Confused as usual

[ShellBda]

Hello,

My apologies in advance for constantly asking the same questions over and over but as you all know there is a constant element of confusion in regards to "how do I get into NZ?". My questions are also driven by the fear that maybe I am not going to be eligible (especially after making so many friends on this forum). Needless to say, once I complete and obtain my Certificate in Technical Communication, which I hope to do over the next 6 months, I will have 100 points without a job offer.

I want to move to NZ with 100 points in my pocket, find a job, obtain a work permit and apply for residence after working for the mandatory time.

I have been told to apply under the Skilled Migrant policy but as I really don't see my profession on any of the lists on NZIS website, I am worried that I will have a problem. I am not a nurse or a doctor or an IT specialist or a pig farmer or a professional paddock hole digger - I am an Office Manager/Personal Assistant. I presently hold the position of Head of Administration. I have been doing administrative work for 20 years and started as an Executive Assistant. I see that there are a lot of jobs advertised in this area (not in Palmy North) but I am concerned that I won't be wanted

I am in contact with a consultant and she has been very helpful to the point of assessing my points and I will use her when it comes to handling my paperwork etc. But, there are so many who have passed through this forum I am sure somebody can advise me.

MB, you definitely seem to be able to find information on the NZIS website that I have never seen and I would have thought that I had seen every page or spin-off page on that site!

Appreciate any feedback.

Cheers,
Shell

[MotherBear]

Shell, I totally have to agree with you about the NZIS site. If I got paid for all the hours I've trawled through it fruitlessly, I'd be well off. I absolutely loathe the site as it's geared to sending you in a complete circle and back to where you started without the answer you were looking for. There's so many promising-looking links on there, but when you click on them they just don't say anything, just a lot of meaningless hot air that's already been repeated elsewhere. I'm sure the NZIS site is one of the major causes of my increasingly frequent hot flushes (or flashes, to you).

Anyway, if you take a look on here and put the number 4 in the page box at the bottom, then scroll down a bit until you see a list starting, you can see that Adminstration Manager (and I assume this is similar to your job title) is there. The title of the document is Occupation and Region of Employment for approved SMC and General Skills Principal Applicants so that, to me, sounds like you could get in with that.

You only need a minimum of 100 points to be able to submit your EOI. It's 140 points for automatic selection but that MAY be coming down at some point. They change their minds like I change my underwear. If I were you, I'd try to gather as much proof together of your work experience as that counts for quite a bit as well.

If this doesn't answer your question, let me know and I'll go on looking.

[ShellBda]

MB you are truly amazing! (Dawn, don't get upset because I only called you amazing ) Where did you find this report? Anyway, the report certainly helped alleviate some of my fears. It was so good to see my job listed. In fact, because of the broadness of administration, Administration Manager, Office Manager and Personal Assistant are pretty much what I do and all 3 were on the list. I also saw Bermy Girl's occupation listed there, also in 1 form or another.

Now, I know that I only need 100 points to submit an EOI but why, if I have 100 points would I need to obtain a job offer? Could I not submit at 100 and hope I get chosen to apply for residence? That is what the EOI and ITA are mainly for - applying for residence. Right?

Of course, the best scenario would be to apply at 100 pts, receive an ITA, receive approval for residence and then get my little but down to NZ and not have to worry about applying for a work permit, just go out and get a job! This not being a so perfect world, this is not how it would work.

So, I travel to NZ as a visitor, smile at the Immigration officer and tell him I can't wait to see NZ, stay as long as my passport allows (I believe my Irish passport gives me 3 months as a visitor and my British passport - which doesn't say British but actually says British Dependent Territory Citizen which gives me the right to live and work in the UK - 6 months - Anybody?). Look for a job that pays a minimum of 45K, apply for a work permit and then submit my EOI??

I do not like having everything all scattered about in my head. I like everything to fit neatly into the box. You know, step by step procedures, everything orderly. Probably asking for too much but this is how I operate best - too many years doing administrative work, I guess.

Thanks again MB.
Shell

[MotherBear]

One reason it’s good to have a job offer either before or whilst you are applying is because you can claim extra points for it. The more points you have, the more likely you are to be selected quickly (if NZIS can ever be regarded as being quick). If you have a job offer, the idea is to get you into NZ as soon as possible and put you to work. With only 100 points, it could take a long time to be selected as they take those with higher points first. However, getting a job offer is not always that easy from outside NZ so, the next best thing would be, as you say, to trundle down to NZ to find one.

You can make your application either way i.e. from where you are with 100 points and a long wait or from NZ on a visitor’s visa looking for work, then getting a WP and sticking your EOI in from there.

I don’t know if you’ve read through the EOI Guide . It’s always useful to have it to hand because it explains a lot about the process and how many points are given for different things.

If you hold a passport that is equal to a British passport you should be able to stay in NZ for 6 months, but that can be extended to 9 months if you apply and if, for example, you have an application for PR going on at the time, you could explain this and they might extend it to a full 12 months.. I can't find anything about a Dependent Territory passport.

Have I answered your questions by any chance? It’s evening time here and my brain is starting to malfunction , so I’m not taking everything in so well.

[ShellBda]

Thanks MB, got your finger on the pulse, so to speak. This was very helpful. I have looked at points before but after spending an inordinate amount of time going through the NZIS site, I probably couldn't find my way back to it or forgot it existed! Based on the points shown, if I receive a job offer of skilled employment and it is outside of Auckland then I would have a total of 160 points when I submit my EOI. This total is based on job offer, offer outside Auckland, over 10 yrs experience, recognized qualification and my age. Actually, my case would be pretty straightforward. I have reference letters attesting to my job experience. I should have completed my Certificate by early next year and I know it is recognized as a Level 5 qualification as per the NZQA.

Wonder if I can gain any points for knowing Dave Carter? Or maybe I can get 2 points for every past All Black player I know! Just kidding! I only know 4, but hey that would give me an extra 8 points.

I did read about the 6 month stay for a British Passport but it believe it also said "or other British passport". Hoping that my BODT passport falls into that category. Not sure about the Irish passport - which is the EU passport.

You have answered my questions and hopefully will continue to answer them!

It is 2:30pm Saturday and I have been cleaning my house. My son spent the night at his "Auntie's" house last night and I sat around staring in to space not knowing what to do with myself! So, I have been using my free time to clean. Oh the joy of it! I do miss him. Not sure how we will both do when I fly to NZ in July. He has so much fun at his Auntie's he probably won't want me back

Ciao,
Shell

[MotherBear]

Originally Posted by ShellBda

Wonder if I can gain any points for knowing Dave Carter? Or maybe I can get 2 points for every past All Black player I know!

You didn't mention the extra 200 points you get just for being a member of this forum .

The Irish passport only gives yoiu 3 months stay in NZ, I'm not sure how it works if you want to extend on from that.

I really don't know how most of us find our way around the NZIS site, It's like wandering around a maze without getting anywhere, most of the time. I have enough difficulty finding my way around the smiley list .

I'm off to bed now - I'm all immigrated out.

Laileh sa'eeda tisbah'ala khair or, if you prefer, Good night.