Hi jcaprn, i have been through your situation few years back. I decided to come to NZ in Feb 2010, submitted my student visa application in June and got the approval few weeks after. I arrived in NZ July 2010, found a job a week after. I worked as an HCA for 2 1/2 yrs. I became a NZ-RN last March 2013 and now I am enjoying the fruit of my hard work.. I am currently working as a registered nurse in one of the prestigious nursing homes here in Auckland.. I have helped out some of my friends to come to NZ without going through the expensive process in Philippines. They didn't have to pay agency fees and professional fees coz it's a direct process. I just want to help my fellow nurses achieve their dreams.