Skilled Migrant Category

If you're interested in becoming a resident under the Skilled Migrant Category, why not see if you have enough points to qualify? With 100 points or more, this may be the option to consider…

Your training, qualifications and/or work experience may open a number of New Zealand’s doors for you, including the option of becoming a resident under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Many migrants to New Zealand now choose to apply and enter under the Skilled Migrant Category.  The advantages are many -- and if you offer this country the education, training, experience or skills we need, your application is welcomed.

To find out more about the qualifications needed for this visa, click here.

FAQs 

Is this visa right for me?

If you answer ‘yes’ to the following three points, then we recommend you consider the Skilled Migrant Category as the best resident visa to apply for:

First: do you want most of the rights of a citizen?  These include the ability to travel in and out of New Zealand freely, to work for whomever you want in New Zealand, to vote, to have full access to all health care benefits (including subsidised medicine and medical fees), and educational subsidies for you and your children. 

Second: do you intend to make New Zealand your home? 

Third: do you have enough points?  Approvals for this visa are primarily points-based.  The points levels are reset periodically, but at present, anyone with a legitimate claim to 140 points or more, with skilled employment and meeting other general criteria such as health and English skills is likely to be approved.  

How does this visa work? 

There are two steps to becoming a resident under the Skilled Migrant Category.  First, you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).  If you have enough points, you will be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

For the Expression of Interest you must meet the prerequisites and obtain a minimum of 100 points.  Points are based on:

• Age.  The younger you are, the more points you receive; the points given for your age at time of application ranges from 5 to 30 in total
• Experience.  The more work experience you have the more points you receive; eg, 10 years or more experience in a given field is awarded 30 points
• Employability.  If you have an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand  or are currently employed in New Zealand, you’ll receive 50 or 60 points; you’ll receive bonus points if that offer or skill is in an identified future growth area or an area of absolute skills shortage in New Zealand. Securing an offer of employment before submitting your EOI (although not required) will enhance your change of being invited to apply. 
• Qualifications.  You can claim points for one of your qualifications (usually the highest).  The points for a recognised qualification range from 40 to 65, with bonus points for the qualification being gained in New Zealand or being in an identified growth area or an area of absolute skills shortage in New Zealand.

How do I find out if I have enough points?

Take a look at the points calculator! 

How long is it for? 

Once you have been issued a resident visa, your arrival in New Zealand activates a two-year visa, which allows you to travel and re-enter New Zealand as a resident over this period.  After the initial resident visa expires, you will need to apply for a permanent resident visa, which can be granted either indefinitely or for a specific period. 

Tell me more about becoming a resident and the benefits to me? 

As a resident of New Zealand, you have virtually all the rights as a citizen of New Zealand, except you cannot obtain a New Zealand passport.  This means you can live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely, and work for whomever you want.   You can even start your own business, if you choose.  You’ll have access to many social benefits, including the right to education, and the opportunity to receive educational grants, particularly tertiary-level grants.  You’ll be entitled to health care, including free treatment at public hospitals and subsidised medicine.  You’ll have the option of sponsoring your relatives for a resident visa as well, providing they meet the requirements, of course.

Do I need a job offer to qualify for this visa?

No, but you receive 50 additional points with an offer of skilled employment.

Your circumstances will be assessed, and without a job offer, you may be offered a Job Search option instead, which is the grant of a 9-month work visa to allow you to come to New Zealand to find skilled employment and be eligible for a resident visa.  

Are there any age restrictions for the Skilled Migrant Visa? 

You must be under age 56 when you apply. 

What do I need to do to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category?

It involves several steps, starting with completion of an Expression of Interest, which can be done on-line.  Click here for more information about the Skilled Migrant Category.