Skilled Migrant Visa NZ

The Skilled Migrant Category visa NZ allows migrants to apply for Permanent Residence in New Zealand. The Immigration New Zealand Manages it, under the Immigration Act [2009], and has set a target to attract 26000 migrants annually.

There was a faulty system in the 90s, which was not allowing thousands of skilled migrants in NZ to work in their respective skilled professions. There were a lot of factors, such as their qualifications not being suitable for NZ, were not able to register for the occupation in NZ, or were not well versed with English.

What are the Criteria?

Skilled Migrant Visa NZ, is a points system that depends on aspects like, the qualifications, work experience, age, and an offer of skilled employment. There is also an age limit of 55 or under, they should be fluent with the English language, also meet the health, and character requirements.

How does the Skilled Migrant visa NZ works?

1.      Self-assessment

·         Check whether you can fulfill the requirements, then calculate your points

2.      AN Expression of Interest (EOI) is submitted

·         Check the fees and office details

·         Submit the Expression of Interest online

3.      Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

·         If you hold more than 160 points, then you will be selected from the Expression of Interest class, and may be sent an Invitation to Apply

4.      Submit an application for resident Visa

·         Check the fees and office details

·         Submit the application for the resident visa within six months from the date on the form

5.      Accept your visa

·         If approved, you will get a resident visa

Common mistakes to avoid

Skilled Migrant Category applicants make mistakes resulting in fewer points being recognised:

Unrecognised qualifications

If you want to claim points for your qualification, they should be either on the Qualifications List which is Exempted from Assessment, or should be assessed by NZQA

Work experience not equivalent

If you want to claim points for work experience, then it should be in the similar area as your qualification and job or job offer. If you do not have a job or a job offer, then this experience should be at par with the labour market. It must be on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List or for a multinational company.