Eric139

I am graduating from uni in 5 weeks with a environmental science and policy degree, and a business minor. I studied in NZ for 6 months in 2011 and returned. My girlfriend came to stay with me in Boston however had to go back to uni so I am now looking to move to NZ, gain a professional career, and live in auckland and be with her for a little bit. However she has a long term lease so I would not be living with her for the time being so a partnership visa does not apply. I have been looking at the INZ 1015 which is to get a work visa. Is this easy to get or no, I am 21, have funds, and am very healthy. Do I need to get a job offer before I send the visa? How long does it take, anyone have any advice I really appreciate the help! Thanks

BEVS

Hi there and welcome.

I can't give you a time-line for a work visa application as it is on a case by case basis.

What I can say is that you need a job offer first before you can apply for a temporary work visa.

As you are young , you may like to consider a working holiday visa which would allow you to come to New Zealand to holiday but which also allows you to do bits of work. Whilst here you may happen upon a permanent position & so then uplift a temporary work visa or try for residency.

Eric139

OK thanks for the info I have looked into getting a working holiday visa and it is pretty easy coming form the United States. However I am graduating in May with a bachelors in Environmental Science so I would like to attain a career in this field is this possible with a holiday work visa. what is considered permanent work, can I find environmental work that isn't permanent?

BEVS

You can't work full time on a working holiday visa. However, I suppose that by being here it could lead to you finding a full time position. A full time position would entail the NZ employer providing you with a contract of employment stating terms, conditions, employment hours and salary. I think the hours must be at least 30. Preferably more towards 40. Such a job offer should match your quals and any experience you have.

I can't help with working in the environmental field. You may wish to start a new topic/thread in the main NZ forum . More folk hang around there and some may be able to give you some good points. Would help if you gave the fields you were interested in.

BEVS

Is this you? If so, NZIS suggest you also need 1 year exp as well as the degree I think

Eric139

yea that is me, Im receiving the degree in a few weeks and am currently looking for jobs in the environmental field. However I really dont want to work a part time job that doesnt pay as well as a full time one. Its hard to apply for jobs over the internet especially when im all the way over in th US. From what ive herd most jobs want u to already have the visa and INZ wants u to have a job offer. very difficult. I may have to get the holiday visa, get a part time job, look for full time employment, then once I find something apply for the work visa. ughh

BEVS

It is a job offer first and then you apply for the work visa. Not the other way around.
with New Zealand , boots on ground seems to work best so maybe coming on the WHV would be a way to go whilst you source your options within your field.

As you don't live with your girlfriend it would be extremely difficult to prove it is and has been a long, lasting, committed relationship.