[kamus]

I was wondering if anyone besides us was considering the self-employed route. It's not a strategy that gets a lot of attention here for some reason. The word is that it is a tricky way to go, though there are a few success stories such as Veronica's.

Also, I'm curious to know what businesses people are applying in the SE category with. I'm a TV/Film music composer and even though I've written for National Geographic Film and TV for the last 20 years it's all been contract work and therefore self employed and my wife is in a similar situation with her work as a violin teacher. We're not terribly optimistic of our chances, but it may be easier after dec 1 as NZIS has said something about trying to attract more SE and people in the "creative industries", whatever that means exactly, and so we're once again, cautiously hopeful.

Anyone else out there? Especially success stories.

-Dave

[Timbo]

Dave. I was originally going down the se route under the Long term business visa. That process has been put on ice for many reasons.
In the end though, we considered that the business option had simply too many variables and un-knowns for our liking. You are really in at the will of NZIS for a couple of years and if you dont make the grade, they can kick you out. Sorry if I sound pessimistic.
With the new relaxed rules coming in, we are now going to try the good ole EOI route, and do as many others have, i.e get out there and find a job. I have been se in the uk for many years and it will take some getting used to going to work for someone else again, but I do feel more confident of it working long term. Once we have PR through EOI, then we shall review the situation. If it is plausable, then I shall look at starting over.
Have you looked into the business visas in detail?

[leslie]

we are in same situ - both have/ had own businesses and are trying to fit ideals with reality. in the end we are trying eoi process to see if we can get thru without job so we have all options open. tricky, isn't it?

[veronica]

If you can get in the normal route there is nothing to stop you going SE once you get here if you choose to. If you are in a trade then it would probably pay you to work for someone else for a few months just to get to know the ins and outs of that trade over here as they do do things differently. Also give you time to make a few contacts and find the cheapest suppliers etc.

Dave have you sat down with the immigration people over there and talked to them and asked their opinion on the best route for you.

[Timbo]

Veronica. Is it not the case that in order to be self employed you first have to have PR in place. This is how I understand it.

[veronica]

Not sure about that, would have assumed that if you have a work visa and IRD number you could work for yourself.

[Jamie Smith]

Hi all

Depends on the visa too. Work visas are very specific, only LTBV work permit allows self employment. Having PR lest you do either.

Kamus I suggest you track down one of the 3 west coast people NZIS have stationed in US and enquire about Skilled migrant category and whetehr or not you are defined as being in the creative industries and get them to work out the points. If you're lucky you'll jump in straight to PR.

Cheers

Not sure about that, would have assumed that if you have a work visa and IRD number you could work for yourself.