Hi
I'm slightly confused and wondered if anyone had any advice to share.
Last year we visited an emigration expert who advised us that, as a primary school teacher, we could apply for residence visa under SMC. He advised that that I could apply for jobs, then apply for visa with a job offer which would give me 150 points. We decided to follow his advice, but do it ourselves.
First steps were to get qualifications assessed through NZQA (completed Level 7) and to gain teacher registration (also completed - STC).
Getting excited that things were going to plan, I forwarded my CV onto an education recruitment agency in Auckland.The agency responded with an email stating that I couldn't apply for jobs until I had a visa, as teaching had now been removed from the prioritys list.......
"I would love to be able to assist you in your job search when you come to NZ. As you have had your qualifications assessed and your teacher registration has been approved the only other thing that you will need will be a visa to be able to work here. As NZ immigration has taken teaching off the priority list schools will not be able to offer you employment unless you have the correct visa."
Is this true? I do not qualify for enough points without a job offer and am wondering if our hopes are dashed already!!
I also applied for a teaching job in Auckland. I emailed the head before applying and she said she would accept overseas applications. Although I wasn't short listed, she gave me positive feedback on my CV, but never ever indicated that she wouldn't be allowed to offer me a job.
Can anyone please help set me straight? I would really appreciate any advice
Thanks
josiejo