1.Requirements
You need to be aged from 20-55 (inclusive) and meet Immigration New Zealand’s standards of health, character and English language proficiency before you start the process.
2. The Expression of Interest
If you have enough points based on your skills, experience and other factors, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
3.The EOI pool and the pool draw
If you have claimed 100 points or more on your EOI, it goes into the Pool. Every fortnight, all EOIs over 140 points are automatically selected for an invitation to apply. After this, lower scoring EOIs with certain factors, such as skilled employment in New Zealand, are selected.
4. Invitation to Apply
Once your EOI is drawn from the pool, Immigration NZ will examine it and, if it is credible, send you an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You will then have to send them proof of the claims made on your EOI. This includes medical and police certificates, proof of English language ability, and documentation regarding your skills, experience, and other factors.
5. Full assessment
Immigration New Zealand will then assess you for residence and make sure your points claims are valid. They may want to interview you.
6. Residence and Work to Residence visas and permits
If you meet their criteria, they will offer you a residence visa or permit. If they think you have potential, but want to see how you settle, they 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. If you obtain skilled employment in this time you will have shown your ability to settle and contribute, and your residence application will be approved.
If you do not meet their residence policy criteria they will decline your application for residence.
To find out more about the Skilled Migrant Category visit Immigration New Zealand’s website.
Read more about recent changes to the Skilled Migrant Category.