New Zealand welcomes skilled migrants

Want to Move to New Zealand? New Zealand wants skilled migrants!

Do you have skills, experience and motivation? New Zealand is actively seeking high quality, talented people who can effectively settle in New Zealand and contribute to its economic and social wellbeing.

Working In New Zealand brings together advice and professional assistance in partnership with the New Zealand Government and immigration experts throughout the country so that you can make the move as smoothly and quickly as possible.

To sustain a growing economy, New Zealand needs to satisfy the demand for specialist talent and skills in the workforce. Skilled migrants contribute to New Zealand's development and growth and, in return, enjoy unparalleled lifestyle opportunities. Bringing your special talents and experience to New Zealand will help to fill skills shortages, and will grow business and employment opportunities.

Skilled and business migrants account for at least 60% of the immigration programme, with premium points allocated for job offers relevant to a person's qualifications or experience, favouring those who are seeking work in skilled and professional fields.

Immigration New Zealand facilitates the entry of visitors, students, workers and permanent migrants, and there are several types of New Zealand visas and work permits for those wishing to live and work in the country. New Zealand's immigration rules focus on inviting skilled migrants to come here, so if you are talented and have skills that are in short supply, New Zealand employers are looking for you.

Is a move to New Zealand the right decision?

Do your research on opportunities for employment in New Zealand first. It is important to remember that excellent English language skills are vital; employers expect employees in skilled professions, occupations and trades to have a high level of competency in the language.

New Zealand immigration policy is sometimes complex and the processes can be confusing. It is easy to get it wrong and the costs of failure can be very high, says the New Zealand Association for Migration & Investment. The Association recommends that you enlist the services of an immigration consultant to ensure that your application has the best possible chance of success.

If you live in the UK or South Africa you can start your research at the Opportunities New Zealand Expo, a one stop shop for information on what a move to New Zealand can offer you and your family.