Getting the right immigration advice is vital
Why do I need expert advice?
Moving to another country, be it a temporary or permanent move, is a major undertaking at any time. Obtaining and retaining the correct immigration status is an essential requirement, so proper advice and planning is the first step in everyone’s journey.
The New Zealand Government recognised the need to protect migrants in receiving expert and professional immigration advice. As a result, the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) was established specifically for this purpose. Individuals are now required by law to obtain a Licence in order to provide New Zealand Immigration Advice (unless exempt). This serves duel purposes, the most important being to promote and protect the interests of those receiving Immigration Advice. Secondly, regulation promotes a greater degree of transparency in the industry and enhances the reputation of New Zealand as a migration destination.
A Licensed Immigration Adviser is bound by stringent professional standards and a Code of Conduct to deliver the highest quality service to you, the potential migrant. Advising you of all the risks, policy requirements and what they believe is the most effective way for you to make your migration a reality.
Skills shortages
New Zealand has, and will always have, pockets of its economy that struggle to source talent. New Zealand Immigration has therefore developed Skills Shortages Lists to address this shortfall. Migrants that fit within these areas of skills shortage are at an advantage when applying for Residency. This does not mean however, that if you are not on the lists, you are unable to move to New Zealand. Your Licensed Immigration Advisor will provide you with all your options and how your skills fit into the migration process.
The long-term and immediate skills shortages lists are updated regularly to reflect changes in the economic landscape and changing requirements.
How do I make the move?
The first thing to do is establish a long term strategy, establishing steps to achieve the outcome of moving to New Zealand. There are a number of ways to do this. With so much publicly available information, online research is growing as the most popular way of getting an initial understanding of the road ahead.
Consult with a Licensed Immigration Advisor. Many people do manage the move without assistance, however, this can be risky. Applying for the wrong visa, loosing your application fee and not understanding the policy parameters you are working within are just some of the pitfalls.
An understanding of your long term strategy (and individual steps involved), the time frames and costs involved is a great place to start. If you are serious about the move, you need to get this right and get it right first time.
Your move is unique to you and your family, you could have a number of options and your Advisor is trained to understand this, giving you bespoke migration solutions and piece of mind.
For further information and to understand what your migration options are, use Working In's free online evaluation tool to see if you are eligible for a visa to New Zealand.
By Jenny Best, Working In.
