work visa/permit
 

I have been looking at the New zealand Immigration website and i do not fall into any of the catergories below that are listed for consideration for a work visa:

have a job offer from a New Zealand employer
are skilled in occupations that are in demand
are coming here for a particular purpose or event
want to gain work experience or work after studying in New Zealand
are a students and who want to work
want to join a partner here and work.

Does that mean that the only way to work in NZ would be to apply direct for residency as a skilled migrant worker?

Re: work visa/permit
 

See how many points you qualify for on the Skilled Migrant Category points calculator

But if this isn't you "are skilled in occupations that are in demand" then do you qualify under the Skilled Migrant?

Normally the bar is higher for Skilled Migration without a job offer than for Work Visa with a job offer....

Are you of an age (<30yrs), to get a Working Holiday Visa and use that to try and gain work that would qualify for a Work visa or Residency??

Re: work visa/permit
 

unfortunately those years have passed me by so work holiday visa is a no, no.

Without a job offer i get 120 points, but it looks like applying for residency as a skilled migrant is the only way.

We are looking to relocate the family to be closer to my wife's family that moved to auckland about 15 years ago.

Re: work visa/permit
 

Then check the draw history, pulling 120pts without a job offer may be quite regular, 140 is auto draw but minimum is 100 so check the history for an idea.

Re: work visa/permit
 

Nah, looking at it you are going to need a job offer anyway I think, but 120pts with a job offer is pulled quite often if I read the history right.

What is your occupation?

Have you considered any of the family visas - sibling etc?

Re: work visa/permit
 

thought a family visa was only to join a partner out in nz