Woz
11th November 2004, 06:06 PM
Well, I have been sat in the NZIS waiting room all day but now have my prize, a work permit.
First my experience then some hints to minimise your stay in NZIS.
I first turned up to NZIS with all my paperwork such as medicals, police checks, education certificates well before they opened and joined the queue that was already in place. After getting advice I found out I had to fill in one long form and also get my employer to fill in another form. That was one day down, by the time I had got these filled out it would be too late for that day.
Day two started with a charge across town to collect a completed form from my new employer. Then a charge back across town to get to the NZIS office. Its an earlier opening day so NZIC has been open about an hour. I enter and grab another blank form to fill in as I made a mistake on the one I took home the previous day :(
I then hunt for a place to get photo copies of all my paperwork as NZIS keep copies and then join the queue. By the time I join the queue the office has only been open only 1.5 hours. After 5 mins of waiting they announce that they are no longer giving out numbers so unless there is an emergency case you will have to come back the next day or put your application in the drop box.
I decided to stay in the queue as this was the last chance to get my application processed before I start work on monday. I got lucky on the desk and they issued me a number (No 72) and checked my form was filled out. They told me my number I would probably be called about 2pm but it could be sooner :eek its only 10am when I get told this. I went for a walk for 1.5 hours and then set in for the long wait.
The time estimate I was given was good in the end and I finally get called about 2.15. Getting the work permit was quick and painless. Sit at the desk give over all your details and then 10 mins later its in your hand. I didnt really get asked any questions and my job is on the POL so I cant say if I got lucky.
Now how to save yourself lots of time.
1) Have you passport with you
2) Get 2 copies of the form(s) you have to fill in. Saves the trip back to get another if you mess up the form :)
3) Get photocopies of the following
Medical
Police check
Certificates for your qualifications
Job contract and letter that offers you work
Any other details your application requires
4) Have passport type photos as some forms require them
5) Get to NZIS at LEAST 30 mins before it opens. If you are the first in the queue you will be the first called and hence first out of the office. I would say that if you got there as it opened you would already be in for a huge wait once you get your number issued. I had number 72 and I was lucky I got there just in time to get one.
6) The staff are helpful and friendly and know their stuff. If you just need forms then dont queue unless you dont know what form you want as the forms can be collected in the waiting room area.
7) Take a book or something else to read. If all does not go to plan you are in for a long wait.
Good luck
First my experience then some hints to minimise your stay in NZIS.
I first turned up to NZIS with all my paperwork such as medicals, police checks, education certificates well before they opened and joined the queue that was already in place. After getting advice I found out I had to fill in one long form and also get my employer to fill in another form. That was one day down, by the time I had got these filled out it would be too late for that day.
Day two started with a charge across town to collect a completed form from my new employer. Then a charge back across town to get to the NZIS office. Its an earlier opening day so NZIC has been open about an hour. I enter and grab another blank form to fill in as I made a mistake on the one I took home the previous day :(
I then hunt for a place to get photo copies of all my paperwork as NZIS keep copies and then join the queue. By the time I join the queue the office has only been open only 1.5 hours. After 5 mins of waiting they announce that they are no longer giving out numbers so unless there is an emergency case you will have to come back the next day or put your application in the drop box.
I decided to stay in the queue as this was the last chance to get my application processed before I start work on monday. I got lucky on the desk and they issued me a number (No 72) and checked my form was filled out. They told me my number I would probably be called about 2pm but it could be sooner :eek its only 10am when I get told this. I went for a walk for 1.5 hours and then set in for the long wait.
The time estimate I was given was good in the end and I finally get called about 2.15. Getting the work permit was quick and painless. Sit at the desk give over all your details and then 10 mins later its in your hand. I didnt really get asked any questions and my job is on the POL so I cant say if I got lucky.
Now how to save yourself lots of time.
1) Have you passport with you
2) Get 2 copies of the form(s) you have to fill in. Saves the trip back to get another if you mess up the form :)
3) Get photocopies of the following
Medical
Police check
Certificates for your qualifications
Job contract and letter that offers you work
Any other details your application requires
4) Have passport type photos as some forms require them
5) Get to NZIS at LEAST 30 mins before it opens. If you are the first in the queue you will be the first called and hence first out of the office. I would say that if you got there as it opened you would already be in for a huge wait once you get your number issued. I had number 72 and I was lucky I got there just in time to get one.
6) The staff are helpful and friendly and know their stuff. If you just need forms then dont queue unless you dont know what form you want as the forms can be collected in the waiting room area.
7) Take a book or something else to read. If all does not go to plan you are in for a long wait.
Good luck