Applying for work visa when already in NZ?

[Stirts]

I have contacts in my chosen field and have the chance of a job but need work permit first. I think it is easier for me to get it sorted there I guess from what everyone has been saying. My experience of the NZ High Commission in London was not favourable at all, hopefully the immigration office in Aukland will be better- have heard good things.

There are a number of work visas/permits you can apply for depending on your circumstances (work to residence, skilled migrant, talent visa, blah blah). And it is easier to apply once you are here. When you apply for a position in NZ, some employers will/can assist you to get your visa, and certainly if they are an "accredited" business with NZ Immigration, however there is certain criteria that you need to meet for that - salary bracket mainly.

If you do have a job lined up, get your employer to write a letter to NZ Immigration stating your commencement date, tenure of employment, and salary details. This should be attached to your visa/permit application along with, position description (if there is one), and terms and conditions of employment. This can fast track things for you.

Dont stress too much about getting an IRD number either, you can't get one until you have a work visa/permit. Your employer can pay a new employee twice before the shit hits the fan.

I will see if I can find my contact at NZ Immigration in Aucks for you....give me a day or so, then I will PM you....mmmmmkay

[portokiwi]

Yes dont get a work permit go just for the work visa, about $200 more but it gives you the freedom to travel.
once in nz go in stright away and apply. normaly about 4-6 weeks tp proccess.
When you get here if you are renting get them to put the rental in both your names, apply for flybuys card and any shop cards so that when they send out your card and letter it will have your name and address on them.
Put all your photos on a CD as that helps with the proccesing.
We have applied for perm resident for Gabby now as that takes at least 12 months to proccess. She started like you with no work permit or visa.
So dont give up.

[slimjim]

and i'll not trust any officals down this way..cause they will more than likely tell you to bugger off oversea's and reapply..then say nope...so go carefully with any nz offical..here or over there...

[portokiwi]

And remember to to have an up to date police clearance to hand in.

[Stirts]

and i'll not trust any officals down this way..cause they will more than likely tell you to bugger off oversea's and reapply..then say nope...so go carefully with any nz offical..here or over there...

That's part of their training procedure for any govt dept employee is it not? Tell you one thing one day, and something completely different the next!!

[slimjim]

That's part of their training procedure for any govt dept employee is it not? Tell you one thing one day, and something completely different the next!!

saddly this is so very "True"

[Bikernereid]

And remember to to have an up to date police clearance to hand in.

That is on my list of things to do but as it has to be within the last 3 months I thought that i would leave it a little longer before asking for it so that it covers me for longer when I arrive in NZ.

[426crasher]

.... where are you in the South Island exactly?[/QUOTE]

I'm in Christchurch. Feel free to get in touch if you end up in this fair city.

Cheers Tony.