New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa

The New Zealand skilled migrant visa class operates on a points system and it may be necessary for the applicant to obtain a job offer from a New Zealand employer in order to be successful.

Duration

There are two ways that an applicant can be eligible for this type of New Zealand visa. The first is via a residence visa or permit and the second is via a work to residence visa or permit which will enable a successful applicant to establish themselves in skilled employment in New Zealand and gain residence.

Eligibility Criteria

Points will be allocated based on the criteria outlined below. If the required points level is achieved, applicants will be eligible to apply.

Age

This New Zealand visa class is designed to attract people considering migration to New Zealand and who are willing to make a long-term contribution to New Zealand.

Consequently more points are allocated for younger people, and people 56 years or older are not eligible to apply 

However people over 56 years of age may be eligible for New Zealand immigration as an investor, or to establish a business, or as a key employee of a relocating business.

Qualifications

New Zealand skilled migrant visa applicants will be judged on their standard of qualification in comparison to New Zealand qualifications.

Additional points may be allocated for study undertaken in New Zealand as well as for study in a shortage area.

Employment

Employment is a critical part of any New Zealand skilled migrant visa application. Applicants will have a better chance of qualifying for a New Zealand Work Visa if they have a relevant job offer.

Skilled employment includes jobs ranging from professional positions to people working in trades. Please note that relevant qualifications or relevant work experience may also be required.

Work Experience

Points will be allocated to skilled migrant visa applicants who have a job offer in New Zealand or work experience that is relevant to their qualification.

The greater the amount of work experience the greater the weighting of points that will be allocated to an application.

Additional points may also be gained for having work experience in New Zealand.

Identified Future Growth Area, Identified Cluster, Area of Absolute Skills Shortage

Bonus points may be allocated to applicants who have either a job offer in New Zealand in one of these areas and/or work experience in one of these fields.

Partner

Points may be allocated for an applicant whose partner has either an offer of employment in New Zealand and/or a relevant qualification.

Region

Additional points may be allocated to an applicant who has a New Zealand job offer outside of Auckland.

Family

Applicants can also be awarded points for having a close family member who is a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand.

Find out further information on our New Zealand Permanent Residency page.