Applying for a residence visa under the Skilled Migrant Category is a two step process, with fees attached to each step:

1. Fill out an Expression of Interest. If you would prefer to print a copy and post it to your nearest branch, click here.

2. If your Expression of Interest is approved, you are sent an Invitation to Apply. You then submit an application in which you give evidence of your job offer if you have one, qualifications, work experience, English language skills, health and character.

Points System

A points system is used to judge the ability of a potential migrant to settle and contribute. If your Expression of Interest (EOI) scores over 100 points, it goes into the pool of EOIs for consideration. Applicants are selected from the pool every two weeks.

At present, applicants with over 140 points are selected from the pool automatically. After this, those with between 100 and 140 points which include a skilled job or job offer, are selected. If there are still spaces available, lower-scoring EOIs are selected for invitation according to additional selection criteria set by the Minister of Immigration.

Once you are selected, you then apply for permanent residence. You need to provide evidence of your job or job offer, work experience, qualifications, and any other factors for which you claimed points in your EOI. You also need to provide proof that you and everyone else on your application meet the health, character, and English language requirements. Your application is then assessed and you are advised of the decision.

Click here for a guide to calculate your points for the Skilled Migrant Category.

Claiming Points

In the Expression of Interest, points are given under several categories.

Skilled employment

This means an offer of employment – or actual employment -- in New Zealand in an area that requires specialist, technical, or management expertise. Your expertise may have been gained either through a relevant recognised qualification, relevant work experience, or a combination of both a relevant recognised qualification and relevant work experience. For more details, refer to the list of skilled occupations.

Work experience

You can get points for at least two years of experience in the field in which you have skilled employment. You will get more points for four, six, eight, or ten or more years’ experience.

A recognised qualification

A qualification gives you additional points. Immigration New Zealand accepts a variety of trade certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and post-graduate qualifications from recognised institutions that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) considers equivalent to an acceptable New Zealand qualification. 

Age

Because we are looking for migrants who can make a long-term contribution to New Zealand, you must be 55 years or younger to apply.

Close family

Having family support makes it easier to settle, so you will get points if you already have close family here who have residence or citizenship.

Click here for a complete guide to applying for the Skilled Migrant Category.

Once your application has been accepted for processing, Immigration New Zealand will send you an acknowledgment letter telling you either the name of the officer looking after your application and how to contact them, or the likely date that an officer will be available to assess your application.

In the acknowledgment letter you may also be asked to provide any further information or documents. Immigration New Zealand may also return original documents like passports and birth certificates at this stage.

The work involved in processing your application typically involves:

• checking your application against immigration policy requirements
• assessing what benefits or potential risks to New Zealand are involved
• verifying any information and documents you have provided
• confirming details of your relationship with your partner or family members.

Before making a decision on your application, Immigration New Zealand may also ask you to:

• produce other photographs, documents and information
• undergo a further medical examination
• appear for an interview.

How Long Will it Take?

The time it will take to process your application can vary depending on:

• the requirements of the immigration policy you are applying under
• the completeness of your application
• how easily Immigration New Zealand can check the information you provide
• how well and how quickly you respond to any concerns raised with you.

Processing times can also vary between offices. When your application is accepted, Immigration New Zealand will send you a letter to advise how long the processing time is predicted to be.

The amount of verification your application requires can affect the amount of time it takes to process your application. Applications that require the most verification; for example work permit or residence applications, typically take the longest to process.

You may need to provide further information before a decision can be made on your application, which will also add to the processing time.