How do I become an ex-pat?

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

I want to move to New Zealand. Seriously. I need to know how other ex-pat’s did it, regardless of where you ended up. I have a good education and a desirable skill (20 years nursing experience). Where should I start? I have friends there to help, but I am wondering if anyone here on SDMB can assist me - things like how to get a work permit, what about health insurance
and Social Security (when I get to be that age), other various and assorted items.

Anything, at all, will be greatly appreciated.

2

I have heard it is not exactly a snap to move to NZ, although as a nurse you might have an easier go of it.

Moving to Europe years ago was pretty easy, although I think that has tightened up in the meantime. There are tricks to moving to another country…but I don’t think this board is the place to post them.

The best thing to do is simply go where you think you would like to live and then try to find employment that is not taking away a job from a local…ie Sheep Herder…probably a job they have enough qualified New Zealanders to do.

You might also try going to a NZ newspaper on-line and look through the want ads. That would give you an idea regarding need, salary and opportunity.

Good luck and hope it pans out for you! I have friends there who send me photos and it looks just beautiful!

3

Move maybe? :smiley:

sorry.couldn’t resist.

4

How do you become an ex-Pat?

Do like Terry Glenn. :smiley:

5

Change your name to Pat, then change it again to something else.:smiley:

6

Get a job with a U.S. based international conglomerate which has an office in New Zealand and ask to be transferred there. Do some surfing on the internet and make a love connection with a Zealander. Or, contact your local (well, okay, national) New Zealand embassy and inquire about how a US resident goes about moving to their fair country.

7

You’ll find lots of information about moving to New Zealand here. (“General Skills Category” sounds closest to what you’re looking for.)

8

Hi, beckwall.

The NZ Herald situations vacant should help you with general employment information. There is also Netcheck and Jobstuff.

Also, there is the website for the NZ Nurses’ Organisation, with info on immigration, registration, and finding employment here.

Health insurance may be part of the emplyment package, but is also available separately (Southern Cross Insurance the biggest here). Social Security is guaranteed for those who have permanent residency – our age pension entitlement starts at 65 years.

By all means, send me an email if there’s anything you’d like to know, beckwall, including any digging I can do for you of info here in Auckland. All the best! (And thanks to the G’Dope Board Aussies for th’ heads up! :))