Junior Member
Work To Residence vs. Residence
What are the advantages of having a Residence Visa over a Temp Working Visa?
I currently have a job offer and my skills are also in the shortage list.
What is wise? Applying for the WTR Visa (because it's faster) or directly go for the Point-Based SMC? (scored 220 points)
Any advise..?
Administrator
Thinking about your employer's side of things, he probably wants you in NZ and starting work with the minimum delay (although he'd realize you have to go through the visa formalities). With that in mind, bearing in mind that you're depending on him for a start on your NZ life, most people would go for WTR in the first instance. You can also, if you wish, at the same time, or shortly afterwards, put in for residence under SMC, so the longer and more thorough processing can be taking its own time in the background, rather than waiting two years for the WTR>Residence option to come into play.
Junior Member
Apart from process time, what would be main advantages of going for a SMC instead of the WTR?Originally Posted by JandM
Administrator
Residence (that's the actual visa - Skilled Migrant Category is just one means of qualifying for it) is permission to stay permanently in NZ, and do any job that's offered, or study, or start a business, or do nothing if you could afford it. It doesn't tie you to any person or organization. WTR means you're with the one employer for the length of the visa, unless you find another accredited employer and renogotiate the visa.
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