Freelance work in NZ

Daniel Park · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 9:42 pm Post subject: Freelance work in NZ

Hi again everyone.

You know how it is, you have a weekend of thinking about NZ and all the logistics of getting there, and end up with several hundred questions to ask. Here's another!

If I was able to bring over some freelance work (writing / editing) and use it as a useful extra to tide us over in NZ, would that count in any way towards achieving PR via the Skilled Migrant route?

Put it another way, when the NZIS come back to me after arrival in NZ and want to see that I've managed to get work, would freelance count?

Indeed, would it be possible to take it further and set up as a freelance journalist? Would that count as a valid line of work for PR purposes?

It would be money coming into NZ so it would be useful to the NZ economy. It would also be good work experience.

We did some quick sums and worked out that I wouldn't be far off a reasonable NZ wage if I was able to source a couple of freelance articles a month from the UK.

My main intention is to find a permanent job there, but as I said, freelance would be a useful extra if possible.

Any thoughts??

Dan

Moorf · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 9:47 pm Post subject:

Good question - I'd be interested to know too as hubby and I are both used to freelancing.

Dan - perhaps if you set up a formal "company" instead of freelancing this might get round it? We run a company for our contracting / freelancing work.

Interesting, I am doing a journalism course at the mo with the London School of Journalism... giz a job! Wink

karltsmith · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 9:52 pm Post subject:

Hi Dan,

For freelance...."A LA" NZIS read self employed! This opens up a whole new area for PR not covered by the SMC route. You would have to explore the LTBV route and for this line of business I have my doubts that NZIS would see this as enough if a benefit to NZ. If on the other hand you could secure work as a journalist for an NZIS paper/mag etc until you get unrestricted PR approved of course you could then become a free agent and do your own thing!!!!!! you would need to work for the company for at least 3 months after PR approval as it may be granted with section 18a restrictions imposed meaning you would have to stay with your employer for a set length of time!

Karl Nice One

charley · I'll Hang Around A Little Joined: 25 Jul 2004 Posts: 26

What is section 18A restrictions.

Ahhh, I'm learning all the time....may even be able to answer someone else's question one day!!!
charley

karltsmith · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 9:09 am Post subject:

On granting PR NZIS can impose certain restrictions under section 18a of the Immigration Act. These are to ensure that the applicant stays in their job for a set length of time after PR is granted. These restrictions are then lifted after the qualifying period is reached. A letter from your employer indicating your length of service is required as evidence of compliance.

Karl Nice One