If you have skills, qualifications or experience that New Zealand needs you may be able to apply for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category.
The Skilled Migrant Category is a points system based on factors such as age, work experience, your qualifications, and an offer of skilled employment. You must also be aged 55 or under, and meet English language, health, and character requirements.
How it works
1. Self assessment
-Check you meet the requirements and calculate your points
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
-Submit an EOI online or via post (online is cheaper and faster)
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
-Wait until your EOI is selected from the pool. If you have 140 points you'll be automatically selected
-If successful, you'll be sent an ITA
4. Submit a resident application
-Submit your resident application within six months on the form we provide you with
5. Receive your visa
-If successful, you'll be issued either a resident visa or job search visa
How many points will I need?
100-135 points?In this range you’re more likely to be successful if you have:
- A job or job offer for skilled employment, or
- Claimed bonus points for work experience in an area of absolute skill shortage.
If you have 140 points or over your EOI will be selected automatically for an ITA.
If you have 100-135 points you are able to submit an EOI but it may not be selected. In this range, the required number of points varies each fortnightly selection depending on demand. You’re more likely to be successful if you have:
-A job or job offer for skilled employment, or
-Claimed bonus points for work experience in an area of absolute skill shortage.
To get a better idea of the number of points you may need, view the history of selection points. This webpage is updated after each fortnightly ITA draw.
Immigration New Zealand’s list of points and bonus points can help you self-assess your application and evaluate how many points you could have if you undertake extra study or work experience, or get offered a job by a New Zealand employer.
History of selection points | Immigration New Zealand
Common mistakes to avoid Skilled Migrant Category applicants often make these mistakes that result in fewer points being recognised:
-Qualifications not recognised. If you’re claiming points for your qualifications they need to either be on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment or have been assessed by NZQA.
Get international qualifications recognised for Immigration | NZQA
-Work experience not comparable:If you’re claiming points for work experience it must be in the same field as your qualification and job/job offer. If you don’t have a job or job offer then this experience also needs to be in a comparable labour market, in an occupation on the Long Term Skill Shortage List or for a multinational company.
-Bonus point requirements not met: To claim qualification and work experience bonus points you need to meet the strict requirements outlined on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
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