I qualify for work in New Zealand!

[CanuckAmok]

I just finished the on-line application for legal work status under the Skilled Trades programme. I scored 140 points, which is 40 more than required.

I can legally apply for work there, and can live there as a 'landed immigrant'!

[SoCalDem]

1. As a Canadian, couldn't you just move there anyway??

:)

[CanuckAmok]

4. Nope.

The old "anywhere in the Commonwealth" immigration policy is as dead as the British Empire. I wouldn't even be entitled to live/work in England or Europe if I hadn't been born in England.

But, damn...a nice climate, Socialist government (the Prime Minister called Bush an idiot, then called a press conference in which everyone expected to apologise, but instead she reitterated what she'd said before), and the best sailing on Earth. If I'm divorcin', I'm leavin'!

[wryter2000]

11. You meanie

How could you go there and not take me? I'm going to hold my breath until I turn blue.

[HEyHEY]

17. Didn't know you were a sailor...me too!

[travisleit01]

2. Do you need a babysitter/butler? n/t

[SoCalDem]

3. or

housekeeper friend??

[joeybee12]

5. Get that spare bedroom ready!!!!!!!!

Do you know if Americans qualify at all--or does it help if you're Canadian?

[CanuckAmok]

7. Being Canadian has nothing to do with it...

...it's a points-based system, and examines your age, grasp of English, skills, level of education, health etc.

You can take the test on-line to see if you qualify, without actually applying:

http://www.immigration.govt.nz

[joeybee12]

8. If you could have gone a few years eariler, you could have been an

extra in LOTR!

I really want to go--the land looks breathtaking!

[CanuckAmok]

14. Ha, well, the funny thing is...

that I would be entitled to work as a Line Producer, Assistant Director, Unit Production Manager or Post-Production Supervisor on film and TV productions. Too late for LOTR and The Matrix, but nice and early for the next blockbuster...

Next thing I want to know is, if I apply for NZ Citizenship (assuming I even go, and like it), I wonder if I can keep my Canadian and UK/EU Citizenship... I could be a 'citizen of the world'...

[proud patriot]

6. Very cool , I wonder If my husband and I would qualify

hmmmmmmmmmmm

[waterman]

9. Cool , you should try to go if possible. One of the coolest places on

earth, guaranteed. I was lucky enough to spend 6 months there. Unreal scenery, so many fun things to do. Of course, back then, they actually liked Americans. They are very tuned in to world affairs, much like Europeans. The nature will blow you away.

[MaineDem]

10. Wicked cool!!!

I want to go see an All Blacks match.

COngratulations!

[wryter2000]

12. Visit

It's extremely easy to visit New Zealand. I don't think you even need a Visa, just a US Passport. Do go if you can. It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen in my life!

[Lefty48197]

13. See the Bush economy IS creating jobs.

and you thought they were all in China and Mexico.

[Melsky]

15. Great

I'm moving to Canada, and all the cool Canadians are fleeing.

[populistmom]

16. Cool!

It always sounded like a great place to me. I often think about getting out of the US someday, but there's so much involved when you ahve a family, it's hard. One of those things that I'll have to see where life (and the future state of politics) takes me.

[bikebloke]

18. If you don't want to go...

...I'll go back in your place. I cycled over the North and South Islands. Beautiful even with killer climbs and those f*cking headwinds we pushbikers are so delightfully fond of. I was very tempted to stay illegally, but wanted to do it right. Merde, now look where I am. Back in the Evil Empire.

[Kat45]

19. My friend emigrated there & now has dual citizenship, US & NZ

He absolutely loves it there. He and his partner set up a bed & breakfast and they're doing pretty well. They do have a lot of requirements for immigration; I think you can't be over a certain age (unless you're independently wealthy) so you won't be a drain on the system.

No one gives a shit that he's gay; as a matter of fact, one of the members of Parliament (or whatever it's called) is transgendered. That sure wouldn't happen in the good ole U S of A.

[grubstreet]

20. I moved in July!

I love it here. It's not Paradise, but it's close. The South Island is amazing.