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Skilled Migrant Category

article pages Working in NZ:
working in New Zealand
skilled migrant
work to residence
employer relocation
temporary work
work holiday

Introduction

New Zealand is looking for people with the skills, qualifications and experience that will help New Zealand grow and innovate in the future. New Zealand also wants skilled migrants to settle in New Zealand feeling welcome and able to make a positive long-term contribution.

If you’ve got the skills New Zealand needs and you want to move to New Zealand, the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) offers you the opportunity to move to New Zealand to work and live permanently.

Process Overview

Get a sense of the whole Skilled Migrant process, from start to finish. See the process laid out in a simple diagram.

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Step 1. Meeting the Requirements

To apply under the Skilled Migrant Category, you must meet immigration standards of age, health, character, and English language proficiency before you can apply.
Read more about the requirements ...

Step 2. Initial Self Assessment

Assess your self using the skilled migrant quick check. This self assessment will help you decide whether or not it is worth submitting an Expression of Interest.
Go ahead and see if you qualify...

Step 3. Submitting the Expression of Interest

The Expression of Interest is the first step towards making an application. If you qualify, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), in which you claim points for skills, experience, and other factors.
Read more about the Expression of Interest...

Step 4. The Expression of Interest Selection

If you have claimed 100 points or more on your Expression of Interest, it goes into a pool. Every fortnight, all EOIs over 140 points are automatically selected for an invitation to apply. Read more about the Expression of Interest Pool...

Step 5. Invitation to Apply

Once your Expression of Interest is drawn from the pool, Immigration New Zealand examines it and if they find it credible, they will send you an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Read more about the Invitation to Apply...

Step 6. Applying for Residence

When you receive your invitation to apply for residence in New Zealand, you’ll be given an application form, which contains the information you provided in your Expression of Interest.
Find out more about applying for residence in New Zealand...

Step 7. Full Assessment

Once Immigration New Zealand (INZ) receives your application for residence and documents, INZ starts assessing you for residence. They make sure that you meet all INZ requirements, and that the points you claim are valid.
Find out more about the assessment process...

Step 8. Residence or Work to Residence Visas and Permits

If you meet immigration criteria, and INZ believe you will settle successfully and contribute to New Zealand, they will offer you a residence visa or permit. Immigration New Zealand may want to see how you settle and will give you a work to residence visa or permit, which you can use to help obtain an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand for up to nine months.
Read more about the final steps...


Links:

Immigration New Zealand
New Zealand Department of Labour
Statistics New Zealand
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