New Zealand Visas

Skilled

This category is the major focus of the New Zealand Government.

They are very keen to attract highly skilled migrants to their shores, to fill the critical skill shortages that exist in New Zealands's candidate-short market.

The problem for potential migrants is identifying the most appropriate visa to apply for.

Skills Visa Requirements

To apply under the Skilled Migrant Category, you must meet the requirements. You need to be aged from 20-55 (inclusive). You also have to meet health standards, character checks and possess a high standard of written and oral English before you start the process. You also need a job offer in New Zealand, a tertiary or trade qualification and at least two years work experience.

The Expression of Interest

This is the first step towards making an application. If you qualify, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), in which you claim points for skills, experience, and other factors.

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.

Invitation to Apply

Once your EOI is drawn from the pool, the New Zealand government examine it. If they find it credible, they'll send you an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You'll have to show proof of the claims made on your EOI. This means medical and police certificates, proof of English language ability, and documentation regarding your skills, experience, and other factors.

Check Your Application

The application form contains the information that you provided in your EOI. You'll check the information and return it with your documentation. The date that you make your SMC residence application with Immigration New Zealand determines the policy that your application will be assessed against. Therefore, the policy that was current when you submitted your EOI, or current when your EOI was selected from the pool, is not necessarily the policy that your SMC residence application will be assessed against.

Your Full Assessment

Once your application and documents are received, they start assessing you for residence. They make sure that you meet all the requirements, and that your point claims are valid. They also assess you on your ability to settle in New Zealand successfully. They may consider you able based on your application, or they may wish to interview you.

This is where experience counts. We, as your chosen professionals, have one very simple obligation to each and every client - look after every client's interest at all times. Within this obligation lies our responsibility to utilise our legal knowledge and vast experience to apply New Zealand's rules and regulations to your circumstances.

Don't jeopardise your plans in New Zealand by trying to save a little on the professional advice. This is what we do day-in, day-out as New Zealand's largest migration firm so why not complete the free assessment and let us consider your circumstances. Alternatively, you can ring us on 0845 2 60 60 30.