shiemarie
Joined: 18 Jul 2005
Posts: 145
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 Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 2:22 am Post subject: |
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Mike35
this may help your application.
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A New Applicant’s Guide to Applying for a Permanent Resident Visa (or Work To Resident Visa) to New Zealand
I. Assess Yourself First.
Do you qualify? Use the self-assessment tool on this site:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/
There is a quick points indicator on:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/pointsindicator/
II. Start Your Expression of Interest online.
If you qualify, create a profile on the above on this site:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/Registration/default.aspx
and start to fill up your Expression of Interest, click on your homepage, then look for “Ready to Start your Expression of Interest? Select Create.” Click on the “Create” word.
(Also on: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/cssm/Assessment/CreateSelfAssessment.aspx).
You will have to pay NZ$315 for submitting this via the Internet.
You will be required the following information: (Note that you will not submit these documents, only the pertinent information are required.)
A. You, your partner's and dependents identity documents:
Passport Number
Marriage certificates
Birth certificates
(Tip: Birth & Marriage Certificates need not necessarily come from NSO, a copy from the Local Civil Registry in your city hall or munisipyo will do)
B. You and your partner's qualifications, if you are claiming points for him:
Diploma
Transcript of Records
Certificate of Graduation
PRC certificates, if applicable
Work Certificates in English
English Language certificate from your school* (see below)
C. Is my qualification recognized by NZ?
Determine if your qualification is recognized by NZIS on p. 12 of the document "list of recognized qualifications.pdf" on this site:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pinoyz2nz/files/
Excerpts as follows:
Bachelors degrees requiring 4* or more years of full time study from the following institutions are assessed as occupying Level 7 of the Register and will therefore qualify for 50 points.
*De La Salle University operates on a trimester calendar. Under this system, students are able to complete the normal 4-year degree in 3 years or normal 5-year degree in 4 years. These degrees are regarded as 4-year or 5-year Bachelor degrees.
Honours degrees from the following institutions are assessed as occupying Level 7 of the Register and will therefore qualify for 50 points.
Masters degrees, PhDs and graduate and post-graduate diplomas from these institutions require NZQA assessment.
• Ateneo de Manila University, Manila (1959)
• De La Salle University, Manila (1911)
• University of Philippines – Diliman (incl. attached regional campuses (colleges at Baguio City, Cebu City, Clark Air Base & Tacloban City)) (1908)
• University of Philippines – Los Banos
• University of Philippines – Manila
• University of Santo Tomas, Manila
A four-year Bachelor degree awarded by an institution listed below with an average grade either between 1.00 and 2.00, or between A and B, or of 85% or better, depending on the grading system used, is assessed as occupying Level 7 or Level 5 of the Register and will therefore qualify for 50 points.
A five-year Bachelor degree (usually in engineering, architecture or pharmacy) awarded by an institution listed below is assessed as occupying Level 7 or Level 5 of the Register and will therefore qualify for 50 points.
• Assumption College, Manila
• Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City
• Ateneo de Naga College, Naga City
• Ateneo de Zamboanga College, Zamboanga City
• Cebu Central Colleges, Cebu City (see University of Cebu)
• Central Luzon State University, Neuva Ecija
• Central Philippines University, Iloilo City
• College of the Holy Spirit of Manila, Manila
• Divine Word University of Tacloban, Tacloban City
• Far Eastern University, Manila
• Mapua Insitute of Technology, Manila
• Maryknoll College Foundation Inc (see Miriam College)
• Mindanao State University, Marawi City (& General Santos City)
• Miriam College, Quezon City (formerly Maryknoll College Foundation Inc)
• Pamanasan ng Lungsod ng Manila, (University of the City of Manila)
• Pamantasan ng Xavier (Xavier University), Cagayan De Oro
• Philippines School of Business Administration
• Phlippines Normal College, Manila
• Saint Louis University, Baguio City
• Saint Paul College of Manila, Manila
• Saint Scholastica’s College, Manila
• Saint Theresa’s College, Cebu City
• San Beda College, Manila
• Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
• University of Cebu (formerly Cebu Central Colleges)
• University of the City of Manila, (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila)
• University of the East, Manila
• University of the Philippines in the Visayas (Iloilo City)
• University of San Agustin, Iloilo City
• University of San Carlos, Cebu City
• University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City
• Visayas State College of Agriculture, Leyte Xavier University (Pamantasan ng Xavier), Cagayan De Oro
If your qualification is not listed above, have it assessed by NZQA. Here's their website:
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz
the fees for lodging a request for assessment can be found in:
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-international/qual-_eval/international/fees.html
(Tip: If your qualification is not on the list, and you want to save a few months of waiting for your application and you are willing to spend NZ$75 extra, get a PAR (Preliminary Assessment Report) first. You can use this to lodge your EOI in lieu of the Full Assessment. However, after this stage you MUST still undergo Full Assessment.)
