Is landing a job a visa silver bullet?

[Caraco]

Hello,

I am currently in Wellington and Auckland for interviews in design and branding.
I wanted to know, realistically, if a job offer typically yields a visa.

At the moment, according to the NZ Immigration website, I have 90/100 points for entry (I believe sponsorship pushes me over by quite a lot).
If I were to get a job offer in either city, what are the chances I will be able to get a work visa? Does an offer almost always equate to a visa?
Also does a job offer in NZ equate to sponsorship?

Any insight would be great!

P.S. Good standing, health, have 2 degrees in the field, in the 24-29 age range

[Karen Phillips]

Hi. Sounds like you are doing well so far! You say you have no convictions or health issues, so the only real barrier to getting a visa once you have a job offer is the Labour Market Test. As it seems unlikely from what you have said that your occupation is on the Skills Shortage lists, the employer will either need to be on the accredited list - see http://www.immigration.govt.nz/templ...ACHEHINT=Guest or be able to prove that they advertised the job and there were no suitably qualified Kiwis available. It sounds like yours is a Level 1 or 2 skill, so WINZ (Work and Income New Zealand) would not normally be involved - improving your chances. If you need any help, let me know. I will not charge you for general advice of this type. Karen (LIA) Good luck!

[JandM]

You need to get a formal offer for a skilled job for which you have recognized qualifications. There are some notes on this page http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra...tialskills.htm which explain the situation regarding the skills lists.

If you meet the requirements under one of the headings (and also the health and character requirements necessary for all visas), a job offer will open the door to getting a visa. It doesn't equate to sponsorship in INZ terms - that has a specific meaning. http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra...ponsorship.htm