Priority Occupation - Work to Residence Visa

NicMac

Hello Everyone

Firstly, what a great site this is - so much information!

I think sometimes you can get so embroiled in all the literature that you can't see the wood for the trees, or so to speak. If anyone can clarify my query, I would be most grateful.

My husband is an Electrician of 16 years experience. With this trade being on the POL, and the level of selected EOI being nearer the 200 points mark, we were thinking along the lines of a work to residence visa. If anyone reading this has been in a similar situation, can you please advise

* do you need a job offer before applying for the visa, or can you apply for the visa without a job offer, then gain employment once in NZ?

I get really confused with this, especially because Electricians need to be NZ registered before appyling for most jobs, and you can't become NZ registered without being in NZ. Arrrggghhhhh!!!!

Thank you in advance for advice/comments.

Kind regards

Nicola x

susanlin · Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2004 2:38 am Post subject:

Hi Nicola

I have a work to residence visa and have also been selected from the pool for residence. I am a nurse and on the POL. If your husband's job is on the POL then you will be able to apply for WTR. He should apply for registration now - you don't need a job - (as a nurse I didn't) It took 5 months for my registration to come through and my WTR visa and EOI was being processed at the same time. Your husband can only apply for a WTR visa once he has a job. You will get an open work visa (as his partner)and if you have children, student visas.

I am not an expert on NZI policy but this is how it has all happened for me. Hope this helps.

good luck!

susan

NicMac · Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2004 9:26 am Post subject:

Thank you Susan. That does help to clarify the situation.

You must be so excited - not long to go now! Good luck with your move and new job.

Take care
Nicola x

Moorf · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2004 7:14 am Post subject:

Graham Barnes · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2004 10:11 am Post subject:

Hi Susan...my wife is in the same situation. I should be getting a WTR visa as I'm on the POL (secondary science teacher), and my wife gets an open-ended work visa.

To Moorf...the principal applicant needs a job offer to get ANY visa, but once (s)he has one, the spouse automatically gets a work visa of their own without job offer. Said spouse does not need to be on POL.

But I'm currently doing battle with NZQA and NZ Teachers' Council (registration)...NZQA Fast-Track is a good service, but NZTC aren't exactly breaking into a sweat!!

Graham

susanlin · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2004 11:37 am Post subject:

hi Moorf

sorry for confusion! Meant doesn't need a job offer for registration! (I didn't for nursing registration - it took 5 months to come through by which time I DID have a job. Your husband definately needs a job for WTRV.

hope I have cleared up confusion?!

Moorf · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2004 2:12 am Post subject:

Thanks for the clarification! My head is already spinning with three letter abbreviations (POL / WTR etc)!!

Best wishes
Moorf