Work Visa Essential Skills / Skilled Migrant / PR
 

Hi all,

I wanted to pick your brains a little, I hope its not too much...

Current situation:
Got a job offer, employer is arranging Work Visa, since employer is no accredited, only Work Visa under Essential Skills (no possibility of Work to Residence visa). They asked for a 5 year Work Visa.
Recently married, we haven't lived together. I have understood he way forward is bring her as visitor, she lives with me for 3 months or so, we collect evidence, and ask for a work visa under partnership, which should be given for 12 months, and after that we can apply for a work visa for her for the remaining extent of my work visa.

1. What evidence can we collect while she is on a VISITORS visa? Can she be on my lease agreement? can we open a joint bank account? what kind of mail would she be getting as visitor? Bills (sky,phone,gas,power)???

Looking forward.

I think the path towards residency, would be to apply for a Skilled Migrant residency. I've read I can start that on my own right away. We would have 120 pts, but with the job secure, I guess that would get me in the pool right?

1. Is it frown upon or illegal to start my application on my own just getting there? will the company be requested for any other collaboration towards the SMC? does it interfere in any way my current work visa?

2. Should I wait for the 12 month "living together with my wife" part to apply together? or should I apply and get it for me, then apply for her family stream after the 12 month barrier?

3. Company says they are happy to help after 2 years to get residency.
If I wait for 2 years, still my only option is to go for the SMC right? Work visa IS NOT "Work to Residence Visa". Then it would be 2 more years under SMC and THEN going for permanent residency. Did I get the picture clear?

4. Is it easy to find someone in INZ to consult on these things, or do I have to bother you every time? or do I have to pay a lawyer?

Any clarification, correction, advise is highly appreciated.

Best Regards