Immigration agents

marc · Testing The Water Joined: 08 May 2004 Posts: 2

Hello,

I have a job interview for a teaching post in Auckland. If i get or accept the position I am unsure of the next step. I am very wary of immigration agents and the fees they charge but on the other hand I have heard completing all the forms as a family can be a nightmare. Does anyone have any advice, or could anyone recommend someone who is reputable. Thank you.

Marc

martwend · Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:57 pm Post subject:

Hi Mark,

The forms are a pain but if you are smart enough to be a teacher then you will have no trouble....just get stuck in ....it's worth it!

Wendy

Graham Barnes · Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 11:32 pm Post subject:

Hi Mark,

I'm starting teaching in Auckland in August, so have been through the process you will (hopefully) be starting soon.
Brief description of the process is listed below. If you need any further details of each stage, by all means send me a pm and I can give you some more info.
It can take a bit of time, because you have to do it all sequentially...I reckon to give it six months between being offered a job, to getting out there. I presume you will be starting at the beginning of Term 1 2005; if so, you've got plenty of time.

1. Get job! Good luck! fingers crossed

2. Apply for qualification assessment with NZQA (teaching education and academic degree). This takes 6-8 weeks, but can be fast-tracked within 10 days (well worth the extra $80).
This is the tricky bit because you must follow NZQA instructions to the letter or lengthy delays may ensure. They will need certificates, course transcripts, proof of experience.
If you have a 4 year BEd or 3 year degree+PGCE, you'll be fine.
www.nzqa.govt.nz; you need the QES link where overseas quals are assessed.
3. Apply for registration with the NZ Teachers Council. This can take up to 6 weeks depending on your qualifications report. They have monthly meetings where overseas applications need to be formally approved. Also needs a Police check.
www.teacherscouncil.govt.nz for info.
4. Apply for work visa from NZ House in London. Teachers cannot get PR until they have got full registration, which you only get after 2 years NZ experience. You will start with provisional registration.
But you do qualify for Work to Residence visa because secondary teachers (assuming you're not primary) are on the Priority Occupations List. Nice One

This leads to PR after (I think) 2 years, without needing to mess about with points.
You will need medicals/X-rays/Police checks for this.
www.nzembassy.com and www.immigration.govt.nz for visa forms and information.
You mentioned family...partner can get her WTR visa through the family category. Make sure any children get student visas or else they will need to pay for schooling.

I was in Auckland for a few days last Easter, visited a few schools and was offered a job at Auckland Grammar. Had to turn it down because I couldn't move out in time, but have landed a place teaching Physics/Science at Dilworth School in Remuera. Where do you have an interview, and for which subject? I might have seen it; my brother is also teaching in Northland and may have heard of it as well. If you have a look at www.ero.govt.nz, you will be able to find its most recent inspection report too.

You won't need to get an immigration agent, particularly as getting visas as a teacher is straight-forward once you have been offered a job. It just needs some internet research and a bit of time. Get broadband asap!!
I have also found all of the agencies really helpful when I have resorted to phoning them up to get information from the horse's mouth.
From personal experience, it seems a huge undertaking when you are starting off. But it is all pretty straightfoward once you do get going (honest!!)

Graham