Is a WHV a pathway to getting a Skilled Migrant Visa?
 

Hi everyone. I would like to start a new life in New Zealand next year. Im in a bit of a predicament here and I have a lot of questions, any help will be appreciated.

I am 25 years old. My current job in the UK falls under '232413 Multimedia Designer'. a skill level classification. First of all does this mean I can apply for a skilled migrant visa?

I also have a degree in Multimedia that will need to be accredited but will be level 7-8. I have less than 2 years experience in the role so I can't claim points for this. Calculating my points:

30 - Age
50 - Qualifications

50 - Potential Job Offer
30 - Outside of Auckland

160 total IF I was offered a job.

Does a job offer have to exceed NZ$23.49 per hour?

I am certain I wont be offered a design Job before I get there/apply for a visa. So unless im missing something my only option is to get out there first and find work. Could I go on a working Holiday visa (upto 23 months) and apply for the Skilled Migrant visa once ive found work / offer?

Has anyone here done something similar? Thanks for any help.

Re: Is a WHV a pathway to getting a Skilled Migrant Visa?
 

nothing to stop you coming over on a WHV and then changing the visa if you get offered a permanent job. Also if you go for a 23month WHV you can only work for 12 months in total but you have to have medicals and xrays in the UK to apply. Best option would be to get the 12mths one, get an offer of full time employment and get the local GP to do any medicals required.

Level 1-3 will not lead to a permanent visa though, its at or above $23.49 per hour ($48,859 per year based on a 40 hour week).

After 3 years, lower-skilled workers will need to spend 12 consecutive months outside New Zealand before they can be granted a further Essential Skills visa to undertake lower-skilled work

Re: Is a WHV a pathway to getting a Skilled Migrant Visa?
 

Hi thanks for the advice. Is there no way of getting residency with my current job? I have the qualifications to be a 'Multimedia Specialist' which is on the Long Term Shortage List, but I dont have the 3 years experience.

Re: Is a WHV a pathway to getting a Skilled Migrant Visa?
 

Multimedia Specialist is different to a Multimedia Designer so which one is it?? This is very important as you need to apply for the right one

Re: Is a WHV a pathway to getting a Skilled Migrant Visa?
 

Looks like under multimedia specialist under long term lost it requires qualification "AND" 3 years experience. Id come out under young persons working hol visa, if you hang on till you just get over 2 years experience and got the rest in nz to help you hit 3 years, that would help. A fair few have done this route but roles such as nursing, engineering, teaching etc and to be fair, it's looking harder and harder with new government. Good luck fella

Re: Is a WHV a pathway to getting a Skilled Migrant Visa?
 

Hi, Thanks for your replies. My qualifications cover the Specialist role but my experience in the UK is more general and less specialist. So ill have to rule this out for now.

Is there no way of getting residency without your occupation being on a shortage list? Is there anyway of getting out there doing less specialist design work?
Thanks

Re: Is a WHV a pathway to getting a Skilled Migrant Visa?
 

Is there any hope of getting residency on a graphic / multimedia design type job? What are the options? Thanks

Re: Is a WHV a pathway to getting a Skilled Migrant Visa?
 

If you are committed to trying this then come out on the WHV and chance your arm. You can work for one year out of the 23 months. Do some homework to make some connections beforehand.

Should you land a job offer , then of course, you can apply for residency IF you have the points.

Given that Multi Media Specialist is in shortage here it should be possible for you to generate some interest despite not having the relevant work exp.

A bit of a stumbling block for you is that for any skilled role offered you must be able to show you have the qualifications and the work experience to match the role offered. So, if the role offered matches what is needed AND the employer is able to show there is no-one in NZ that can take up that role or is NZIS accredited, then you would be in with a chance.

Perhaps talk to these people ' The Wellies'. They are IT but may be able to give you some guidance.

There does seem to be vacancies out there. However it is better for any employer if you are here on the ground.

Re: Is a WHV a pathway to getting a Skilled Migrant Visa?
 

Hi Thanks, I am going to come out on a WHV and first try and get in with a NCIZ accredited employer. Thanks for your help.