Wife not on skills list
 

Hi Folks,

My wife and I are considering a move to NZ, and from an initial look there is a lot to consider! The biggest thing putting us off just now is the visa process and in particular the visa process for my wife and her chances of her getting good work work.

I am a chartered civil/structural engineer so am well in demand in New Zealand and feature on the skilled list (or whatever the formal name is!). My wife works in commercial surveying / leasing but isn't a chartered member of the RICS, and isn't on the skilled list as far as we understand.

So I would appreciate some advice on our situation - the visa process for me looks fairly standard but my question is, what would my wife need to do? Am I right in thinking that she cannot start her application until I have been granted a visa, and that she can go for working residential visa herself? That is likely to lead to a long timeframe and if I had a job offer (which I obviously would have if I was in the position to apply for a visa) then they would want me moving ASAP. Am I right in thinking she can still apply for a working visa if I am granted one? Also, what are her chances of getting work in her current field if she is granted a visa?

The other issue is the cost - if I was lucky enough to find a company who was willing to pay everything for me (how likely is that?) but we would have to pay her way - it is incredibly expensive!!

There are quite a lot of questions in there - any help would be greatly appreciated, or if that has already been discussed on the forum please point me in the right direction!

Thanks

Re: Wife not on skills list
 

You wife would come with you on your visa, she wouldn't need one for herself, she would get one automatically and all she would need to do to find work is have her skills assessed, if necessary, otherwise she would just be able to get a job.

Re: Wife not on skills list
 

Thanks for the prompt response - that has calmed a real worry in our minds.

So would that mean that we (or my new employer) would only have to pay for one application?

Also, could you go into more detail about the skills assessment that she might have to do and how that relates to finding a job?

I appreciate this information is on the internet but there is a lot to take in - I'm sure there are many people on this forum who have been through it all before and can help.

We're really grateful for any help given!

Re: Wife not on skills list
 

Sorry, not a NZ expert, just know a little of how visas work, there are plenty of people on here who will be along soon to help, but I don't believe her bsing on the application will cost any more.

Re: Wife not on skills list
 

mike is correct - she would come as a partner on your application. you would need to show that you are a partnership so evidence of joint bank accounts, bills, holiday bookings, etc. marriage certificate and kids together does not provide enough evidence.
You should also be looking to fund the whole process yourself and just think yourself lucky if an employer offers to pay some of the funds required. There are enough people looking to emigrate for the amount of jobs available that most employers need not have to fork out to find anyone unless it is a highly specialised job.

I am sorry but I do not know the criteria for enabling your wife to work in the field she is already in. You could look at sites like trademe and seek for her role and see what is required and that should give you an idea if she will find that sort of work.

have you done the points indicator on the immigration site to see what points you get? please follow this link which shows you how you fill it in http://britishexpats.com/forum/immig...d-pool-810756/

come back and let us know how many points you think you gain