New Zealand Skilled Migration Catagory

The New Zealand Skilled Migration Category (SMC) is a points-based immigration program that allows skilled individuals from around the world to live and work in New Zealand permanently. It is designed to attract highly qualified professionals who can contribute to the country's economy and fill skill shortages in various sectors.

Kindly note that the points cannot be combined between different skill categories. This means that points from your qualification cannot be combined with points from your income and vice versa. You can earn up to 3 points for skilled work experience in New Zealand. Each year of experience is worth 1 point, which can be added to the points gained from your qualification, occupational registration, or income in New Zealand. 

New Zealand SMC Points Calculation

1. Occupational Registration:
   You will be able to use your occupational registration to claim points if it is on our list of eligible New Zealand occupational registrations. Registrations that require more training are worth more points.

• • • • 6 points - A minimum of 6 years of training is required to gain registration
      • 5 points - A minimum of 5 years of training is required to gain registration
      • 4 points - A minimum of 4 years of training is required to gain registration
      • 3 points - A minimum of 2 years of training is required to gain registration

2. Work experience in New Zealand:
   Perspective on "years of training" is a broad factor and is not connected to the applicant's level of experience. For example, teachers are considered to need 5 years of training, and therefore, registration with the NZ Teaching Council is valued at 5 points. However, this is irrespective of the actual experience the applicant possesses, whether it's 2 years or 10 years after qualification.

• • • • 3 points - 36 months of NZ experience during the 60 months before you apply
      • 2 points - 24 months of NZ experience during the 48 months before you apply
      • 1 point - 12 months of NZ experience during the 24 months before you apply

3. Education Qualification: Claim points for a non-NZ qualification recognized as equivalent to a level 7 Bachelor Degree or higher. If the qualification isn't automatically recognized by Immigration NZ, assess it with NZQA or a relevant registration body to claim points.

• • • • 6 points - Level 10 Doctoral Degree
      • 5 points - Level 9 Master's Degree
      • 4 points - Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma
      • 3 points - Level 8 Postgraduate Certificate & Level 7 Bachelor’s degree

4. Income in New Zealand:
   Your income in New Zealand may grant you 3 to 6 points for your application, depending on how much higher your income or proposed job offer income is compared to the median wage.

• • • • 6 points - Job at 3 times the median wage (currently NZD $88.98 an hour) or more.
      • 4 points - Job at 2 times the median wage (currently NZD $59.32 an hour) or more.
      • 3 points - Job at 1.5 times the median wage (currently NZD $44.49 an hour) or more.

Step by Step Process:

To be eligible for the New Zealand Skilled Migration Category, applicants must meet certain criteria and accumulate enough points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, job offer, and English language proficiency.

1. Points System: The Skilled Migrant Category operates on a points system, where points are awarded for various factors. These factors include age, qualifications, work experience, job offer, and language proficiency. The points are calculated based on the applicant's qualifications and attributes, and a minimum threshold must be met to be eligible for the program.
   
   
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): To enter the Skilled Migration Category, applicants need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the New Zealand Immigration authorities. The EOI provides information about the applicant's skills, qualifications, work experience, and other relevant details. The EOI is then ranked based on the points claimed, and the highest-ranking EOIs are selected from the pool.
   
   
3. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If an applicant's EOI is selected from the pool, they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a resident visa. The ITA allows the applicant to proceed with the visa application process.
   
   
4. Resident Visa Application: Once an ITA is received, the applicant needs to submit a complete resident visa application within a specified timeframe. The application requires providing supporting documents such as educational certificates, work experience letters, medical certificates, and police clearance certificates. Applicants also need to pay the relevant visa application fees.
   
   
5. Health and Character Requirements: All applicants must meet certain health and character requirements to ensure they are fit to live in New Zealand. This includes undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates from all countries they have lived in for more than 12 months.
   
   
6. Job Offer: While a job offer is not mandatory, having a skilled job offer in New Zealand can significantly increase the chances of being selected and receiving an ITA. A job offer can also provide additional points towards the overall points score.
   
   
7. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements to be eligible for the Skilled Migration Category. This can be demonstrated by providing evidence of English language proficiency through recognized assessments such as IELTS or TOEFL.
   
   

It is important to note that the New Zealand Skilled Migration Category is subject to regular updates and changes in immigration policies. It is advisable to consult with an immigration specialist or refer to the official New Zealand immigration website for the most up-to-date and accurate information before making any decisions or submitting an application.

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