Claiming experience instead of qualifications?

[PieterK]

htcesq2, I've looked & looked, but can't find anything that mentions the NZIS memo: Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category effective 4 February 2008. Could you perhaps point me in the right direction? I'd really appreciate it.

[htcesq2]

Hi PieterK,

Here's the link for the FAQ following the Memo.

Changes to SMC effective 26 November

Also, I've cut and pasted below the relevant info saying only experience can be sufficient qualification for systems analysts. This applies to some other IT occupations as well:


(Question) I have been working in New Zealand for five months as a systems analyst. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority compared my qualification to a Bachelor of Applied Information Systems (level seven). I have three years of relevant recognised work experience. Will my job be assessed as skilled?

(Answer) ‘Systems Analyst’ is an ANZSCO skill level one occupation. Therefore, for your job to be considered ‘skilled’ under the SMC you must have a relevant qualification at, or above, the qualification level on the Register required for that occupation in the ANZSCO (in this case a level seven qualification is required) or the work experience that the ANZSCO indicates may substitute the required qualification (in this case 5 years). As you do not have five years of relevant work experience you must rely on your recognised qualification to meet the skill proxy.

I hope this is helpful.





As you have a relevant qualification at level seven of the Register it is likely that a visa or immigration officer will assess your employment as ‘skilled’ (providing any other relevant policy provisions are met).[/i]

[PieterK]

Thanks. It's not exactly the answer I was hoping for, but at least I know now.

[htcesq2]

I'm a bit consfused - may be I haven't read your posts carefully. Doesn't this say you can qualify using only your experience of five years or more? I thought that's what you were looking for! Sorry if I misunderstood.

[PieterK]

I think I'm confusing both of us now: does that mean that when I enter into an EOI, I can claim to have a qualification in IT, even though I don't have one that they'll recognize, because I have over 7 years experience?

[htcesq2]

Hi PieterK,

I remember reading on one of the forums that someone had claimed points for a qualification, which upon EOI selection, was found by the immigration officer to be not relevant. In the mean time, the ANZSCO provisions took effect, and he argued that his experience alone qualified him (he was in the IT field). INZ accepted it.

I don't know whether if this is the best approach. But its better than paying an agent, who I found are not very eager to provide email/phone consultation on a single issue even when you make it clear that you are prepared to pay. It might help if you know somebody in NZ who can see one personally and pay a consultation fee. This we found helpful during a visit to NZ last spring.

Meanwhile, I'll keep looking for the source of the info I mentioned in the first para and will post if I find it.

Good luck.

[PieterK]

Thanks htcesq2, that would be really great. I'm not going to qualify for enough points if I can't claim for a qualification. Otherwise I should go over on "vacation", try to get a job offer in writing, & then apply for a work ermit while I'm still in the country.