This page is for the people who have purchased our online guide. Infact, it is the online guide. Our website has effectively shutdown due to financing issues. We hope you find the following information useful... ............................................................................................................................................... If you can establish the number of points you have early on in the process you will save yourself a lot of work. The most common category for application is (as you probably already know) the skilled migrant category. We personally think it is good to gain residency prior to moving here as it is easier to do it from home. This usually requires a job offer before you apply, which is very difficult to get when you are out of the country. However we know people who have come across and done it on a visitors visa, then applied for a work visa and then got residency. I guess it depends upon if you have a job offer or not. There is plenty of work if you have the skills and qualifications to do that job. Just for info..... In order to enter New Zealand as a visitor, a migrant must meet "lawful purpose" entry criteria which may include (but are not limited to) the applicant demonstrating a genuine intention to enter New Zealand for: A Holiday, Sightseeing, Family and social events, Amateur sport and/or Business consultation. As a general rule, a person is able to stay in New Zealand on a visitor permit for 9 months during any 18 month period. In limited circumstances a 3 month extension may be granted to allow a maximum visit of 12 months. Don't forget to ask us any questions you may have. Also, if you could mention our website when you get the chance on chat rooms and forums etc as there are others we can help but they just don't know we are here. Keep in touch, let us know your progress. It would be great to hear from you again. One last thing, go through our website "links and questions sections" carefully. We have put a huge amount of effort into our website for one reason...to supply the required knowledge to prospective immigrants. Spending time here will save you time and money later! Thank you for your support, we really appreciate your help. Also, if any of the links stop working, please inform us. NZIS have a habit of moving things on their website. Regards Craig and Tracey ............................................................................................................................................... As you are probably aware, there are a number of ways in which you can legally enter New Zealand and stay here. As a holiday maker, as a visitor (short term stay), on a work visa (go home eventually), as a resident (live here). Our area of focus is in residency. However, there are a number of residency categories of which the Skilled Migrant category is our main area of expertise. An EOI (Expression of interest) is a form you submit to NZ immigration which details your information. It allows them (and you) to establish your suitability to live and work in new Zealand. The "POOL" is a where your EOI goes if you have more than 100 points. If you have less than 100 points, don't bother sending it in. If you are not selected after a few months (typically 6) you are booted out of the pool and have to re-apply and re-pay. Have a look at our guide for a full understanding of the process An Invitation To Apply (ITA) is offered to those people who have over 140 points OR have more than 100 points "AND ALSO" meet other criteria which can be changed by the NZ government (eg they need a few more hairdressers or Doctors). If this happens, you are pulled from the pool. The points system is the method used to establish you suitability to settle and live in New Zealand. HOW MANY POINTS DO I NEED FOR RESIDENCY? If you have more than 100 points, you can enter the "pool" (and possibly gain an Invitation To Apply for residency- ITA). Have a go at the online points assessment on the NZIS website. If however you get a job offer, you may well have over 140 and be ITA'd immediately. There are options for people with 100 points or more to be accepted so don't give up. Obviously we don't know how much you know about the whole immigration process, but if you are going to do it yourself (which we would recommend) you need to fully understand the sometimes complex NZ immigration system. CAN I GET A WORK VISA FIRST? You can apply for a work permit once you get a job offer and then apply for full residency once you get over here, but of course there is a risk involved. This being that your actual residency application may be refused for a reason that we are currently unaware of so it is worth checking your points and gaining a good understanding of the residency application process. We know of people who came out on a visitors visa, found a job, obtained a work visa and are now happily living in Hamilton with full residency. We have also heard of people who were sent home and refused residency. The key here is "understand the residency policy" other wise you may take the risk and have it all go wrong. It is worth investing some time and effort. If we can do it, anyone can. DO I NEED A JOB? Typically, most people looking to settle in NZ require a job offer. This is (in our opinion) a deliberate part of the amended immigration policy and it has made many consultants rather rich since it's introduction. If you do use a consultancy, be careful about handing over large sums of money to them. No one can possibly guarantee you a job (if they can, please give us their details as we know a few immigrants who would be rather interested). The employment agencies in New Zealand are generally really good and they normally charge the employer for their services and not the potential employee (i.e. not you). There are a few we use which are on our website. Due to the above mentioned immigration policy, we have been pushed down the job finding route by immigrants.   Most of us (immigrants) have to get a job offer to get in to New Zealand, it is as simple as that. It is deliberately designed that way by NZ immigration. This obviously creates a huge catch 22 situation as employers are often reluctant  to take on people who haven't gained their residency visas. Many people fail at this particular hurdle and their dreams are over. Unfortunately, feeding off these vulnerable people are the immigration and employment consultants who charge a fortune and who more often than not, achieve nothing. You may have gathered from our website that we are not overly impressed with consultants. What to do about it?   ...In our experience it is the most determined people who gain residency. Even the biggest hurdles can be broken into smaller issues which makes them assailable. You require a method of getting round the catch 22 job situation. With a really good CV and covering letter you are half way there. We have plenty of experience in this area and we are happy to help if you feel you need it. You then have to get your CV onto the right desks. We have found that actually posting CV's to employers is far more effective than emailing them. We discovered this by accident and we are still not quite sure why it works so well. Our experience in finding employers is very broad and again we can certainly help if needed. Have the contact details of someone in New Zealand on your covering letter. This gives confidence to employers and also allows them to discuss options (interviews etc) during normal working hours. It works very well indeed. We are happy to do this for you. Have your letters posted in New Zealand if you can. The letters will not have international stamps etc and it is a lot cheaper than posting them via air mail. We can also do this for you if you wish. As for when to get your CV in, well our advise is in two parts. If you are going to come over to either "look for work" or plan on just "diving in and risking it", get your CV in about 4 to 5 weeks before you arrive and use every means possible to get it on employers desks. Four weeks notice is quite normal over here so the timing is about right. As we have already mentioned, there are a few good agencies on our web site but there are plenty more out there and the majority are pretty good in NZ. If you would like a job offer before you send in you EOI (see above) there is no specific timing but try to avoid late December and early January as kiwi's all go fishing this time of year. You also need to consider if you would be able to come over for an interview. This isn't always required but it maybe a nice carrot to offer potential employers. Keep popping back to this page as we continually add bits of information as we get asked questions. We hope this has helped rather than hindered your understanding. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help. ...............................................................................................................................................     The Guide Please follow the links one at a time in the order shown. If they don't work, please tell us immediately so that we can find out where NZIS have moved the pages to. Although a skilled job offer is not a prerequisite, you can see how important it is to consider ensuring that your skills are needed in New Zealand before you sell your home, leave your job and move to New Zealand. Be wary of anyone who offers to guarantee you residence or to sell you a job offer – it may be a fraudulent practice and could result in your Expression of Interest or application being declined. If anyone attempts to bribe an NZIS officer the application will be declined and charges may be laid. If you have any doubts, check with the NZIS – and check the NZIS fees before paying any money to an agent (from www.immigration.govt.nz).   Part 1. Pre-reading that we consider to be essential. Information on Expo's and shows regarding NZ emigration - look here The New Zealand Embassy Read this for your particular country and read it well. Geography and weather You need this information when deciding where to go in this amazing country. Life in New Zealand The NZ government site about life here. Culture and History Everything you ever wanted to know about New Zealand – who they are, where they are, where they ’have come from, what makes them tick. It’s all here.  Quick check to see if you are eligagble for residency Points checker to see how many you have Register yourself on the NZ Government's immigration website. This will allow access to more information and make life easier for you. Also, start your EOI online from here. We don't like consultants but we do like to get our own back and use their resources, try this site for information. Information about finding a job and working in NZ Follow this link to get to the immediate skills shortage list this will let you know what skills are required in NZ. Follow this link to get to the Long term skills shortage list . It is the newly amended edition. Required skills Many industries within New Zealand say that one of the most significant factors holding them back from achieving growth is the lack of qualified staff. The types of immigration Outlines the basic criteria for four of the most common entry options. Obtaining residency via a Work Visa This is possibly a way to get to NZ quickly if you have a job offer. Police certificate In order for the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to determine whether you are of good character, you must provide police certificates, or similar. Health forms Links to obtaining the required health forms. Also, have a good read of the health requirements leaflet HERE Forms and Guides Links to the forms and guides required to visit, study, work, invest, gain residence or become an accredited employer in New Zealand. Put this in your favorites! The residency manual a 473 page booklet on immigration (use for reference). PDF format Operations manual Appendices. Really useful and the AMMENDMENTS The Immigration operations manual online. This version of the New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) Operational Manual replaces the one that came into effect on 30 October 1995. It brings together the policy, procedures, and many of the legal provisions that govern NZIS operations, and is designed so that users looking for information on a particular aspect can find the relevant material in one place. Any important related material can be accessed through cross-references or - in the electronic version - links. Not easy to use but very informative. The Immigration Policy Manual Another