To apply for a PAR, go to:
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-international/qual-eval/preassessment-result/index.html
D. English proficiency certification may be any one of the following:
Minimum standard of English language for principal applicants*
Applications under the Skilled Migrant Category must be declined if the principal applicant* has not met the minimum standard of English.
Principal applicants* under the Skilled Migrant Category meet the minimum standard of English if:
1. they provide a Test Report Form (no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged*) from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), showing they achieved an overall band score of at least 6.5 in the IELTS General or Academic Module; or
2. they provide evidence that their recognised qualification(s):
o was gained as a result of a course or courses of study in which English was the only medium of instruction; and
o (if that qualification was gained in New Zealand) the qualification had a minimum completion time of at least two years or it is a post-graduate qualification and the applicant has an undergraduate qualification that qualifies for points; or
o they have current skilled employment in New Zealand for a period of at least 12 months that qualifies for points (see SM7); or
o they provide other evidence which satisfies a visa or immigration officer that, taking account of that evidence and all the circumstances of the application, they are a competent user of English. These circumstances may include but are not limited to:
a. the country in which the applicant currently resides;
b. the country(ies) in which the applicant has previously resided;
c. the duration of residence in each country;
d. whether the applicant speaks any language other than English;
e. whether members of the applicant's family speak English;
f. whether members of the applicant's family speak any language other than English;
g. the nature of the applicant's current or previous employment (if any) and whether that is or was likely to require skill in English language;
h. the nature of the applicant's qualifications (if any) and whether the obtaining of those qualifications was likely to require skill in the English language.
In any case, a visa or immigration officer may require an applicant to provide an IELTS certificate in terms of paragraph (b)(i). In such cases, the IELTS certificate will be used to determine whether the principal applicant* meets the minimum standard of English.
English language requirements for non-principal applicants
1. Unless SM5.15 below applies, partners* and dependent children aged 16 and older, who are included in Skilled Migrant Category applications, must:
o show that they meet a minimum standard of English to enable successful settlement in New Zealand, or
o pre-purchase ESOL training, or
o provide other evidence which satisfies a visa or immigration officer that, taking account of that evidence and all the circumstances of the application, they are a competent user of English (see SM5.5 (b)(iv) above).
2. Non-principal applicants meet the minimum standard of English if:
o they provide a Test Report Form (no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged*) from IELTS, showing they achieved an overall band score of at least 5 in the IELTS General or Academic Module, or
o (if they are the partner* of a principal applicant*), they have current skilled employment in New Zealand for a period of at least 12 months that qualifies for points (see SM10); or
o they provide evidence of one of the following:
completion of all primary education and at least 3 years of secondary education (that is, the equivalent of New Zealand Forms 3 to 5 or years 9 to 11) at schools using English as the language of instruction;
completion of at least 5 years of secondary education (that is, the equivalent of New Zealand Forms 3 to 7 or years 9 to 13) at schools using English as the language of instruction;
completion of a course of at least 3 years duration leading to the award of a tertiary qualification at institutions using English as the language of instruction;
that the applicant holds General Certificate of Education (GCE) "A" Levels from Britain or Singapore with a minimum C pass (the passes must specifically include the subjects English Language or Literature, or Use of English);
that the applicant holds International Baccalaureate – full Diploma in English Medium;
that the applicant holds Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English – minimum C pass;
that the applicant holds Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations (HKALE) including a minimum C pass in Use of English;
that the applicant holds STPM 920 (Malaysia) – A or B pass in English Literature;
that the applicant holds University of Cambridge in collaboration with University of Malaya, General Certificate of English (GCE) "A" levels with a minimum C pass. The passes must specifically include the subjects English or General Paper;
that the applicant holds South African Matriculation Certificate, including a minimum D pass in English (Higher Grade);
that the applicant holds South African Senior Certificate, including a minimum D pass in English (Higher Grade), endorsed with the words 'matriculation exempt';
that the applicant holds a New Zealand Tertiary Entrance Qualification gained on completing the seventh form.
3. In any case, a visa or immigration officer may require an applicant to provide an IELTS certificate in terms of paragraph (b)(i). In such cases, the IELTS certificate will be used to determine whether the applicant meets the minimum standard of English.
For full details of the English requirements for SMC applicants, please refer to:
http://glossary.immigration.govt.nz/Englishlanguagerequirements.htm
(*Tip: Our advice here is to secure first a certificate of English language instruction from your school. There are visa officers that do not require IELTS, but then again, some do. If the visa officer assigned to you requires it before or during the interview, then that's the time to go for it.)
E. Proofs of your relatives in NZ, if any. This would mean additional 10 points, and will surely boost your ability to settle in New Zealand.
