Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

Hi,

I am 4 months in to a NZ working holiday visa which can last 23 months.

Having enjoyed it here thoroughly, I would like to consider my options to stay here permanently. I have a bachelor of the science degree in the Environment and would qualify for the role of Environmental Research Scientist under the long term skills shortage list.

I have no 'real' experience though and I believe you need 1 year work experience to apply for this under the permanent visas.

I am seeking advice on weather over the 23 months here I should try to gain this 1 year of experience, go home to get the 1 year experience or stay in NZ and try to find sponsorship? Bear in mind the job market for this industry is much better in NZ, but would they be willing to take me on a WHV?

Re: Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

My opinion would be that if this is an area in which you are qualified to work & would enjoy working in then I would suggest going for it in NZ. I have no idea if 1 years work here in the field of environmental science would ultimately lead to full time work & the all important visa, but it surely can't do any harm. Working conditions can be quite different in NZ, as compared to the UK, so local experience will really help you see if you want to pursue this as a career pathway.
Even if a year's work in NZ doesn't lead directly to a visa it will look good on a future application.
There's no crystal balls & circumstances change, both yours & NZIS. Who knows what they'll be asking for in 2 years time! So I'd suggest just go for it now, the experience can't hurt wherever you end up living & go for it!

Re: Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

Hi and welcome to this teeny tiny NZ forum.

I'm with Tomsk on this one.

Yes. You should be able to give this a go from within New Zealand. There is nothing to stop an NZ employer from taking you on under the working holiday visa. You may need to educate them a little that they are free to do so as your occupation is in shortage here.

If you are able to gain a full time and permanent job offer , you could start the employment whilst on the WHV but then apply for a temporary work permit to keep you here and working for the employer in your skilled occupation. Let any potential employer know this so they are assured that any time and training they put into you won't be wasted. That you are here to stay .

See where I'm going with this ?

Once you know you have your 1 year of work experience under your belt, then go for residency if that is still what you wish to do.

Points means prizes. 2 yrs of experience gains you a few more points, but I think that with your age, your quals, a job offer AND the required NZ work experience you could sail through.

Just play the long game.

Re: Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

Thank you for your replys guys.
I think the best option would be to give it a real go here in NZ.

Thanks again.

Re: Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

What he says /\ :)

Re: Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

is what is needed to gain bonus points for a qualification in an area of skills shortage under the SMC.

If you wanted to apply now and had a job offer, would you have enough points without the above to get you selected?? You would not get the bonus points but would have points for age, degree and job offer.

Just something to look into if you wanted to apply sooner, those with job offers and over 100 points have been pulled out in the last two draws

Re: Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

Oh, that's an interesting point! It is something I will definitely look into.
I assumed that you needed the 1 years experience regardless of job offer or not...

Thanks for your advice one again.

Re: Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

Noes . It's all about the points.......... & a bit about the job offer as those applications get priority.

Re: Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

Also remember, even though you are on a 23month WHV, this visa allows you to work for 12months in total.

If you find a suitable job, you can also apply for a Work Visa, which will allow you to work for 2-3 years. This will allow you to have a "bridge" to gain sufficient experience.

Assuming you do not have a required points already.

:fingerscrossed:

Re: Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

Thanks once again for your replys.

Having looked at the points system, I have a bit more of an understanding.

I have looked at the "skilled employment" section and there are about 3/4 jobs there that with my degree, I could do.

Now, does this skilled employment have to be as a environmental research scientist (which is on the long term shortage list), or can it be ANYTHING on the skilled employment list?

If it could be anything on the skilled employment list, I would qualify with 140 points as long as I get a skilled employment job offer and stay out of Auckland...

Re: Working Holiday / Permanent Options..
 

The job has to be classed as skilled. You are not able to claim points for being on the LTSSL so that doesn't apply.
You will have to explain why your degree is relevant to the job offer but I don't believe there are any limitations on what you can do.

140 points is an automatic selection but 130 with a job offer has been selected recently so chances are that would be enough. Think I'm trying to say that you could accept a job offer in Auckland and it is likely you would still be selected. Have a look at the History of Selection Points to see what I mean