[Jo_b]

Hello,

Me and my partner are heading to Wellington in November. We've both got working hols visas (just under that critical age!), as we thought we'd do that first then try and stay on by converting it at the end of the year. Is this at all realistic?

Basically, I would just about qualify on points anyway, and have a dodgy job offer from a friend who wants me to work for her (as we both do an obscure form of research, and she runs a small business and can't afford to train someone from scratch - when I'm out there she will gladly fill in the forms), but my boyfriend (who is an design engineer, though time-served rather than academically qualified) is worried that companies won't look at him even if he's out there as he will be on a WHV.

So, has anyone else tried this slightly dodgy tactic of going on a WHV and trying to stay?

And will companies touch someone on a WHV?

Any advice gratefully appreciated!

[KerryS]

Of course companies employ people on WHVs. They are a prefectly acceptable visa, although the limitations do prevent you from applying for some positions. (Time limit from some countries, non-permanent role, etc.) We have loads of temps working with us on WHVs.
I know of a few people who arrived on a WHV and have then gained permanent roles for which they have then got a work visa or permanent residency.

[ruthyroo]

My advice would be to not think of it as 'converting' from a WHV to a work permit/ PR - basically you can't do this as far as I know. What you can do is use the WHV to get you into the country and give you time to find job offers etc and work while you are doing it, but having a WHV does not (as far as I know) give you any more likelihood of getting a work permit / PR than anyone else who applies.

If you think you will be applying for a work permit / PR at some point then make this your goal - work towards getting these starting now. That includes working out what forms need to be filled, whether you need to get your quals assessed, when you need to get police checks and medicals, how you will convince NZIS that your OH has the skills to let them overlook his lack of formal qualifications, whether you will need to be registered in NZ to work in your professions, how your friend's casual offer of a job can be converted into a real job offer that NZIS will accept (is she a credited employer, can she prove that no locals can do the job and what efforts has she made to do this etc etc) - and make sure you bring all the paperwork with you from the UK that you might need to apply for PR. Basically be prepared to move once you have the job offers - TBH you can never start considering this too early!

[veronica]

If you can get a job offer especially if its in the skills shortages area, then I would think it wouldn't be an issue for you to get a work visa once the whv expires, Several people we have met through the backpackers have done this, then gone on to get PR.

[Jo_b]

Thanks, this is very helpful. I assume that applying for jobs while you are there is going to be easier than applying in the UK - you can at least pop round for an interview!

[KerryS]

Most places won't even bother replying to you until you are in the country - it really isn't worth their time and effort, especially for a temporary position. Once you are in NZ it is pretty easy to find employment.

[Jo_b]

I thought I'd just update this thread. I got here in December, applied for a proper job a few weeks ago, got offered it and have now got my 12 month work permit!

It was VERY easy. Once I had the offer in writing, a contract and details from the recruitment agent about where the job had been advertised I filled in the work permit form, got the company to fill the 'employer supplement' which basically asks them to explain how it is 'skilled' and how I was the only suitable candidate, and went to the immigration office in Welly. Obviously I had to find and get a 'skilled job' - but it wasn't in an area on the skills shortage list or anything.

20 mins appointment later plus $120 and I left with a nice sticker in my passport! (my boyfriend will also be able to get an automatic permit off the back of mine).

It also means that now I can claim a job offer in NZ I've been able to submit my residency Expression of Interest (which I had almost complete online waiting to go!) with 165 points, so fingers crossed we'll be on the residency route at the next selection!

I'd say if you are under 30 and want to save hassle, get a 12 month working holiday visa and sort the rest when you get here. Worked for me!

Thanks for all the advice.

Jo

[veronica]

pleased for you that its all coming together.

[NooDleS]

Jo_b. That is exactly my plan and you've put a major boost to my confidence that was up to now beginning to fade.

It's absolutely brilliant for you! Congrats.