Open work visa and self-employment/freelancing

[althea]

Hey all,

I'm intending to work as a freelance web designer under the open Graduate Job Search work visa. Emailed immigration some time ago saying this, and they respond saying I can work in any sort of work except sexual services. However, some recent internet research suggests that if you want to be self employed, you need a long-term business visa instead (link)?? What gives?

[JandM]

Hmmm... It's hard to say.

I found this in the Operational Manual. http://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/i11632.htm It says there that evidence of a job offer is not required, and it requires evidence of funds to support yourself. So possibly, they allow a bit of leeway in interpretation, that you are held to be looking for employment, while actually working for yourself.

On this page http://www.dol.govt.nz/immigration/k...base/item/1190, the link from the one you quoted, there is the same possible ambiguity.

But it's not clear-cut, is it?

[althea]

Hey, thanks. I called them and they pretty much said it was allowed. So, I'll go for it I guess.

[JandM]

All the very best.

And what are your plans for beyond the end of the Graduate Job Search Visa(s)? Will you hope to stay in business for yourself then?