Originally Posted by Cazorla (Post 10709163)

Hey guys,

First time poster but have been reading a lot of the threads. I will tell you my story and any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hello and welcome!

Single and looking to make the move ASAP from the UK to NZ. Missed the WHV by 3 months, my own stupid fault, but scored 115 on the skilled visa points process and my profession is on the shortage and demand list.
Which of the shortage lists is it on? Unfortunately 115 points is unlikely to be selected without a job offer in place at this point in time. Have a look at the History of Selection Points to get an idea of what is being selected at the moment

A few questions which I would be over the moon if you guys could give me some advice with:

1. Would I be quicker processing it here or in NZ? I want to get out of this place!
It varies, your points total means you would probably need a job offer first anyway.

2. Is an agent going to make things easier and is it really going to help?
Unlikely to help much and they cost a LOT of money. NZIS does not give priority to those applications that involve an agent. If you can fill in a form and understand the process involved then they're not worth the cost IMO. Some people prefer to use one for peace of mind or because there is something that could prove difficult in their history

3. I was considering going in on a tourist and trying to get sponsorship, long shot?
What do you mean by sponsorship? If an employer offers you a job then it is up to you to arrange the visa and do everything, not them. The other possible visas [work/WTR] require a job offer first before you can apply and certain conditions apply to each of these.
Also NZ immigration frown on people coming over as visitors with the sole purpose of getting a job and staying...

I have made a load of contacts via Linked In and have been told I would get work easy. The only issue is the visa.
From what you've written you need a job offer before you can get a visa. NZ employers don't necessarily know about the visa process so you may have to educate them. Have you tried applying for jobs from the UK? Best option all round is to come over with a job offer and visa already in place if you can. You can get a work visa to get you started quickly if a SMC application will take too long.
Thanks all and hope everyone has a good day.

Originally Posted by Persephone (Post 10709514)

Hope this helps a little. Why do you want to come to NZ? Have you been before?
P:)

Originally Posted by MrsFychan (Post 10709710)

If you can afford to come over on a visitors visa then I would say try it. best places for IT is Auckland or Wellington. You get extra points for not going to Auckland.
Thing is it is "illegal" to come over on a visitors visa and actively look for work so you need to be aware if they think thats what you are here for you may get deported. depends on the customs person on the line at the time if you are stopped and asked questions, you will need to have a return ticket or at least an outward bound ticket.

If you do get a job offer, some may want you to start straight away, you can obtain a 12mth temp work visa whilst you upgrade the EOI and a get the ITA sorted, but again thats more cost. Hope you have deep pockets

Originally Posted by Catchafire (Post 10709707)

If you missed the cut off for a WHV, you can still apply for a BUNAC WHV

http://www.bunac.org/uk/work-abroad/...-zealand/visas

Originally Posted by MrsFychan (Post 10709930)

I'm not sure what the BUNAC WHV covers that Catchafire highlights so could be worth a look at and see if that suits you.

as for submitting your EOI before you have a job offer is down to you, it only lasts 6mths in the pool and if you do not succeed in obtaining a job offer within that time frame you will lose your money and would have to submit again and pay again.
Not submitting it means once you have a job offer you would have to create and wait for the next drawer which is every two weeks, which would seem like the most sensible thing to do.
I do know of someone who gained visa without a job offer, moved over and is nearing 2yrs being here and has yet to gain a job offer, Telecomunnication field of IT. It may be on the shortage lists but it does not mean that companies are falling over themselves to offer jobs I'm afraid.

Originally Posted by Persephone (Post 10711357)

If it was me I would not submit an EOI until a job offer was in place. You're very unlikely to be selected without a job offer but once you have one then you will be selected straight away [at most it would be a fortnight until the next draw].

Depending on when the employer wants you to start you may have to get a work visa to tide you over anyway. If they are willing to wait for a SMC application to go through then a fortnight is unlikely to make a difference.
If you don't get a job within 6months then you lose the application fee.
Your choice!!:)

Originally Posted by Cazorla (Post 10711485)

Thanks for the post. Yes, this definitely makes sense.

I've had a chat with a few recruiters and they are already pumping my CV out the blocks so hopefully I catch a fish which would give me a head start before I arrive.