I'm currently on temporary work visa under partnership and my wife is already a permanent resident. We've been living together for more than a year now, 1 year and 2 months to be exact, and I'm going to apply for resident visa in July. With regard to applying a job, does it have to be skilled or can I apply for any jobs in New Zealand and I will still get the Resident Visa?
Unfortunately, I did a big mistake while I was processing my work visa before. It was so disorganized which resulted in a big delay in finding a job. Here's the timeline of events leading up to my dilemma I'm experiencing now.
September 29, 2016 - Lodged work visa from visitor visa
November 11, 2016 - Received mail from INZ asking for further medical tests (X-ray Result from Chest Specialist and 3 Sputum Tests)
December 5-7, 2016 - These were the only dates available for sputum tests. All other clinics were full or unavailable. Delay.
January 11, 2017 - Results were okay and forwarded to INZ Health.
February 24, 2017 - Received Work visa valid for 8 months only, until October 14, 2017 (because my Passport will expire on November 14, 2017)
I'm not sure but I believe this the part where I made a big mistake. Everything was delayed because of my passport.
February 28, 2017 - Applied for renewal of my passport right away (Philippine Passport); Normally it takes about 3-4 weeks to process passports since they will be shipped back to our country, hence the delay.
March 1, 2017 - Applied for Driver's license and IRD number but I didn't accomplish them as it requires my actual passport for verification. Delay.
March 30, 2017 - Received my new passport without work visa stamp so I had to apply for transfer of work visa which took another 3 weeks. However I was able to apply for IRD number this time but again it took another 3 weeks to get it. Delay.
April 15 2017 - Received the passport with the work visa stamp on it.
April 29 2017 - Received my IRD number
May - present - In the process of applying jobs
So as you can see from May to October 2017, I have only have 4 months left of my work visa. In fact I can apply for any job here but my main concern is whether or not a particular job is required or it needs to be in SMC as basis for granting a resident visa. Another issue is that it takes several months to process the visa so should I apply for another work visa or carry on with my resident visa application?
Sorry if it's too long. I'm really confused and your help is greatly appreciated.