Find out if you can qualify

Applying under the Skilled Migrant Category

Find out if you qualify to apply through skilled migrant category or SMC. Most migrants went through the process imposed by immigration of New Zealand.

The Process

Immigration New Zealand utilises a "points" system to determine whether potential migrants are eligible to submit an application for Residence under the Skilled Migrant Category.  Points are allocated for age, qualifications, work experience, english language ability, employment in New Zealand and other factors. 
The current threshold is 100 points.  All applicants with 100 points or more, are eligible to submit an Expression of Interest to Immigration New Zealand.  All applications are placed in a "pool" to await selection.  Selections are made from the pool every fortnight and all applications with 140 points or more are automatically selected from the pool for consideration.

Immigration New Zealand will then verify the details of the application and the applicant will then be issued with an "Invitation to Apply".  The applicant will be allowed 4 months to submit an Application for Residence with Immigration New Zealand, providing evidentiary proof of the claims made in their Expression of Interest.  Immigration New Zealand will then decide the final outcome of the application.  This whole process can take up to 18 months or more to complete.

Minimum Requirements for all Applicants
If you would like to apply for Permanent Residence in New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category, there are specific minimum requirements that you and/or all family members included in your application have to meet:

Age Requirement
You must be aged 20 - 55 years (inclusive).

Health Requirement
You must be in good health. If your Expression of Interest is accepted and you are invited to apply for Residence, you will have to be assessed by an approved panel doctor. Your application must be accompanied by medical and chest x-ray certificates for each person.  Follow this link to search for an international panel doctor in your country/city

If you are in New Zealand at the time of your medical examination, you may go to any local GP.  If you are in Auckland, we would like to recommend you make use of the very professional and affordable services of Dr. Albert & Christel van Niekerk, providing mainly Immigration & Insurance Medical Services to migrants.  Please contact them today to schedule your appointment.  Refer to their website www.immimed.co.nz for more information. 

Character Requirement
You must be of good character. You will have to provide a police clearance certificate for every country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years, for all applicants aged 17 years and over. Some people who have committed serious crimes will not be allowed into New Zealand at all. Section 7(1) of the Immigration Act outlines what disqualifies an applicant in these terms.

VERY IMPORTANT:  Police Clearance Certificates are only valid for 6 months from date of issue and will not be considered by Immigration NZ if older than 6 months. 

English Language Requirement
You must speak sufficient English. Whether you are the principal or non-principal applicant, you will need to meet a certain level of ability in spoken and written English.  You will be required to provide evidence of your English Language Ability.  This could take the form of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System)Test or other evidence as required or deemed sufficient by Immigration New Zealand. 



Occupational Registration Requirements 
In certain fields of work, you will need to ensure you have occupational registration if you want to work in New Zealand. If you require registration and do not have it, you will be unable to work in your chosen occupation under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Please refer to the Registration Boards link to find out whether you are required to be registered in New Zealand.



Qualifications & Work Experience
To qualify for sufficient points under the Skilled Migrant Category, the principal applicant should possess a basic tertiary or vocational/trade qualification with at least 2 - 4 years' related work experience and be able to provide documentary proof of this.  

Applicants with occupations and qualifications listed on the LTTSL (Long Term Skills Shortage List) qualify for bonus points.  These occupations are considered to be in high demand in New Zealand. 

Do I qualify for Residence as a Skilled Migrant?
If you would like to know whether you are able to apply for Residence under the Skilled Migrant Category, please complete our online immigration questionnaire and attach your CV when requested to do so.  We will then conduct an assessment of the information you provided and calculate your total "points" score.  We will then be in touch with you to discuss your possible option/s for immigrating to New Zealand.