A principal applicant* qualifies for 10 points for support from a close family member in New Zealand if that close family member:
1. is the adult sibling or adult child, or parent, of a principal applicant*, or of the principal applicant's* partner* included in the application; and
2. is in New Zealand; and
3. is a New Zealand or Australian citizen or the holder of a current residence permit that is not subject to requirements under s18A of the Immigration Act 1987; and
4. has been a New Zealand or Australian citizen and/or the holder of a residence permit or a returning resident's visa for at least three years immediately preceding the date the application under the Skilled Migrant Category is made; and
5. in each of the three 12 month portions within that three year period, has spent a total of 184 days or more in New Zealand; and
6. supports the application for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category.
(Tip: Get also your NZ-based friends contact numbers, if any. These would be really helpful in the interview.)
(Tip: There is a progress bar while you are working on your EOI. Once finished, note that the status of your EOI will change from "Incomplete" to (I think) "Completed". )
III. Submission and Payment of the EOI.
Submit your EOI online (preferred) and pay via Visa or Mastercard the amount of NZ$315. Note the Payment Status of your EOI, at this point; this should be "Payment Received", and you will be assigned an EOI number.
(Tip: If you submit a hard copy of the EOI via the couriers, the fee will be much more expensive: NZ$465. If you pay by bank draft, you will have to add US$9.)
IV. Yes, I’m Selected!
Wait for at most 14 days as NZIS draws applicants from the selection pool. If you meet the passmark for that day, your EOI status will change to "Selected". (NZIS draws from the EOI pool every fortnight.)
You will receive a letter confirmation from NZ Post for this.
(Tip: You may wish to submit your EOI before the Immigration Act Review, as NZIS indicated that they will reassess the Immigration Policies and by so doing will affect the passmark, which as of October, 2005, is 100 points.
• Waiting Game… Hmmmm…
After selection, wait for NZIS’s decision on whether they will let you continue with your application, which nowadays, will take 9 months or more due to backlogs. If they do, your status will now change to "Decision Successful". Wait for your Invitation to Apply kit via NZ Post.
V. At last! You received your Invitation to Apply!
After receiving your ITA, you will be given 4 months to lodge (submit) your application. The ITA will contain the following:
a. A hard copy of your EOI,
b. Guide to Apply for Permanent Residence,
c. Medical and X-Ray Certificates for each applicants,
d. Panel Doctors list,
e. Living in New Zealand (a handbook with CD), and
e. How to Secure a Police Certificate.
(Note: If you don’t have the Med and X-Ray Certificates, you may download the file med_x-ray_cert.pdf at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pinoyz2nz/files/
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/DE431E92-0ADE-4B5F-81F9-18DF08E5B2EA/0/1007March9aFINAL.pdf (pls confirm this link!)
You may make corrections on your EOI, like changes in family composition, inclusion of IELTS certificate, additional work experiences, etc. There is a page provided for corrections.
This is also the time where you will submit hard proofs of what you listed in your EOI (Passports, birth certificates, work experiences, etc.) plus the following:
a. NBI/Police Clearance/Certificate (six months validity)
b. IELTS (if requested, normally 2 years validity)
c. Completed Medicals (3 months validity)
You can choose from the list of Panel Doctors for your Medical and X-Ray Exams. The cost is estimated at PHP7,500 per adult, and around PHP4,500 per child. However, if you have existing medical conditions, these may reach astronomical levels, and will subsequently delay your submission.
(Tips: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, complete them with your current doctors, and ask for certifications that you were completely treated, or treatment is ongoing, whatever the case maybe. If you think you have kidney stones, have them removed first. It would be wise to complete them before going to your NZ Meds exams, as they charge higher, and only accepts results from Makati Medical Center.
Estimated costs of certain medical procedures at Peralta as of Feb05:
a. HPN Workup – PHP2,120
b. Hepa B Screening – 800
c. Additional titer screening – 420
d. Additional X-Ray – PHP450
e. Pregnancy Tests – 275
f. Cardiologist consultation (at MMC) – 600
g. 2D Echo (at MMC) – 5,600
h. Kidney Stones removal (at MMC) – 80,000
Also, while waiting for the ITA, we recommend that you complete the following vaccines required by NZ:
a. Hepa B – 3 doses (cost as of Feb05: PHP1,500/shot at Peralta)
b. MMR (cost as of Feb05: PHP1,450)
c. OPV/DPT (cost as of Feb05: PHP500/850)
These vaccines cost more when taken from Peralta clinic (prices above), we’re not sure yet with the newly accredited doctors.
For Hepa B 2nd and 3rd doses, we decided to get it from our doctors. We bought the meds from Mercury Drug at PHP575 for adults and PHP325 for kids, and have our doctors administer them. But, DO NOT forget the certificates when getting these outside of Peralta!)
