New to the idea of emigration, many questions...

mfree

Hello,

I've not looked into emigration very much, but come lately it's become a very interesting topic. I'm an american, living in Tennessee, who feels that we're on the decline as to freedoms and opportunities.

Where is this general skills list I see referred to? I have no idea how well I'd score, and I've got a history of underestimating myself.

I'm 25 years old, and I have an associates degree in computer science. God willing I'll also very soon be an Apple certified server administrator for OS X, something my empployer is actively encouraging. I've been working for a contractor to the US Government as a systems analyst/software developer for 3 years, and have performed all manner of duty even down to technical support and hardware maintenance, and up to site design and implementation. Before that, I've worked in electronic sales, and in telephone technical support, and excelled at both. I've hobbied around electronics repair and design as well.

I'm not a holder of any qualifications, but I'm also a backyard auto mechanic, and so is my soon-to-be wife (she's 21). I'm good with my hands and could easily be a practicing carpenter/constructor.

How easy or hard is it to get a permanent resident visa? Does it seem like I'll qualify, or will I be stuck at the bottom of the pool for a few years? How is the job market in NZ as pertaining to my skill set?

I'm excited to find this opportunity for a life change, and I hope it's feasible.... If you need more information to answer a question, I'm more than willing to answer :)

richsadams · Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2004 5:52 am Post subject: Welcome

Hi Mfree and welcome!

My wife and I are from Phoenix and we have the same concerns about things in the U.S., etc.

We've decided to make the move and become ex-patriots in one of the most incredible places on earth...New Zealand. cool

We used a consultant as our case was a bit complicated (business partnership, employment, etc.) However, you can do it on your own if you put your mind to it. We're now in the process of selling, packing and otherwise going crazy to meet our deadline of being there by the end of May! Mr. Green

It sounds like you would have a good chance to eventually gain residence in NZ, but it may take some time (and by then we may have a new administration Nice One

and you may just decide to stay here! Laughing

)

The NZIS picks the "cream of the crop". That includes those with post grad degrees, etc. So the competition is stiff. An A.A. is good, but I would seriously consider going for your B.A. if at all possible. Other certificates may help, but accredited degrees are the way to go.

Your first task is to do some extended research, both on this website and some others.

Here is the New Zealand Immigration Service website...it is where you need to start your journey...and it will be a somewhat long one Nutcase

, but it may be worth it!

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/

You can also start with this part...it covers most of your questions...

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/Migrate/#Which+Category+Can+I+Apply+For

Beyond that, it's up to you!

There are a number of ways to gain NZ residence; opening/purchasing a business, investing, etc. In your case, the Skilled Migrant Category sounds like the way to go (unless you have a couple of million in the bank, then you can just "buy" your way in!

)

The biggest challenge to gaining residence via the SMC is getting an offer of employment. However, it's the old chicken and egg problem. You will need to be able to prove your ability to immigrate to any prospective employer, which means having a visa of some sort. To get a visa, you need to have enough points to qualify which usually means you'll need to have an offer of employment. Wah

Some people have done this by going to NZ on holiday and looking for work. You can stay for up to 90 days on your U.S. Passport and an extension up to 9 months can be gained through the NZIS with good cause. But you cannot say you are looking for work! Eek

They will not even let you in if you do. Once you find a job, you can apply for a Work Visa, etc. It sounds as if your talents are part of the Priority Occupation List of jobs which is in your favor.

So as you can see, there are a lot of variables...too many to list here. Confused

So do some research and see what you come up with. There are a lot of very intelligent folks here more than willing to answer your questions, but they need to be somewhat specific.

That being said, I guess my first question to you would be why New Zealand? Have you visited? If you think you want to continue on this path, that would be my very first recommendation. It's a terrific place, but it's not for everyone. There are trade-offs like anywhere else. Lower wages than in the U.S. (by quite a bit in some cases) but a much better standard of living, etc. A visit to your prospective new homeland would be square one.

Okay, I've said enough. Time for some others to chime in! Wink

Let us know how you're doing! Clink

Graham Barnes · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2004 10:19 am Post subject:

Strongly recommended is a website run by Protea Consultants.
LOTs of excellent information, plus regular newsletters, even to non-clients. They seem to give it to you straight (chances of acceptance, etc) and can explain official language into a version which is actually understandable!
Well worth persusing...enjoy!!

www.immigration.co.nz
In particular, click on the "New Zealand" link on the LHS, which leads onto lots of options at the bottom. "Finding a Job" particularly eye-opening!

Graham