Permanent Visas

Skilled Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category addresses applicants who are planning to take up skilled employment in New Zealand.

The application process under the Skilled Migrant Category consists of two main stages:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): In principle every applicant who meets these criteria is eligible to submit an Expression of Interest under this policy. Expressions of Interest are ranked from highest to lowest points. People who score 140 points and above on their EOI for residence will automatically be selected. If your EOI is not selected from the pool the first time it will remain in the pool for three months. If it is still unsuccessful you can lodge another EOI if you wish to.

2. Residence Application

Minimum requirements for a residence application under the Skilled Migrant Category are:

• Good health

• Good character

• Good English language capabilities

• Age limit of 55 years

• Points score of at least 100 under the points system

Points are awarded as follows:

Skilled employment:

• Current employment in NZ for 12 months or more (ongoing) 60 Points

• Offer of employment in New Zealand or current employment in NZ for less than 12 months (but minimum of 3 months) 50 Points

Bonus points for employment or offer of employment in:

• An identified future growth area, identified cluster, or area of absolute skills shortage 5 Points

• Region outside Auckland 10 Points

• Spouse / partner employment or offer of employment 10 Points

Relevant work experience: (Your experience must be in a comparable labour market Click for popup box with details)

• 2 years 10 Points

• 4 years 15 Points

• 6 years 20 Points

• 8 years 25 Points

• 10 years 30 Points

Additional bonus points if work experience in New Zealand:

• 1 year 5 Points

• 2 years 10 Points

• 3 years or more 15 Points

Additional bonus points for work experience in an identified future growth area, identified cluster or area of absolute skills shortage:

• 2 to 5 years 10 Points

• 6 years or more 15 Points

• If your job is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List, further bonuses are available of 10 extra points for your qualifications and 10 extra points for an offer of skilled employment.

Points for Qualifications:

• Recognised basic qualification (e.g. trade qualification, diploma, bachelors' degree) 50 Points

• Recognised post-graduate qualification (e.g. Masters Degree or higher) 55 Points

Bonus points for:

• Recognised NZ qualification (and at least two years study in NZ) 10 Points

• Qualification in an identified future growth area, identified cluster or area of absolute skill shortage 5 Points

• Spouse / partner qualifications 10 Points

Points for Age (20 to 55 yrs)

• Age between 20-29 30 Points

• Age between 30-39 25 Points

• Age between 40-44 20 Points

• Age between 45-49 10 Points

• Age between 50-55 5 Points

Points for Close Family in New Zealand

• Close family support in New Zealand 10 Points Close family is adult brothers, sisters, adult children (17 years and over) and parents of either the principal applicant or their partner.

New Zealand Permanent Visas
Skilled Worker Visa	Family Visa	Business Visa
Investor Visa