So I'm here and I'm working full time. I have a Residency visa for 24 months with SMC (Skilled Migrrant Category). My section 49 conditions are:
"Holder must take up employment within 3 months of first entry to NZ and remain in that employment for a period of at least 12 months" (the wording may be important)
Obviously I want to get PR Permanent Residency, and the conditions for that are (if I understand correctly):
1. basically be of good character - so no problems with the law etc
2. Have been in employment for at least 6 months, 2 years running (so 12 months+ in total)
- and PR would be applied for coming up to the end of the 24 month Residency Visa (and from what I hear you have to factor in that INZ might hold onto your passport for months while they do this - so have to be a bit careful with travel plans)
My understanding is that the SMC visa is independent of the employer, so you can change employer if necessary. Now some promises which were made are looking like they might not appear, so.. If I do 6 months with the current employer, and hand in my notice, then go back home for a bit, find a new employer and then do 6 months+ with that new employer - do you think that would be acceptable?
My worry is the part of the section 49 conditions which says ..." remain in that employment for a period of at least 12 months".
Does this mean "with that employer", or does it just mean "be employed in the industry that you gained a visa for"?
It doesn't say "employer" and it doesn't say "continuous" - so my interpretation is that I can change employer, I'd be best off doing 6 months so I get half way to the PR conditions.
I suspect I might need to discuss with INZ, and maybe ask for their opinion in writing??
(I would welcome your collective thoughts - thanks in advance)