qualify for the bonus points. Are you currently employed as a developer or similar? If so, why not stick it out for another few months so that you have the three years' experience?

My understanding of the 'comparable labour market' requirement is that it still doesn't include all countries, but the changes made recently would mean that your work experience gained in India would qualify if it meets the Skills Shortage criteria... so back to the first point.

I think you have two options - get the additional experience to gain points for your work experience, or get a job offer (or both!). It's still possible - you work in a field which is in demand, you have the right qualification and your age is also in your favour - don't give up hope :)

[tigerlily]

Namaste Dipto.

What about trying to find a job through a recruiter or online and then coming over on a work visa? If you can get in that way, you'll get loads more points after having a year or two of work experience in the country. If you are not bringing a family over, coming on a work visa without permanent residency doesn't seem quite so scary. Basically you are just giving it a try and if you like it you could stay and apply for PR next year?

[dipto]

Thank you everyone for being so kind.
I guess I will try again sometimes around Jan 2007.

thanks again everyone.

dipto signing off.