very useful reference for many of your questions relating to immigration. Recent policy changes (July 2008) Worth a read. English language requirements (NZIS) A document that explains the English language requirements required for some categories of residency. Check to see if your qualifications are recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). This is a really important part of the immigration process and you need to do it quickly as it can take a long time. How much will it cost to apply for residency? Recent fee changes HERE Look at the latest immigration news updates on the NZIS website Check out the latest immigration statistics. This will give you really good idea about the NZIS system. View the fortnightly selections HERE Look at the selection pool latest news Definition of skilled employment Do you need to get registration for your job in NZ? ............................................................................................................................................... Part 2. The immigration Process (Skilled Migrant). Entry options This outlines the basic criteria for four of the most common entry options. Quick check Use these tools to make a quick assessment of whether you will be able to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category. Overview of the Skilled Migrant Category This page briefly outlines the process. Look here too. Also read the info and check out the links on this page How it all works Applying for a residence visa under the Skilled Migrant Category is a two step process. How many points? The points clearly explained Bonus points guide for squeezing out those extra points. Fortnightly selection information - look here Working towards residency if you don't have enough points by gaining a work visa . The Work To Residence scheme is an avenue for people who may not be eligible under any other visa category. To qualify for the WTR scheme, you must meet one of the following: # A Talent recognized by a New Zealand accredited employer # A Talent in a recognized field of Sport, Art or Culture # An offer of employment for a position listed on the Priority Occupations List. In general, apart from the standard health and character checks, you must also be under the age of 56. As there are so many options available under this scheme, you can check what fits you best by visiting this link: New Zealand Immigration - WTR Scheme Tips for lodging an Expression of Interest under the Skilled Migrant Category The Expression of Interest (NZ1101A) A guide to help you understand and fill out an expression of interest form. Under the Skilled Migrant Category you must first submit an Expression of Interest. If your Expression of Interest is submitted successfully it will be entered into the Expression of Interest Pool and priorities in terms of points claimed (do the "points system" before you do this). Those with the top points will be selected from the Pool and, following checking, will be formally sent an Invitation to Apply for residence. When a decision has been made, you will be notified by the NZIS. If you don't get selected and your in the pool for 6 months then you may be removed and have to re-apply (and pay again). Do a good job of reading this. It's hard 40 pages of reading, very intense but it is your future and if you really want it - this is where the hard work starts! Read it and you will be in a great position to progress you application. Don't and we may see you on holiday here (if you're lucky). Skilled Migrant Category Applications without a Job Offer that claim bonus points will now require a full NZQA assessment The expression of Interest You will need to register here first. NZIS recommend that you complete your Expression of Interest online as it is cheaper and quicker. The following information is taken from the NZ immigration website Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted over a number of weeks are pooled. Periodically, EOIs are selected by NZ immigration from the Pool as follows: EOIs that have points of 140 or more will be selected automatically. EOIs that have total points of 100 or more but less than 140, and include points for an offer of skilled employment or current skilled employment in New Zealand, are selected (according to their points ranking), in sufficient numbers to meet New Zealand’s Immigration Programme requirements. If, following the selection process set out above, further places are available, additional EOIs may be selected from the Pool on the basis of additional selection criteria set from time to time by the Minister of Immigration. Once your EOI has been selected from the Pool, following some checking, you may be invited to lodge an application for residence. If your EOI is not selected from the Pool, it will remain in the Pool for six months. If after the six-month period your EOI has not been selected from the Pool, we will withdraw your EOI from the Pool and you will receive notification that this has happened. You can submit another EOI if you wish. If we have not selected any EOIs over the six-month period, all EOIs will remain in the Pool until we make the next selection. If, during the time that your EOI is in the Pool, there is a change in your circumstances, or in the information that you have provided to Immigration New Zealand, you must inform us. If any information is found to be false or misleading we may choose not to invite you to apply for residence. Invitation to apply for residency If you’ve been successful, NZ Immigration will send you an official Invitation to Apply for residence. After you’ve been invited to apply you’ll need to send in all the necessary documents to support the claims you made in your Expression of Interest – such as passports, qualifications and relevant certificates. Decision making They’ll assess your application for residence against Government residence policy and look at your ability to settle successfully and make a real contribution to New Zealand’s social and economic development. They’ll also undertake to verify some of the information you’ve told them in your Expression of Interest. And depending on how you’re able to demonstrate your ability or potential to successfully settle in New Zealand. Your application may be approved and you’ll be granted