icklepickle

We went to the show in York yesterday and spoke to the NZ immigration service about visa. They said that basically we have two options.

1) Long term business visa.
2) General Skills

If we went route 1, I would be the main applicant. I run a small software house (I'm not a contractor, I write and sell software) which has been going for a year of so and is just starting to take off.

If we went route 2, my husband would be the main applicant, he is an IT consultant and would have 24 points so would need to use the job search visa to get the extra points.

From talking to the immigration service it seem very straightforward but from talking to an immigration consultant it got complicated.

She said that currently NZ is only looking for large companies to move that will employ lots of kiwis and not to even bother investigating that route and that general skills is the way to go. She also said that firing1 would have no chance of getting a visa now using the car valeting business - didn't give any real reasons.

General skills scares me because we either have to live separately while Pat goes out to find his job after getting the initial approval or we all have to go out there knowing that if after 6 months we will have to come back if Pat can't get a job. With the various comments on here we think that it might well be that it takes longer than 6 months to find a job an feel quite sure that we won't get a job in IT before going out there. Using the business route we would get 2 years and could also switch to the general skills if Pat got a job when we were out there.

Whichever way we go, I will run my business and Pat will work it is really just working out which the best way forward is.

Regards

TIZUS

Hi

We are going general skills with my husband as maina pplicant and I had the same concerns as you, But we managed to find a job prior to us leaving and as my husband has a job offer I automatically qualify for a work visa too. Maybe it would be worht you tryibng to contact companies directly?

Goode Luck
Tori

icklepickle

Thanks for your reply, what does your husband do?

If we go for general skills we will definately write to companies directly we brought a book at the show yesterday with a whole list of companies and job agencies in it which will be useful for that.

It's nice to know that other people feel the same way, I guess most people go through the same set of feelings which is why this forum is such a help.

Regards,

TIZUS

My husband is a carpenter and his trade is on the occupation shortlist so Iguess this made things alittle easier. We should here about our visas in the next few days!!:scared:

Where are you planing to move to? We are going to Nelson in the South Island we have some rental accomadation sorted out and plan to be there mid to end of July if we get the house sold!!! We have accepted an offer but the guy is dragging his heals and trying to knock the price down ...oh the stress....

Good luck with your plans
Tori

Gra.B

I don't know but I reckon you may have picked a duff consultant! She probably just wanted to get you on board with the General Skills as it's nice & easy for them. Policy hasn't changed since firing1 went out there, so it seems to me the visa is still mainly dependant on a good business plan.

No, I'd take what was said with a pinch of salt. The bloke from NZIS didn't say any of this & he's at the show to promote immigration. Try calling a few other agents..

Gra...

TIZUS

'''''''''

icklepickle

We are probably going to look at Auckland, because of weather and also location of IT jobs - still at the deciding whether to apply stage though. I have been given the card of someone at NZIS that is just about to become their specialist so I will call her when I have worked out what my questions are.

We are thinking about going out in August to see what it's really like. It's a matter really of wether we have enough holiday and money to go though, logic suggests that it would be a worthwhile investment as spending a few thousand could save a lot more if we don't like it. The other option of course would be to go out without the family which would be cheaper but I kind of feel that we both (and maybe all) need to see it.

Regards

sofistek

IT jobs seem to centre around either Auckland or Wellington, though I'm sure they are around in many other places.

We also thought about going over before applying. However, that would cost many thousands for 4 of us (all adults according to the airlines). It might still happen, though we have lodged our application already.

We did a lot of research, read a lot of reports and books, discovered views, on this forum, about the people and the place. The people are friendly and the environment is pretty clean. The streets look safer. The views are great and the quality of life looks better, even if the costs are not much lower.

The trouble with a holiday, especially in Winter, is that it doesn't really give you a good solid view of how it will be when you're living there (especially if you don't really know where "there" will be). We've moved several times in the UK and never took a holiday in the new location, to find out if we'd like it. If you discover some bad things, how do you know if it's representative? (Same for good things, of course).

You can always come back, if you're careful with the money, so just go for it and give it a go.

I agree with other comments about the agent giving you duff advice regarding the business visa. Check out the policy yourselves.

Cheers,
Tony

GetMeOutOfHere

Exactly same situation as yourselves.

I'm an IT consultant and have 24pts. I too have discussed going out on my own to get a job, but too leave my kids(3 under3) for more than a week is too much for my wife, we don't have any help. I'd rather go over together and take the 6 mth time frame to get a job. I think once your there companies would know you've committed youreself there and be more willingly to give you a job(trial period atleast).

You not alone, so even though I haven't helped you, I thought at least you should know your not alone.

icklepickle

Thanks, it does help. We don't have much help here either but I think that it will make a it much easier to cope with the move, if you are used to doing it all then you just carry on I think. 3 kids under 3 is quite an achievement - hard work now but they will be great friends as they get older.

Are you concerned about the tales of doom and gloom for the NZ IT Industry that have been on here recently?

Regards,

GetMeOutOfHere

I am a little worried, however I won't go until I've sold my house and the monies from that is my security and helps ease the concerns I have about work. I'm coming to the end of a contract soon and so will take a bit of time out(2 months) to get my Microsoft certifications updated (MCAD or MCSD), which are becoming more important in the competitive IT market. Its definitely helped me get work in the past and kinda backs up your CV and work experience. Something like Microsoft or Oracle qualifications are Worldwide and recognised everywhere, so getting up to speed here is important IMO.
So while the application is proceeding I've got my studies to concentrate on soon to take my mind off the application process(I hope).

I like the whatI know about Christchurch, however it seems IT work doesn't seem to be there when compared to Wellington or Auckland. Bay of Plenty looks great aswell but again, what do I do work wise there?

Selling the house is my biggest concern at the moment, not had any viewings for 2 weeks now and with the summer holidays around the corner, I'm getting rather worried
:scared: :scared: :scared: