The Points System

Points System for Skilled Migrants

To apply to move to New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category a person needs to complete an Expression of Interest form. Once the form is submitted, Expressions of Interest (EOI) are pooled.

A person can qualify for points if they have an offer of skilled employment, or are currently employed in New Zealand in work that is consider skilled employment. Work experience, recognised qualifications, close family in New Zealand and age are also factors in the number of points that an applicant can claim.

Applicants can also qualify for bonus points for employment in specific industry areas, employment outside Auckland and qualifications gained in New Zealand.

Applicants also need to meet a number of other conditions before they can submit an Expression of Interest. These include age, health, character and English language requirements.

Once an Expression of Interest has been selected from the Pool, following some checking, the person may be invited to lodge an Application for Residence.

Claiming points on your Expression of Interest

You can tell Immigration New Zealand about other personal qualities that can get you points towards an invitation to apply. In your Expression of Interest, you can claim points under several categories.

Skilled employment – This means a New Zealand job, or an offer of employment, that involves considerable specialist, technical, or management expertise. Your expertise may have been gained either through a recognised qualification or on the job experience.

Work experience – You can get points for at least two years’ previous experience in the same field for which you have skilled employment. You will get more points for four, six, eight, or ten or more years’ experience.

A recognised qualification – A qualification gives you a lot of points. We accept a variety of trade certificates, diplomas, bachelors degrees and post-graduate qualifications, from the institutions on INZ List of Recognised Qualifications. INZ also accept qualifications that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) considers equivalent to an acceptable New Zealand qualification.

Age – Because New Zealand is looking for migrants who can make a long-term contribution to New Zealand, you must be 55 years or younger to apply.

Close family – Having family support makes it easier to settle, so you will get points if you already have close family here who have residence or citizenship.

Please see Immigration New Zealand website at www.immigration.govt.nz to find more information, definitions of terms, and an indication of your potential points score and eligibility under the Skilled Migrant Category.

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