VI. My Application is Complete! What’s next?
They will require you to submit your completed application form, together with these documents to the NZIS Bangkok Branch office. Prepare a credit card with a limit of more than PHP50K, or get bank drafts for US$890 or THB34000 for the application fee. Be sure to advise your credit card company of this transaction beforehand, as this will cause delays. There is an additional charge of US$10 if you pay by bank draft.
(Tip: Provide photocopies for all documents that you have provided. Not doing so may delay the processing of your application.)
VII. After submission?
NZIS will acknowledge the receipt of your application by sending a letter via a courier, also returning your passport/s in 3 days, plus a receipt for the amount you have paid them. Your EOI status should now read "Application Received". You will be assigned an application number.
VIII. Prepare for an Interview and a vacation in Bangkok!
After about 2 weeks (or more, depending on the visa officer assigned to you) you will then be notified via email to appear for an interview, also in Bangkok together with your partner. After your confirmation, you will be sent a letter and map of the BKK Office.
During the interview, you will be assessed if you have the ability to settle in NZ, and that you can find a suitable employment in NZ with your qualifications.
For a list of frequently asked interview questions, view the document NZIS Interview Questions.htm on this site:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pinoyz2nz/files/
NZIS Interview Questions
The interview focuses on 3 major items - 1) career prospects in NZ; 2) ties in NZ (families / friends); and 3) knowledge of accommodation and living costs.
CAREER
- How are you going to apply your skills in NZ
- The extent of research on job opportunities and experience so far on job applications,
- Work done outside of the Philippines (if any)
- How are you going to get a job in NZ? Agencies /newspapers
- What challenges do you expect to face in NZ?
- What do you think are the difficulties you will encounter in applying for a job,
- How are you going to support yourself if you cannot find a job?
- Do you have an alternative career?
- Would you consider community service
TIES IN NZ
- Who do you know in New Zealand? (name and specific contact info)
- How will your contacts help you in settling?
- If no relatives/friends, how are you going to shoulder the expenses on settling there?
ACCOMMODATION, LIVING COSTS, ETC.
- Why New Zealand?
- Where and when do you plan to settle in NZ?
- Do you have an idea on the living costs/expenses in your chosen destination?
- Plans on how to get started in NZ (rent or buy a house?)
- Do you know how much does a house in NZ costs?
- Have you made plans to send your child to any particular NZ school?
(Tip: If you have a job offer from an NZ company, they won’t require you an interview, and will be given PR Visa outright, that’s according to my visa officer. However, you have to submit them a copy of your employment contract, and will have them verify it before making a decision. They will fast-track your application if you secured a job offer anytime during your application.)
(Tip: If you’re booking a flight to BKK and on a tight budget, then choose the Budget Packages offered by local travel agents. These normally include R/T airport transfers, hotel accommodations, breakfasts, and a half day city tour of BKK. And don’t forget our pasalubong! )
IX. After the Interview (and the nice vacation):
Results usually are out a month after. However, if you still do not have a job offer up to this time, most probably you will receive an Invitation to Apply for Work To Resident Visa (WTR), which will allow you to stay in NZ for 2 years to look for a job.
The requirements for the WTR are:
a. passports of all persons included in the application
b. completed WTR application form
c. Migrant levy, amounting to NZ$300 (US$200 or THB 7,500) per person, maximum of NZ$1200 (US$800 or THB30,000).
d. Settlement funds equivalent to NZ$1000 per person per month and for your fare back to PH if you’re unsuccessful, or NZ$400 per person per month if you have prepaid accommodations while in NZ.
How long is the processing of the WTR application:
The final approval and issuance of the visa is subject to all verifications completed. The evidence you have submitted with the Work-To-Residence visa application will be reviewed. The time it would take to reach the stage where we would be issuing the visas would depend on all verifications completed and all policy requirements met.
If all verifications returned clear, you and your partner, if applicable, will be issued a Work To Resident Visa and Student or Visitor’s Visa for your dependents. You will be assigned a Keep In Touch Manager, which you should report to once you land in NZ.
Time to fly to NZ!
X. Went to NZ, and at last I found a job!
If you find a job during this time, and survived 3 months on that job, you may submit an employment certificate to NZIS through the Keep In Touch (KIT) Manager assigned to you to finally grant you a permanent resident visa. Hooray!
cheers,
shiemarie
_________________
QAR : 25 May 2005
EOI Selected: 8 June 2005
Lodged ITA: December 16, 2005
Interview Date: December 8, 2006
VO: Frances Wu
WTR Received: April 10, 2007
WTR Approved: 2yr WTR May 30, 2007
Departure: July 17, 2007
Location: Christchurch |
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