Skilled Migrant Category

Applicants with the appropriate skills to contribute to the country’s economic growth are suitable to apply for this visa. An Expression of Interest (EOI) informing about your employment in NZ, work experience, and qualifications is to be provided to avail an invite. You must also be aged 55 or under, and meet English language, health, and character requirements. If the submitted, Expression of Interest is successful applicants will be given an opportunity to apply to live and work in NZ indefinitely.

NZ has a competitive and accomplished skilled migration program. Aspirants need to score a minimum of 160 points in their Expression of Interest (EOI) to be eligible for an invite. The number of Expressions of Interest selected from the Pool is determined each time a selection takes place. It varies every fortnight and is based on the number of immigrants New Zealand is aiming to gain during each financial year. Only the best applicants will be successful. In most cases you will need a job offer in New Zealand to claim the 50-70 additional points that will make the deciding difference for the successful outcome of your Expression of Interest.

If your EOI is selected from the pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). During this stage of your application, you will have to provide evidence and supporting documents for the point claims made in your Expression of Interest. It is important to submit all the relevant documentation in the prescribed format to ensure the smooth processing of your application.

Immigration New Zealand will then assess your application against Government residence policy. They will also look at your potential to settle successfully and make a real contribution to New Zealand's social and economic development.

The assessment against settlement and contribution requirements will take into consideration the application as a whole, including information gained at interview, if an interview is conducted by your case officer. Depending on how well you are able to demonstrate your ability or potential to successfully settle in New Zealand, your application may be approved and you will be granted a Resident Visa, or you may instead be granted a Work Visa, which will enable you to establish yourself in skilled employment in New Zealand.