Opinion
Migrating to New Zealand
Looking for sunnier skies, less crowded streets and the possibility of commuting to work in less than 15 minutes? If this sounds like you, migrating to New Zealand is certainly worth considering
Alexa Mihailoff, Staff Solicitor
In association with Law Plain & Simple, Alexa Mihailoff explains how to go about migrating to New Zealand.
Looking for sunnier skies, less crowded streets and the possibility of commuting to work in less than 15 minutes? If this sounds like you, migrating to New Zealand is certainly worth considering. But how does one go about jumping ship to the Land of the Long White Cloud? Although there are various ways to migrate to New Zealand, this article provides an overview of the Skilled Migrant category (we’ll look at the other options in later articles). It is a fairly straightforward process once the information is broken down, so let’s have a look at what you need to know.
Skilled Migrant Category
If you’ve got the skills, New Zealand wants you. New Zealand provides several opportunities for skilled migrants to move here, particularly where there are specific skill shortages or if you have skills in industries undergoing growth.
What do you need to have?
You have to meet certain requirements to fit into this category, but if you have them the road to New Zealand should be pretty smooth. To be considered under the skilled migrant category you need: - To be of good health and character; - To have a reasonable standard of English; - To be under 56 years of age; - To meet the minimum threshold of 100 points (more on this later).
Expressions of Interest
First you have to submit an Expression of Interest (“EOI”). An EOI is not an application for residency or entry to New Zealand; instead, it is a bit like a CV that you put forward for consideration, just like if you were applying for a job. The residency application part comes later, which is the immigration equivalent of getting a job interview.
You can submit an EOI if you are currently living in New Zealand or abroad. An EOI gives Immigration New Zealand (‘INZ’) a snap shot of what you have to offer (you don’t need to send in all the supporting documents at this stage). If INZ like what they see (i.e. if you have enough points) you may then be invited to apply for residency. The EOI is essentially the toughest hurdle to jump in the immigration process but once you have cleared that, the route to residency can be fairly simple. EOIs can be submitted in paper form or online and you can include certain people in your EOI, who you want to come to New Zealand with you, such as your partner or dependent children.
The points system
INZ requires you to have at least 100 points to be considered under the skilled migrant category. The points system helps INZ see which applicants have the most to offer. Points are awarded for things like skilled employment in New Zealand, work experience, qualifications, age and close family links in New Zealand. There are also opportunities for bonus points. The INZ website provides a useful initial Self Assessment Guide for you to check how many points you have and whether or not you have enough to submit an EOI.
If you have enough points you may be sent an invitation to apply for residency.
The pool system and how it works?
All EOIs are submitted into a Pool. If you have 140 points or more then your EOI will be selected automatically from the Pool. If you have 100 points or more (but less than 140 points), then you will be selected according to your points ranking.
EOIs are valid for six months from the date they are submitted to the Pool. If your EOI is not selected within that six months, you will need to resubmit an EOI or consider other options.
It is a good idea to put your best possible EOI forward, so that when the selection process occurs you are more likely to be considered (the more points the better). This may mean holding off until you have completed a qualification, obtained a job offer, or accrued more relevant work experience before considering submitting an EOI. Remember to use the Self Assessment Guide mentioned earlier to check your points. There are other ways to lawfully reside in New Zealand whilst you accumulate points, which we will look at in later articles.
Skilled Migrant Category – A Summary of the Steps
1. Complete an initial self- assessment online.
2. Submit your EOI.
3. INZ select EOIs from the Pool.
4. INZ invite you to apply for residency – you will then need to provide proof of your health, character, qualifications, work experience and other relevant information.
5. INZ make a decision – they will look at your application against the New Zealand Residency requirements, your ability to successfully settle in New Zealand and the likelihood of you making a real contribution to social and economic development. Depending on INZ’s decision you may be granted a residence visa or a ‘work-to-residence’ visa.
6. Welcome to New Zealand.
Conclusion
The skilled migrant category provides prospective New Zealand residents, who have particular skills and qualifications, with an opportunity to live and work here permanently. However, not everyone will meet the criteria required. It is important to understand the EOI process and to have at least 100 points before even considering applying under this category. The Self- Assessment tool and the INZ website are both useful tools for deciding whether or not this is the best option for you to reside in New Zealand long term.
In future articles, we will discuss other New Zealand visa categories, such as: - Family Category and Temporary Entry Visas - Partnership Visas - Business Investment Category - Investor and Entrepreneur Visas - Working Holiday Visas
Author: Alexa Mihailoff