Why I Used a New Zealand Immigration Adviser to Help Me Get PR

By Sean M Collins
When I was 19 I decided I wanted to study overseas, my parents took me to an agent so that we could get a good idea as to what each country offered and where I should study, what programme I should study and what university I should attend.

This was my first time so far away from my parents' and we did not have any real idea about the world outside Vietnam other than what is in the movies. I remember that the lady at the agency just listened to my desires and concerns and those of my parents. She pointed New Zealand straight away; she said this was the best country for me because it was safe, the qualification was internationally recognised, it is green, unpolluted and has nice weather ( in terms of not too cold in winter and not too hot in summer) similar to the North of Vietnam and plateau region in South of Vietnam. Her suggestion and opinions eased my Mum's worries, especially, when it came to safety, security and the environment.

I came to NZ just before I turned 20 years old; an international student who did not speak one proper English sentence.

As planned, I finished a 6 months English course at Academic Colleges Group and 1 year Auckland University Foundation Study Programme before I entered the university. I also completed a 1 year Diploma in computing level 5 before actually enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Auckland. After all the hard work, here I am, graduating from the leading university in New Zealand with a good degree, getting a job in a world class pharmaceutical company and recently received my Permanent Residency (PR).

My biggest concern after graduating:

My biggest concern of after graduation was the same as many of you; finding a job and getting PR.

I had been in that situation before so I fully understood how stressful it can be. Even though I have studied in New Zealand for several years, I did not have a good understanding of New Zealand in terms of the recruitment process and communication.

Looking back I had developed a "know it all" attitude as so many international students do. This is because we tend to stay within our community, listen to the same information and rumours, and begin to judge things before we have all the information. I found the stories I kept hearing were:

Its hard for international students to get a job because the companies are afraid of dealing with immigration, or International always get rejected right from the time they submit the job applications

So many people said this I began to think it was true before even applying for my first job.

Why did I use an immigration advisor:

After finishing my degree I reviewed my options; I could return home, try to handle my immigration on my own or use an immigration company. I realised there was more opportunity for me in New Zealand and wanted to stay but was really concerned with how to achieve my goals. I decided to meet with an immigration company to see what they had to offer.

I met with an immigration adviser, he read my CV and discussed my situation with me. He was very enthusiastic and outlined a clear path I could follow to residence. I really felt like he would work with me to achieve my goals, this gave me the confidence I needed.

Not all good news

The adviser told me that many new graduates are unsuccessful in obtaining the right kind of job. This is usually because they don't take the time to produce the right CV, research the market place or prepare for the interview.

He encouraged me to produce a New Zealand CV and send it out to New Zealand companies. With the help and guidance of the team at a local immigration company I received two interested responses. The adviser helped prepare me for the interview by running through some practice interviews and advised me to research the company (something I had never thought to do). This really bought home how different the interview process was to my idea.

With all my preparation I was confident I could convince them I was the best candidate for the job. In the end I beat more than two hundred candidates and got a job offer. I am certain the guidance and support I received really helped me.

I have studied at the best university in New Zealand and wanted to practice what I had learnt in this beautiful country. My experience and qualification has placed me on an exciting career path, one I am really enjoying and where lots of opportunity exists.

Where am I now:

Within 5 and a half months of starting work I have my PR. I have to say I found using an immigration advisor essential, they knew the market place, offered me a range of advice on everything from producing a CV, interview technique to how best to present myself to immigration. They knew and advised me on every aspect of my application, dealt with all Immigration New Zealand's enquiries and put my employer at ease.

Believe me using an Immigration Advisor really reduces your stress.

I now have more opportunities than ever. I have the chance to return to university to study a Masters, continue working in my field or do something new and different. I love New Zealand, my life here and the opportunities this great country has given me.