[q2.co.nz]

Hello Catweazle, hello everyone,

I can only agree to what's been said in regards to paid assistance to get a work visa. My husband and I have completed the entire process of applying for a permanent residency by ourselves. And we are not even native english speakers.

We did have the necessary stuff to get enough points, though (qualification is on the shortage list, work experience, right age, recognized education etc) so we tried right for the PR, and succeded, giving us the advantage of working on contract right from the start and not being at the mercy of an employer while the application is being processed.

A much easier (and faster) way of course, which many people choose, is to simply go to NZ on a 3month tourist visa, then look for a job while you're there. Once you have a job your employer handles the formalities (since he wants to keep you). The two disadvantages of that menthod are the stress (finding a job in 3 months) and being stuck with one employer or a certain period of time.

I'm not sure if the whole application process is worth the efford, time and money if you are applying for any "smaller" (timed or otherwise restricted) work visa less of the PR. Might be better to just go there and start looking.

Greetings from Berlin. 6 more weeks until our plane goes!
Petra