This blog isn’t starting at the very beginning. It’s starting at the point we’re at now. Kelly, Hopscotch* and I have lodged our Expression of Interest, had it selected, and have been invited to apply for residency. I’ll do some catching up now, and in the interest of time, I’ll do it in the annoying-self-interview style.
Q: So why did you decide to move to New Zealand?
A: I’m glad you asked. The short version is that after I graduated from CSU we started thinking about places we might start looking for new jobs. One place we both agreed on was internationally – for the experience of it, but also so that Hop can experience a diverse culture and gain a broad perspective on the world as she grows up. When we started to look at locations NZ immediately jumped out, not only because I’d lived there previously and was keen on it, but also because it’s safe and has a good education system. It’s known for having a good work / life balance which means more time as a family and there’s lots of beautiful places to explore and fun things to do. And of course, Tim Tams.
Q: Then what did you do?
A: Kelly started detailed research and planning and created ‘the spreadsheet.’ We realized we might actually be able to pull it off, so I said “Great! Let’s go for it!”
Q: Ok, but that still doesn’t explain how you got to where you are now.
A: Fair enough. After doing some preliminary research to see if there was a path for us to get a visa and finding there was (under the Skilled Migrant category), we had our first big decision: whether to do it ourselves or use an immigration agent. We decided to use an agent, which I’ll talk about in a later post. From there, the first step is to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI). NZ uses a points system for Skilled Migrant visas – you get points for different things – age, education, experience in a skill they’re short in, etc. If you have at least 100 points and a job offer your EOI will automatically be selected. If you don’t have a job offer, but have at least 140 points (like us) your EOI will be selected and you’ll be invited to apply.
Q: Sweet as, sounds easy.
A: Thanks, great question. No, it wasn’t 100% smooth. They draw EOIs every two weeks. We lodged the first one in the middle of September but hit our first (very) minor obstacle – it was missing the day that classes started for my Bachelors degree in 1993. Once we had that figured out our EOI was amended and re-entered into the following draw. Two weeks later it was selected and we were invited to apply. And that’s where we’ll pick things up.
* Not our two-year-old’s real name
Kiwi Bound 