Don’t worry, you are not alone. Most people migrating to New Zealand didn’t have enough points when they were still in their home countries. They all took different pathways to achieve their dream eventually. We think you will need to as well.
So, you want to get a job?
Certainly, to find a job first while still in your home country is one way. It may sound simple but we have to be honest, it’s actually really difficult. Except in a few circumstances, New Zealand employers must give preference to someone already in New Zealand, with the right to work, before they can appoint anyone else. (The Labour Market Test.)
For a whole lot of reasons (download our eBook about jobs) New Zealand employers are very reluctant to appoint someone they have not met face-to-face.
The most recent statistics published by INZ, for September-October 2015, show that only 5.68% of the selected Expressions of Interest meeting the points threshold had a New Zealand job offer when they were off-shore. There is probably even less by the time their applications get assessed for final approval. In summary getting a job while still in your home country = very hard.
Study-to-Residence Pathway
We think that the best option is that you consider the Study-to-Residence Pathway (download our eBook about study). By studying in New Zealand for a relatively short part of your life, you are legally permitted to work, meet employers, and learn about our employment culture AND you are not subject to the Labour Market Test AND your study can give you 20-40% extra points towards residency.
Most importantly, the chance to get a skilled job in New Zealand and get granted approval for a Residence Visa is MUCH higher if you have studied in New Zealand.