[hels1977]

Hi

I've just stumbled across this forum and all its useful information! So quick introduction I guess (followed by the inevitable questions)!

Myself and my partner are really interested in the skilled migrant programme that NZ offers. We both qualify on the points system in our own rights (I think) but we are now a little confused as to how best to proceed! We both have recognised qualifications in the skills shortage list and over 3 years experience, but I'm going to be clocking up 30 in 1 year 1 days time (my partner has an extra year before he achieves this). So if we want to do this then I at least need to get my skates on :D.

We don't want one of us to get through and get "picked" from the pool and the other not, equally since we would like to be invited to apply on our own merits then we initially started completing individual expressions of interests. It has now occured to me that since one of the questions is "is your partner also claiming points" that we may be better off going together on one application as 2 skilled persons. Does anyone have any thoughts/advice help for me here please? :confused:

Sorry for the immediate questions on introduction, I hope I'm noit being complete stupid. There is so much information to take in! Look forward to getting to know you all ;)

Thanks

[Smiler]

Hi Helensy

Welcome to the forum. :cheers:cheers

I'm a trifle rusty on EOI's now but why not apply jointly. That way there is little chance of being pulled (or not) without the other one.

I'm sure it's only a small risk, but not one you want to put to the test? :D

[hels1977]

Thank you for the welcome :D

That's my thoughts as well, I think my partners application is a bit stronger (he got 5 more points) but I don't want to tag along if I can get there on my own strengths and get the professional job offer to make my life a little easier financially (not to mention my sanity).

I guess I'm trying to work out if we apply on 1 application whether my points are taken into consideration as well or if we are reliant on his skills as the primary skilled person. Although I can't see that being a problem, providing I can get a job offer in my skill base as well.

I think if I'm honest with myself, the main thing that is scaring me (apart from the unkown) is the cost. Things like the application of interest, residence (if invited), reccy trip, and then moving costs etc! Perhaps I can get sponsorship if I have a skill they want? Or is that just dreaming? :confused:

[Caroline and Dave]

Hi Helensy and welcome to the forum.
IMOH you will definitely be better off applying as a couple. I would not have got in on my own if I had applied seperately because of my medical condition although that would not apply in your case. Also it will work out cheaper.You need to show proof that you have been living together more than a year. ( Statements to the same address etc)
Good luck. Also I wouldn't worry too much re your age.They will accept people into their 50s and both me and Caroline are in our 40s(Well in where I am concerned)

Kindest regards

Dave and Caroline

[Trigirl]

hi there

myself and my other half were in a very similar situation - both able to apply.

it makes much more sense to apply on one joint application provided you and your partner have been living together for at least a year. regardless of who is the principal applicant, you both get the same visa at the end of it (permanant residence visa) so neither one of you will be "tagging along" - you are both able to apply for jobs in professional fields etc.

only one persons points are taken into account on the application (you get i think 10 points for the other person?)

it is possible though rare to find companies that offer a relocation allowance that may cover shipping, visa costs, medicals etc. you then commit to working for them for a set length of time in return.

[hels1977]

Hi Helensy and welcome to the forum.
IMOH you will definitely be better off applying as a couple. I would not have got in on my own if I had applied seperately because of my medical condition although that would not apply in your case. Also it will work out cheaper.You need to show proof that you have been living together more than a year. ( Statements to the same address etc)
Good luck. Also I wouldn't worry too much re your age.They will accept people into their 50s and both me and Caroline are in our 40s(Well in where I am concerned)

Kindest regards

Dave and Caroline

Hi

Thanks for the advice & the welcome, it's good to hear the words of wisdom. There is so much information out there that it's pretty daunting to know what to do for the best for everyone! I found out 10 minutes ago that I only loose 5 points for being over 30 so it's not the big end of the world I actually thought it was which is a huge relief.

Thanks again
Joint application it is :raebanana

[hels1977]

hi there

myself and my other half were in a very similar situation - both able to apply.

it makes much more sense to apply on one joint application provided you and your partner have been living together for at least a year. regardless of who is the principal applicant, you both get the same visa at the end of it (permanant residence visa) so neither one of you will be "tagging along" - you are both able to apply for jobs in professional fields etc.

only one persons points are taken into account on the application (you get i think 10 points for the other person?)

it is possible though rare to find companies that offer a relocation allowance that may cover shipping, visa costs, medicals etc. you then commit to working for them for a set length of time in return.

Hello :D

Thanks for the advice, I couldn't quite figure out the partner thing and points etc. So cheaper, easier, better to go on a joint application. Right, got it. :D

I think I will look into companies offering some kind of relocation allowance but I guessed it would be pretty rare to land that kind of deal. Well if I don't look then I won't get I guess.

Now I need to find evidence that we do infact live together before revisiting that dreaded form. ;)

Cheers
Helen

[StevieD]

Helen - big welcome to the forum.

It is best to do a joint application, you can prove your partnership no problem.
A point to consider, as brought up in somebody elses post, is that, if you are wanting a change in career say, it is best for the person least happy in their line of work to be the secondary applicant.
I not implying that you don't like your jobs, but the principal applicant has to work in their chosen profession for an amount of time after arrival if I remember rightly - may be wrong on this but someone on here will put you right.

[hels1977]

Thanks StevieD for the welcome & post :p

No that's fine, we both like our jobs, but I've just found out that I won't meet the points criteria on my profession even though it's IT related, I have a recognised Bsc and over 3 years experience, but he almost certainly will on skills shortage, qualifications & exp. We shall be double checking tonight. He is happy with his profession, very happy in fact, it's just the country that doesn't quite fit the bill!