lindam

Hi all
We are planning a move to NZ asap, I have been over for an interview and been told yes there is a job for me but it could be awhile off. My hubby has been promised jobs but most employers are saying let them know when we are actually living in NZ.
Whilst I was it was mentioned to me several times the easiest way to get into NZ is to move out without jobs then look for work when we actually live there then get the visa after so come in on tourist visa which I think lasts for a year then look for work. Is this really the best way ? Id be grateful for any advice.

Persephone

Hi and welcome,
Congratulations on getting a job offer, that's worth hanging onto
When you say the job is awhile off, is it so far off that you wouldn't consider getting either a work visa or PR based on that before moving over? It would give you much more security when you do come over and hubby can come over on the back of that and have the work visa/PR already in place.
You can certainly enter NZ as a visitor but you only get 6m leave to stay. It depends on how certain you are that one of you would get a job in that time and whether the job would be acceptable to NZIS; also on how risk averse you are I suppose! People have done this and been ok. Strictly speaking you should not be entering NZ as a visitor in order to look for work. Also you will need to purchase a ticket out of NZ before you leave the UK if entering as a visitor.
Are your occupations on either of the skills shortages lists? It's hard to help without more information.
All the best

lindam

Thanks for that. Illegal kind of changes things slightly ! The job offer is on a as soon as we do x and x basis so it could be a month it could be 6 months on this basis I dont really want to apply for a visa yet. My job and my hubbys is on the ANZSCO list the employer as also been advertising the position for more than three months and is accredited. We also both have the experience and qualifications.
Another option we have looked into is setting up a business but it seems the scary option if the business fails we could end up back in the UK penniless.
In the meantime Im being offered interviews but its so expensive to keep flying out.

Just checked the list again both of our jobs are on the Essential skills in demand list

Persephone

Hi,
You can apply for PR under the skilled migrant category without a job offer if you have over 100 points. You gain more points if your job is on the long term skills shortage list. You can send in an application and then add a job offer to it at a later date [which would speed everything up] It is an option if you don't want to commit to a job offer yet but want to get the ball rolling. Would you be wanting to move over permanently or temporarily to see how it pans out as it were?

Again it does come down to the individual, some do come over as visitors, find a job and then get a work visa of some sort [from reading comments on here] but I doubt NZIS would be very happy if they suspected that was your plan

lindam

You've certainly given me food for thought think I may wait till I get the job start date.