The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa allows overseas applicants to live, work, and study in New Zealand permanently, and to bring their spouse and dependent children aged 24 and under to immigrate to New Zealand. New Zealand skilled migration uses an EOI points system (100 points to enter the pool); however, Immigration New Zealand has clearly stated that it currently only invites applicants with a score of 160 points or higher.
I. New Zealand Skilled Migration Application Requirements
1. Age must not exceed 55 years old;
2. No criminal record and in good health;
3. IELTS English score must reach an average of 6.5 (exemptions apply for two years of Level 7 study or one year of Level 8 study);
4. Occupation must belong to ANZSCO skill levels 1, 2, or 3 (672 occupations); some occupations require New Zealand registration qualifications.
5. Expression of Interest (EOI) score must reach 160 points.
II. New Zealand Skilled Migration Application Process
1. Submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) (invitations are issued every two weeks): Fee is 530 NZD;
2. Receive an EOI invitation letter;
3. Prepare visa application documents;
4. Undergo immigration medical examination;
5. Submit paper visa application documents within 4 months of receiving the invitation: Fee is 3085 NZD;
6. Visa application approval (approximately 6 months);
7. Immigration interview (may be required).
III. Visas Granted for New Zealand Skilled Migration
For applicants outside of New Zealand, although there is a certain chance of obtaining a New Zealand Permanent Resident (PR) visa directly, if there is no local job or job offer in New Zealand, it is highly likely that a Work to Residence (WTR) visa will be granted:
1. For skilled migration applicants within New Zealand between April 10, 2007, and August 28, 2017, a 9-month job search visa may be granted;
2. For skilled migration applicants outside New Zealand between April 10, 2007, and August 28, 2017, the visa situation is as follows:
(1) Must enter New Zealand within 3 months of visa approval;
(2) Can freely enter, exit, and work in New Zealand for 9 months after the first entry.
3. For applicants outside New Zealand after August 28, 2017, a WTR visa with a validity of 12 months may be granted.
IV. New Zealand Skilled Migration New Policy
1. Increase in Income Threshold
Effective from January 15, 2018, the income threshold for New Zealand skilled migration will change as follows:
(1) Occupations belonging to ANZSCO levels 1-3: The current required hourly wage is 23.49 NZD or equivalent annual salary, and after January 15, the salary threshold will increase to 24.29 NZD per hour or equivalent annual salary.
(2) Occupations belonging to ANZSCO levels 4-5 (and jobs not included in the ANZSCO list): After January 15, the minimum hourly wage requirement for applicants will increase from 35.24 NZD to 36.44 NZD or equivalent annual salary.
(3) Salary threshold for bonus points: After January 15, the minimum hourly wage requirement will increase from the current 46.98 NZD to 48.58 NZD or equivalent annual salary.
2. Adjustment of Occupation List
For New Zealand skilled migration applicants, if they have work experience or a local job in New Zealand, and their occupation is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL), they have the opportunity to receive additional bonus points. According to the announcement by Immigration New Zealand on December 15, 2017, 5 occupations were removed from the New Zealand LTSSL, including: Anaesthetist, Forestry Scientist, Pathologist, Petroleum Engineer, and Renal Medicine Specialist.