New Zealand Skilled Migrant Application Process
If you applying to immigrate to New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category, you will need to go through the following steps.
- Requirements - First you need to demonstrate that you meet the basic requirements. You need to be aged from 20-55 (inclusive). You also have to meet the standards of health, character, and English language proficiency before you start the process.
- Expression of Interest (EOI) - This is the first step in the 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 your EOI application has more than 100 points, 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. Your chances of selection improve greatly the more points you have.
- Invitation to Applying - if you meet the EOI selection criteria, you will need be sent the Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the NZ Immigration department. You complete the paperwork and send them proof of the claims made on your EOI, including any necessary medical and police certificates, proof of English language proficiency, your skills, experience, and other factors.
- Final Assessment - Immigration New Zealand will then assess you for residence and make sure your points claims are valid. This may include an interview.
- Residence and Work to Residence visas and permits -If you meet the criteria, you will be offered a residence visa or permit. If the Immigration department thinks that you have potential, but want to see how you settle, give will be given a work to residence visa or permit, which you can use to help obtain an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand for up to nine months. If you obtain skilled employment in this time you will have shown your ability to settle and contribute, and your residence application will be approved. If you do not meet the Immigration departments residence policy criteria they will decline your application for residence.
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