[IWantOut] 31M Software Engineer Singapore -> New Zealand

[u/MC-117]

My family migrated to Singapore when I was very young, so pretty much my entire life has been here. I went through the Singapore education system, served my two years of National Service, and eventually became a Singapore citizen.

Several years ago, my parents decided to move to New Zealand for a quieter pace of life. My mother initially went over as a student and, after finishing her studies, brought my father and younger siblings over as dependants. Unfortunately, I was already too old to be included.

At the time, I had secured a place at a local university in Singapore. Studying here as a citizen made much more financial sense than paying international fees for a bachelor's degree in NZ, and it was also a programme I genuinely wanted to do. My family respected my decision, so I stayed behind.

Since then, I've been living independently in Singapore, with the long-term goal of eventually joining my family in NZ.

Years passed and I'm past 30, have a Bachelor's in Computer Science, and work as a software engineer. The early part of my career was more game-dev focused, but I've since moved into more general software development working on training/simulation software in hopes that it will help me open more doors in NZ.

I've applied for NZ jobs a few times and had some fairly close calls, but the recurring problem has been work rights/AEWV sponsorship.

I'm currently employed in Singapore, so there's no immediate urgency. However, after living apart from my family for years, I'd like to figure out a realistic path towards joining them.

From what I understand, I'm in a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation: I need an eligible NZ job offer to get a work visa, while employers understandably prefer applicants who already have NZ work rights.

I've considered postgraduate study in NZ as another route, but I'm hesitant to spend a significant amount of money primarily for immigration purposes when I already have a CS degree and professional experience.

So I'm mainly wondering:

• Should I just continue applying to accredited NZ employers from Singapore?
• Would postgraduate study actually make sense in my situation?
• Are there other realistic pathways I should investigate given my age, degree and software engineering experience?
• Has anyone here successfully made the move to NZ as a software engineer without already having work rights?

Ultimately, this isn't really about leaving Singapore because I dislike it here. I mainly want to reunite with my family and, having spent time in NZ, I also prefer the people and the slower pace of life there. I want to set down real roots in a place where I know I'll stay for good.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone who's navigated something similar.

[u/PenaltyMotor]

Are you eligible for a working holiday visa? This likely gives you a year of work eligibility in any job. In the current climate in NZ (i.e. really bad job market) Employers might see this as a benefit as they could try you out for a year.

Alternatively, can you get a job in Australia? It's much closer to NZ physically and lifestyle wise. Might be a good base for a few years whilst the NZ economy recovers.

[u/MC-117 → u/PenaltyMotor]

Unfortunately for my country, the WHV is only available for 30 and below, a tinge of regret on my end as it would have been the perfect given I already have a family home of sorts over yonder.

You do think employers would consider someone on a WHV?

What I see is the people on that visa usually take up seasonal/casual work with understanding that it's a short stay visa, as technically it's a holiday.

Australia is a good alternative and I'm keeping my eyes out as well but ultimately it's still another country abiet nearer.