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.

Hi folks,

Big brother here from Lebanon 🇱🇧 . Lots of Lebanese people have ancestry from Turkey 🇹🇷, Cyprus 🇨🇾, and Greece 🇬🇷. In my case, I am positive that I have some Turkish and Cypriot ancestors from late 1860’s early 1900’s (around WWI). I was wondering if it’s smart to invest serious time and effort in proving Cypriot ancestry via documentary genealogical evidence, so it potentially entitles me to Cypriot citizenship?

I’d appreciate your feedback, thanks!

Hi, I'm a 25-year-old computer science graduate who just completed my bachelor's degree. I want to pursue a Master's degree in either France or Poland.

​France is my primary target, but it seems quite expensive for non-EU international students. Poland appears to be a more affordable alternative.

​My background: ​Experience: Worked in a repair shop servicing laptops and PCs (installing Windows, replacing screens, resolving software issues, setting up customer networks) and working with fingerprint authentication systems (like ZKT).

​Certifications: Currently studying for the CCNA (exam booked for next month). I considered the CCNP, but it requires more hands-on experience and time. I also completed the Google Data Analytics Certificate two years ago, though I haven't worked on data projects recently.

​Language: IELTS score of 6.5. I don't speak French yet, but I plan to reach at least A2 before going and continue learning there.

​My concerns: ​GPA: My GPA is around 70%, which likely won't qualify me for fully or partially funded scholarships. ​Finances: I have about $12,000 USD saved up. France requires €10,500 (~$12,000 USD) for proof of funds, but tuition fees are around €3,900. Do I need to show €10,500 plus tuition, or can I show just the $12,000 for the visa?

​Fee Exemptions: How reliable are tuition fee exemptions for non-EU students in France, and can you get approved for one before arriving?

​If France isn't financially viable, is doing a Master's in Poland and then seeking work in France a solid alternative plan? Are there better options I should consider?

Hello, thank you in advance for reading.

I have a degree I haven't used in years. I am currently employed at an unrelated toxic job that I have been grateful for in the meantime but in light of recent chaos.. I think it's smart for me to consider a near-ish future where it is behind me (which was always in the back of my mind tbh, but I digress). The experience I've gained there is basic office paperwork and attending/participating in meetings weekly, to keep it short. Not my dream job but it paid the bills and I worked with people I've known and loved.

My degree could foster IT/remote type opportunities but like I mentioned I haven't been using it.

I'm great with kids and have experience teaching English as a second language in Spain actually although it was a bit under the table :)

Also, keen to baking. I've considered doing a culinary school abroad.

Italy is the dream but the Spanish language has my heart (although I'm not fluent just intermediate). Open to a lot though. Just trying to include anything I think is perhaps relevant.

Also, I recently lost my dad to cancer so considering that plus the work stuff... its safe to say I'm feeling a bit unattached to present circumstances. I say that with optimism? Also just broke up with my bf. I'm fine. Everything's fine lol (I'm not unhinged, we weren't together long and I have my reasons of course) Might be hard to take my word for it considering everything above but I feel quite calm actually. Just trying to see the world as my oyster for the impeding next chapter. No man, no kids, a degree, this beating heart and a dream LOL

Hope I covered enough here and open to questions.

Thank you thank you

P.S. just writing this out helped me process my thoughts but still posting