a Residence Visa or Permit or you may instead be granted a temporary Work Visa or Permit, which will enable you to establish yourself in skilled employment in New Zealand and help you gain residence or your application may be declined. If you are granted residency, you will receive a two year returning residence visa. After two years, you need to apply for a permanent residence visa (this is no big deal, just a formality, but you must obtain one if you intend to leave the country and return "after" the first 2 years of your residency. How long will it take to finalize our application? After 2 years of living in NZ as a resident, you have to apply for "permanent residency" look HERE for details. Most people will easily pass this minor hurdle but remember that you have to do it after 2 years. ............................................................................................................................................... Other information you may find informative Working towards residency if you don't have enough points. Gaining a temporary work visa in New Zealand Obtaining a visitors visa for New Zealand Detailed information on the FAMILY category of residency Frequently asked questions HERE Other links and information..... Health forms and guides Work forms and guides Returning to New Zealand as a resident - forms and guides Study forms and guides Visit forms and guides Work forms and guides Residency forms and guides Accredited employers form Other forms and leaflets   Part 3. The Real Cost of Living in New Zealand Probably one of the most difficult questions to answer from immigrants is "what's the cost of living like and will we be able to survive on our earnings." As most of you know, the exchange rate from countries like the UK is very favorable (hovering around 3 dollars to the pound) and you can really make a killing by moving your money over here and buying a house and a car. But what about the reality? A fairly typical example would be: You've invested your equity from the sale of the house and brought a nice 3 bedroom house in Tauranga (the best place in NZ - bias opinion) and a new car. Hopefully your mortgage has been reduced and you're ready for the good life. You spend some money on a couple of holidays and perhaps go back home for a visit to see the family. Eventually you may find yourself living and working as a kiwi. Earning what they earn and spending what they spend, but now without the benefit of the exchange rate and without that chunk of cash in the bank. This may sound far fetched but it is fairly typical, don't forget we are talking a few years rather than a few months. Tracey's parents came over for a holiday recently and her father was amazed how cheap things were here. I remember he brought our daughter a double DVD for $25 and commented on how cheap it was (4 UK pounds each). I explained that it was like 25 pounds to us and that it would be quite expensive for us. He said it wasn't 25 pound and insisted it was still cheap. We also went out for a meal in a pub and it cost me nearly $100 for 6 people. Cheap by UK standards at around 32 UK pounds total. After a bit of thought I decided to forget the CASH explanation and explain it in terms of time spent at work. It worked quite well and also clarified it for us...hense this web page. Have a look at the following... The average "take home after tax" earnings of a typical tradesman is $17 per hour (tax is approx 1/3 earnings as in the UK - gross is about $25/hr). A pint of beer costs about $5 so I would spend about 1 hour at work for 3 beers (incidentally, beers here come in "handles" which is about half a pint and cost $3 from a pub and $1.50 from a bottle store (off license). OK, so lets look at the general cost of living once you are here and working. Again we'll relate it to hours worked at a take home pay of $17 per hour (after tax). We both sat down and wrote down what a normal / typical families "monthly" outgoings are. This is obviously dependant upon your own circumstances, but at least you'll get the general idea.. Item Cost $ per month Equivalent time (hours) Monthly electricity bill $130 7.6 Monthly phone/internet bill $100 5.8 Monthly food bill $850 50 Monthly petrol bill $120 7.0 Monthly rates bill $105 6.1 Mortgage ($150,000 over 25 years) $1,100 64.7 Total $2405 141.5 hours / month   Say I worked 160 hours per month and get some overtime (perhaps 5 hours per month). We both work full time to help. If you are coming here for a cheap and easy life, you may find it challenging. Having said all this, we wouldn't go back to live in the UK for all the tea in china as our kids have a better and safer lifestyle and they have achieved so much. With us both working, we have a great life and have money left to enjoy life. Many things are free, NZ is great for outside life. At least you now know about the cost of living here and you can make some decisions about your life style. The exchange rate is great, but you could very quickly use your money up because of the cost of living in New Zealand. We hope this all helps to cut through some of the bullshit. Don't let this put you off. If we can do it, anyone can and what is more, we will help you if you allow us to. Craig and Tracey.     FAMILY CATEGORY & PARTNERSHIP.   Have a look at this http://glossary.immigration.govt.nz/PartnershipRequirements.htm  You will need to prove the following if you want to bring your partner into NZ as a resident Evidence of your relationship (i.e. photos, joint bank accounts, joint mortgage/tenancy documents). Your marriage certificate (if you are applying on the basis of marriage). A letter from your New Zealand spouse/partner supporting your application; Evidence that your spouse/partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident. That your New Zealand spouse/partner completes signs and dates your residence application form. Fully completed and signed “Application for Sponsoring a Relative” by your New Zealand spouse/partner. Have a look at this too Also, have a look here for the application forms and guides..     Footnote.. If you have managed to reach this point in the webpage, well done. Hopefully it has been of use. If you would like further help and you don't expect something for nothing, email us at help@nzemigrate.co.nz.