Can I get PR while studying in NZ for PhD

Ah, ok, that explains it, I also did my MSc some years after being out of full time academia.

As Cath has said, any changes changes implemented by a new government might not be in your favour. The immigration minister has said that the target figures for 04-05 have been met, has the details. If the target figures are lowered for next year, you might see a raising of the pbutt threshold. I believe the only reason the pbutt mark was lowered from 185 to (eventually) 100 is that they wouldn't have been able to meet the quota otherwise. If the target is lowered (maybe by as simply reducing the number or effectively by raising-changing the requirements) either by a new government with more restrictive immigration agendas or through pressure put on the current governement by the electorate (there's a good few NZ-landers who are not hp about the current policy), the pbutt mark might be higher.

I do wish you all the best with your application, if there's any chance that you can get another 5 points, apply *now*. If you did and received an offer, under the current rules, you would have up to 18 months (6 months to submit your pbuttport, 12 months to turn up at the door) in which to arrive in NZ. This 18 months would easily accomodate you completing the MSc and then some but obviously you need the extra 5 points. Is your work experience in any of the areas where extra points can be awarded?

Dave.