Nab That Job in New Zealand!

The Silver Fern Visa in New Zealand is about to open, and places are extremely limited!

Our advice is to be well prepared before the day, and to get on the internet the minute the Silver Fern Visa Applications open in New Zealand.

PUT THIS IN YOUR DIARY: April 27th, 2010

The Silver Fern visa opens for applications on April 27th, 2010, and allows for 300 visas only.  The 300 places are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, and applications can only be made online through a dedicated Silver Fern Visa system.  No manual applications will be accepted for the Silver Fern Visa.  Once the quota of 300 visas has been met, the online system will not accept any further applications until the Silver Fern Visa re-opens on April 27th of the following year.

However, if an application is declined, withdrawn or cancelled, the place will go back into the quota, and allow for another person to apply.

There is a well set up system whereby you can check at anytime to see where the quota is at, by logging on here:https://www.immigration.govt.nz/secure/default.htm.  However, there is no system whereby you can be alerted when there are new openings - you will need to check the status yourself, regularly.

We expect these 300 spaces to go within the first hour of this visa opening.  We therefore urge you to be ready to apply as soon as this visa opens.

If you are already in New Zealand, unfortunately you are not allowed to apply for this visa - it is only open to skilled foreign nationals not currently in New Zealand.

The Silver Fern Visa is split into two different sections:

• Silver Fern Job Search Policy; and
• Silver Fern Practical Experience Policy

Silver Fern Job Search Policy

The first step in applying for the Silver Fern Visa is to apply for the Silver Fern Job Search Visa.  This visa will allow you to enter New Zealand for a period of up to nine months, to search for skilled employment. 

There is a limit of 300 places per year on the Silver Fern Job Search Visa programme.

To qualify for this visa, you must meet the following cirtieria:

• Be outside of New Zealand at the time of applying for the Silver Fern Job Search Visa;
• Be aged between 20 and 35 years of age;
• Meet the specified qualifications requirements;
• Meet the English language requirements; and
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself for up to nine months in New Zealand.

Please note: The Silver Fern Job Search Visa is similar to the Working Holiday Visa, in that you are unable to bring your family with you to New Zealand, unless they gain a visa for New Zealand in their own right.

The Silver Fern Job Search Visa only accepts applications and payment online.  You will also need to provide evidence that you meet the above requirements, to an Immigrawtion New Zealand branch for assessment and verification.  Click here for more information about the Silver Fern Job Search Policy.

Silver Fern Practical Experience Policy

The Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa is the second stage of the Silver Fern Visa process.

Once you have obtained your Silver Fern Job Search Visa, have arrived in New Zealand and have successfully found skilled employment in New Zealand, you may apply for the Silver Fern Practical Experience visa/permit.  This visa will then allow you to work in that employment for up to two years.

You can only apply for the Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa if you meet the following criteria:

• You already hold a Silver Fern Job Search visa;
• You have an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand that meets New Zealand's requirements; and
• You hold occupational registration in New Zealand, if it is required for the job. 

Although there will be no annual limit to the number of people who can apply under the Silver Fern Practical Experience policy, it is limited by the number of people who hold the Silver Fern Job Search visa.  Click here to learn more the Silver Fern Practical Experience Policy.

If you successfully obtain the Silver Fern Job Search Visa, and would like assistance applying for skilled position in New Zealand, click here to send your to our professional consultants.

All the best of luck on April 27th, 2010!