WHV - WORK VISA or even PR?

[Canuck]

Has anyone got any advice? We haven't arrived yet but were wondering how easy/hard it is to obtain PR once you're in NZ. We'll be coming on WHV's and I am hoping to get full-time work as I am a teacher looking for that .. and I have been told then I could convert WHV to work visa - but then how does one go about PR?? No rush, just curious about how hard it would be..

[MotherBear]

I'm sure many people change visa types and/or apply for PR while they are in NZ and there shouldn't be a problem. Sometimes it can take a bit longer because some of the INZ branches in NZ tend to be busier than those outside the country. Once you have a full time job offer, you should be able to apply for a work permit by filling in the appropriate form. I would ask though if you have registered with the Teachers' Council yet as I believe this is a requirement in NZ before you can teach.

[Canuck]

Yeah I'm already registered .. have been since August. :) Was just wondering if you can apply for PR once you're there since everyone else seems to do it before they leave!

I'm sure many people change visa types and/or apply for PR while they are in NZ and there shouldn't be a problem. Sometimes it can take a bit longer because some of the INZ branches in NZ tend to be busier than those outside the country. Once you have a full time job offer, you should be able to apply for a work permit by filling in the appropriate form. I would ask though if you have registered with the Teachers' Council yet as I believe this is a requirement in NZ before you can teach.

[MotherBear]

There shouldn't be a problem with submitting a PR application from inside NZ. We've done it . I guess most people do it from their home country because they want to make sure they're going to get PR before making the move, which is a wise thing. If you are already in NZ for some other reason, then I don't think there is anything stopping you doing it there.

[gnom]

I did it this way too. I applied for PR while I was already in the country. Good luck

[Canuck]

I did it this way too. I applied for PR while I was already in the country. Good luck

Excellent! I'm glad to hear it. Was it terribly expensive?? Do you remember what specific documents you needed? Let me know if you can! Thanks for sharing! :)

[gnom]

Not so expensive. I can't remember how much I paid for the whole family. But it depend also if you need a medical or not.
Documents needed
- police cert
- medical
- proof of living together (pictures, letters)
- Birth certificate
- Wedding certificate
- Proof of English language
i guess that's all what you need. For my workvisa I needed as well
- Certificates
- Diplomas
- Reference letters
- Proof of employment in NZ
It has been a long time since but these documents should do the trick.

Good luck

[MotherBear]

Was it terribly expensive??

This is a document showing INZ's fees. I hope you'll find your answer in there.