laidbackfreak

Hi guys n gals, I'm looking for some advice on what I need in terms of qualifications for IT as a skilled migrant? I'm looking at the LTSSL and I appear to fit under ICT Professional umbrella.

I currently have various technical certifications, CISSP, Cisco etc. I have over 10years experience in networks, security and voip.

Are these likely to be enough or do I need a degree, something I dont have.

JohnThePom

I'm afraid I don't know the answer for sure without looking it up, but I think you do need a degree. I think it might even have to be an ICT degree.

Just out of interest, if that isn't the case, do you have enough points?

Spacecake799

Hi,

As regards qualifications, I think only a degree in IT will be recognised. Microsoft certificates are not recognised.

To gain points from the skills shortage list you have to have worked in IT for an IT company such as IBM. We could not claim the points as all my husbands work although IT was within a law firm.

I hope that helps.

Carole

laidbackfreak

Cheers guys, what is it with these places that think a degree potentially 20years out of date is relevant to today's market lol Ok I know it shows a certain level of learning, but that's what professional certifications are for surely?

I've even spoken with recruitment agents over there and my skills are very marketable there crazy I tell ya.

In terms of points if I didn't need a degree (which now looks like I do) yes I meet the points. I do however have an option of family sponsor but was hoping to go skilled migrant due to the faster processing times.

Hmmm ok time for a re-think


ps In terms of work experience, I've worked in Manufacturing, NHS and Law Firms and I can say that Law firms blow most places out of the water in terms of technology\delivery targets\ pressure etc I now that always gets a mention when I'm talking to potential employers.

simonmarkellis

The minimum qualification that counts for 50 points is a HNC from an accredited Uni... Your work quals though will stand you in good stead for getting a job but as everyone else has said won't get you any extra points, my CCNA and Microsoft quals didn't...

Spacecake799

Hi,

You will find that alot of the IT people that come here without a degree turn up for a "holiday" and job search. As you said, your skills are required but its very hard to get enough points for an EOI when your in IT.

Carole

laidbackfreak

Hi Carole, interestingly I've had several people suggest this route and it's looking more appealling. I could use another trip out there to look at some more places and of course see my family

simonmarkellis

It worked for me...

Christopher32

Hi Everyone,

I'm in a similar position to the OP. I've been working in IT as a software developer/architect in the UK for 10 years, including 3 years at IBM. I do have a degree, but it is a BEng in Electronic Engineering. Whilst this degree includes computer engineering and programming, it's not necessarily the central focus, and it is not the same as a pure "Computer Science" or "Information Technology" degree that the Skilled Migrant Programme seems to require.

I'm interested in moving to NZ, and have been looking at the Skilled Migrant Programme, but if I assume that my degree is not relevant for an IT position, it doesn't look like I have enough points (unless I get a job offer).

Does anyone know how I can find out whether my degree would be considered relevant enough for the type of position I'd be looking for ?

Also, I wouldn't have a problem going on holiday to NZ and applying for jobs there. Are NZ employers generally OK with this approach ?

Many Thanks
Chris

danjones1

MCSE, Cisco etc etc are micky mouse qualifications, degree is worth much more.

JohnThePom

4/10

simonmarkellis

It doesn't sound to me that if you even if you degree is not related to IT that will be an issue for you. Having a degree related to your work i think only gets you an extra 10 points.

have you worked out your total points score?

Christopher32

Good point - I think I have 120 points without the degree, so wouldn't make 140 with it anyway.
But do people usually get a job offer before submitting the EOI anyway (with a job offer I'd easily have enough points) ? Do NZ employers offer jobs to those who don't yet have a permit, but are virtually guaranteed to qualify for one if they have the job offer ?

JohnThePom

That's a tricky one to answer. People certainly do get offered jobs from outside the country without pre-existing permits. It helps if you are a specialist, or have experience and qualifications that exactly match a vacancy that can't be filled from inside the country, or if you know the person with the vacancy. Generally speaking it is more difficult to get a job offer in IT from outside the country than say a job offer in nursing. It's easier than some other professions though.

Most employers won't really care what your points are - you'll be lumped in with all other non residents. Many advertise only for people that already have a permit.

I would have thought that prior to submitting the EOI it's not that likely you'd get an offer because there are more hoops for you to jump through and more risk to the employer that you'd drop out of the process.

WP

simonsi

I didn´t find just submitting an EOI made one jot of difference to employers, most will want you to be an awful long way further down the route than that. Most job adverts and agencies will want to seriously talk only if you have a valid permit and some only if you are in NZ and able to face-to-face interview.