Working holiday visa or not?

[alby]

Hi,

My original plan was to apply through the skilled migrant programme to get a visa but I'm 10 points short, so I have come to the conclusion that I need a job offer for the points. In order to get a job offer, the best way appear to actually be in NZ when applying.

However, I am also still eligible to get a working holiday visa and want to know is it worth getting this before I go over, or just go over on a vistors visa?

I know I can't take up permanent employment with a working hol visa, but it does mean that I can get some work whilst applying.

Any advice gratefully appreicated!

(By profession I am a scientist but my work experience lies in scientific publishing rather than the lab)

[MotherBear]

It might be worth going on a WHV because, as you say, it will give you the right to work for a while. The idea would be to enter NZ on the WHV and then look for a suitable job. When you have a job offer you can apply for a Work Permit to allow you to work for longer while you submit your application for PR with the extra points you get for the job offer.

You could also enter NZ on a Visit Visa and do the same thing, but at least with a WHV, if you get a job offer and they want you to start quickly, you can. Sometimes there is a delay getting a WP depending on how busy the INZ branch is where you apply.