Skilled Migrant Category

You may be eligible to apply for a visa as a skilled migrant if you possess the skills, qualifications or experiences that New Zealand requires.

The skilled migrant category is based on a points-based system that takes into account factors like age, experience in the workplace, qualifications and an employment offer. You must be under 55 years old, have a good command of English, be in good health and meet character requirements.

What it does

1. Self assessment

• Calculate your points by checking if you have met the criteria.

2. Send an Expression of Interest

• Please note the information regarding fees and office locations
• Online submission of EOI

3. You will receive an invitation to apply (ITA).

• You may receive an ITA if you reach 160 points.

4. Submitting a resident application

• Please note the information regarding fees and office locations
• Please fill out the application form that we will provide.

5. Receive your visa

• You’ll receive a resident visa if you are successful

Immigration New Zealand

Avoid these common mistakes.

These mistakes are often made by applicants for the Skilled Migrant category, resulting in fewer points being awarded:

No recognition of qualifications

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 are claiming points for your work experience, it must be within the same field of study as your qualification or job/job offer. If you do not have a job or a job offer, then the experience must be gained in a similar labour market or an occupation listed on the Long Term Skill Deficit List.

Not meeting bonus point requirements.

You must meet strict requirements on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List to claim the work experience bonus.