The common perception is that applications under the Skilled Migrant Category without a job offer will be successful only through the London Branch of Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
According to the Branch Manager in London, Job Search visas (Work to Residence visas for nine months) accounted for only 3.5% of the total applications processed in that office during 2010-2011.
The true surprise, however, is that the incidence of Job Search visas is also rare in the New Delhi branch.
According to available information, only 21 out of 240 applicants (8.85%) were issued with Job Search visas.
Although I come across many requests from people overseas, I have not encouraged a single person to apply without a job offer.
This is mainly because of the existing inconsistencies in the New Delhi branch.
I cannot ask an applicant to pay INZ and our fees, because the Department takes about two years to process an application without giving an indication about the expected outcome.
Currently, the decision depends on the mood and discretion of the immigration office on the day when the application is finalised
Based on the current situation and inconsistencies, I have refused to take up cases from highly skilled migrants from who I regularly get queries.
Charging clients a substantial fee, giving them hope, and making them wait for two years is not fair. During this period, an INZ officer may demand compliance on a number of things and finally decline the application just because they have had a bad day at work.
Saif Shaikh is a Licensed Immigration Adviser and Director of Immigration Advice NZ Ltd based in Auckland
