Greetings from UK

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CHUNKYkitkat

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#12837 9-Apr-2007 00:36

Well here I am - going through the immigration process to NZ - the EOI has been chosen but we are still awaiting further information regarding this so in the meantime just wondering a few things.

As a 35 year old, with over 10 years IT Management experience, Diploma in Business Management and also numerous Microsoft Certifications as well as other certs, how easy would it be for me to come over as a tourist and get a work visa / work permit while in your country and get a job perm/temp/contract.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Chunky

freitasm

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#66625 9-Apr-2007 08:39

Welcome to Geekzone! There's a catch 22: most companies won't offer you a job if you don't have a work vista or resident permit, but you can't get either without a job offer.

There are some companies offering jobs though, you just have to find them. I know of a couple of cases in the last month where the companies offered to sponsor the work visa. You should contact some companies and job placement companies ahead of your visit, otherwise you will spend too much time looking for them here instead of doing the interviews and paperwork.

rwales

122 posts

Master Geek

#68893 30-Apr-2007 02:28

Hey there,

Yeah, a lot of agencies won't touch you unless you can legally work in NZ. However, if you've got a lot of job experience and tertiary qualifications you might already have the points you need to get in under the skilled migrant category. You're probably aware that a lot of IT trades are on the emergency shortlist & get extra points.

I've recently emigrated to Wellington from the UK myself (skilled migrant category) but was lucky enough to keep my existing job (.NET developer) working from home. My fiancée, however, secured a job with the NZ government from the UK via telephone interviews/video conferencing alone. Bear in mind, NZ has a substantially smaller population than the UK (Wellington itself has just over 400,000 folks compared to London's 12.7m commuter belt) so companies are more inclined to look abroad for good staff.

Anyway, the IT industry seems to be really strong here. Try approaching companies direct & see if they'll make you an offer based on telephone interviews etc. Some good sites to try are http://seek.co.nz/ & http://tinyurl.com/3y7rjn (TradeMe).

If you haven't done so already, it's well worth attending any New Zealand 'expos' (generally in London). Companies looking to attract UK talent show up & you can get a lot of admin done too (setting up bank accounts etc). Also, don't be afraid to get in touch with the NZ embassy. They were amazingly efficient and very friendly too.

Finally, best of luck with your application! I certainly have no regrets about emigrating. A word of warning though - kiwis drive like psychotic maniacs on ecstasy. Take out insurance. Lots of insurance. :)

CHUNKYkitkat

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#70000 9-May-2007 01:27

Thanks for the info.

Points process is simple and the EOI as been approved, what is frustrating is the time everything takes but patients is a virtue i suppose.

Any other info well appreciated.

Nyall