Work Visas for Americans

justbishop · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2003 12:29 pm Post subject: Work Visas for Americans

Hi :) I have been doing some research online about moving to NZ (in any way possible,) and have been severely confused by the amount of info I've recieved! I have made a list of the questions I have, and it would be really great if I could get some straight answers to them :)

First, a bit of background...I am 24 and my husband is 26. We were both born in the US, and have never even been out of our country to visit! We would love to live in NZ because it seems like the kind of place in which we want to start a family, buy land, maybe own our own buisness, fulfill our dream of keeping horses, etc.

At this point, we have no signifigant savings with which to invest, so that ends our chances of getting in as investors of any kind. We have no capital with which to start a buisness, so that's also no on the entrepenuer cat. Neither of us have university degrees, so I'm guessing that that will be a big minus.

Now for the good news: My hubby has welding experience from working in his family's boiler tube shop. He worked as a bender and an "uncertified" welder for 2 years after leaving Coastal Carolina University in his sophomore year. He still works there today, but was promoted almost 2 years ago to draftsman. He now works in the engineering office, primarily as a CAD technician. It wouldn't be that difficult for him to obtain some sort of certification for welding, and he has computer skills, but not the kind I think NZ is really looking for.

I, on the other hand, have a GED (high school equivalency.) As far as professional experience, I am skilled in customer service, sales, and retail management (I just came off of a year long stint as a pet stor mgr.) I am guessing that the best option would be for him to be the primary applicant, LOL!

Also, we are aware that we don't need to apply for recidency immediately in order to work in the country, but are a bit confused by the whole work visa / permit leading to residency situation :)

Anyway, knowing the specifics of the situation, I was hoping for some help with the following questions:

- Do you need to have a standing job offer if you are skilled and qualified in an occupation on the OSL?

- Can you obtain a work visa / permit in the above situation and look for a job AFTER arrival in the country?

- Welding qualification: USA equivalents? (No mention of welding on the "NZIS List of Recognised Qualifications.")

- If my hubby got a work visa / permit, would it be a problem for me to go with him, or is it understood that married couples would remain together?

- Would I be permitted to get a work visa / permit? Before or after our arrival?

OK, I think that's it for right now...so sorry if I've laid too much on you guys Nutcase

JCM · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 9:58 pm Post subject:

Hi justbishop,

I don't have much time just now, but many of your questions are addressed in one way or another in other threads. The good news is that welding is on the Occupation Shortages List (in Christchurch/Canterbury - I haven't checked the other regions).

Go here

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/Work/#Lists+of+Occupational+Shortages

and click on the Occupational Shortages List link.

veronica · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 8:09 am Post subject:

Hi, as you are both under 30 why dont you just go over for a year on a working holiday visa, and if you like it then you can go to the immigration people while you are there and maybe sort out residency. If you find its not for you then you have had a years working vaction with all the experience that brings. life is too short not to take opportunities.

justbishop · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 4:59 pm Post subject:

I thought about that, and it seemed like the most logical solution, but I'm under the impression that US residents aren't offered entrance under the working holiday scheme :( Thx for the imput, though!

Grey · I Like It Here Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Posts: 74

It is possible to get a WHV from the USA but you have to go through a third party. There's no mention of it on the NZIS site, don't know why..
Anyway, here are the two companies that offer it - www.bunac.com & www.ccusa.com (costs more but would be the only way).

justbishop · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2004 5:01 pm Post subject:

Thx, Grey! I had seen BUNAC before, but they are WAY expensive, so I went ahead and checked out CCUSA on your reccomendation. I couldn't find answers to all of my questions on their site, so I went ahead and emailed them.

Someone may be able to answer one of my questions here, though:

Can you apply for a residence visa while on a one year working holiday visa?

Thx again for the great lead, Grey!

Grey · I Like It Here Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Posts: 74

think you'll find ccusa just as dear, if not more, but you don't have much choice if you want a whv! Sad

I've seen bunac recommended quite often.
There's no problem changing your status in NZ, applying for whatever permit, as long as you qualify...and are in the country legally!

JCM · Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 5:32 pm Post subject:

There is a US$450 option for Americans to get a 6 month working holiday visa. Unfortunately it's restricted to full-time college/university students or recent graduates (within 6 months of graduation).

http://www.ciee.org/work_nz_main.cfm?subnav=Work%20Abroad&name=Work%20%26%20Travel%20New%20Zealand

JCM · Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:19 am Post subject:

Just a note to say that there is now an official working holiday visa for Americans offered by the NZIS:

United States of America Working Holiday Scheme

We’ll grant up to 500 young citizens of the United States of America (USA) Work Visas for a working holiday annually
Visas allow a working holiday of 12 months.

To be eligible you must:

be a citizen of the USA, ordinarily resident and living in the USA when you apply
satisfy us your main reason for coming to New Zealand is to holiday, not work
be at least 18 and not more than 30 years old
not bring children with you
have an American passport that‘s valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand
hold a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket
have a minimum of NZ$4,200 available funds to meet your living costs while you’re here
hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance for the length of your stay.

When you’re here:
you must not take up permanent employment (unless you apply for and are granted an ordinary Work Permit while you’re here)
you must not work for the same employer for more than three months
you can enrol in one training or study course of up to three months duration during your visit.

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/Migrant/Stream/Work/WorkingHoliday/CanIWorkInNZ/WhatIsRequired/SchemeRequirements/UnitedStatesOfAmericaWorkingHolidayScheme.htm

nancy · Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 11:59 am Post subject:

Hi JCM and everyone,

This sounds good. I think I qualify so I wonder if I should come to New Zealand this way or try to come on a proper work visa?

Nancy

John Miller · Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2004 7:38 pm Post subject:

I see the Minister says that working holiday scheme places are going to be increased by 5,000 places. Nice One

http://www.emigratenz.org/fast-track-work-permits.html