In September 2022, Maryan found herself at a crossroads.
She was an accountant with seven years of stable work experience in the Philippines, newly married, and caring for her 1-year-old child. Life was busy, structured, and familiar—but she and her husband were thinking carefully about their family’s long-term future.
Like many Filipinos, Maryan knew that moving to New Zealand could open doors to better opportunities. Pero alam din niya ang risks. Leaving a stable career, especially with a young child to care for, wasn’t a decision she could take lightly.
Unlike applicants whose professions fall neatly within priority skills, Maryan faced an added layer of uncertainty.
Accounting was not a priority occupation for immigration, which meant there was no straight forward New Zealand visa pathway available to her. Simply applying and hoping for the best wasn’t an option.
At the same time, she needed to:
Hindi lang ‘to tungkol sa pag-apply para sa visa. It was about re-thinking her career direction while keeping her family together.
Rather than forcing an unsuitable visa option, Maryan made a deliberate choice: to reinvent her career.
With Koru’s guidance, Maryan discovered which pathways were viable for her and how further study could align with her long-term migration goals. She enrolled in an MBA in New Zealand, viewing it not just as a qualification, but as a strategic step toward New Zealand residency and better employment prospects after graduation.
While studying, Maryan balanced:
Hindi madaling gawin—but she stayed focused and disciplined. Through careful planning, shecompleted her MBA ahead of schedule, while also building a strong professional network.
Within one month of graduating, Maryan secured a full-time finance role under a post-study work visa.
This marked a turning point. She wasn’t just studying anymore—she was actively building relevant New Zealand work experience aligned with her long-term goals.
With Koru’s advice helping Maryan prepare for the realities of New Zealand’s job market, each step of her journey became clearer and more realistic.
About one year later, Maryan and her family were granted New Zealand residency.
For her, hindi lang visa approval ang naging resulta. It was the reassurance that the risks she took—leaving a stable career, studying while raising a young child, and navigating a complex system—were worth it.
Para kay Maryan, hindi obvioussa simula kung alin ang tamang pathway. But with patience, planning, and Koru’s guidance, it became possible.
Today, Maryan is settled in New Zealand kasama ng pamilya niya, working in finance and building a secure future for her family.
Maryan's story is a testament to what’s possible when determination meets trusted support.
With Koru helping her navigate critical decisions along the way, her journey shows how careful planning and resilience can turn uncertainty into long-term stability and peace of mind.
Maryan’s story shows that migrating to New Zealand isn’t always about following a ready-made path.
Sometimes, it means creating one that fits your situation, your family, and your timing.
Are you planning your own New Zealand visa journey from the Philippines but feel unsure where to start?
The right guidance can make all the difference.
