Unlike Australia and Canada, New Zealand skilled immigration applicants will receive one of three outcomes after a comprehensive review of their materials: approval for Permanent Residency, rejection, or approval for a job search visa. Next, let us explore the points system and application process for New Zealand skilled immigration.
1. New Zealand Skilled Immigration Application Process
1) Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online (invited every two weeks);
2) EOI is preliminarily assessed and enters the candidate pool;
3) The immigration office screens and assigns to the local immigration branch, which conducts a further review (may receive a phone inquiry or interview);
4) Receive an invitation letter from the immigration office, send all required materials, and formally submit the visa application;
5) Approval.
2. New Zealand Skilled Immigration Points System
For applicants who find it difficult to reach 160 points, obtaining additional points through various means becomes particularly important. The main ways to gain points for New Zealand skilled immigration include:
1. Work Experience Points
New Zealand considers work experience as an important scoring factor; however, if the applicant is engaged in industries with labor shortages in New Zealand, they may be at a disadvantage, such as in language-related fields.
1) Additional points for work experience in New Zealand: Any work duration exceeding one year earns an additional 10 points.
2) Additional points for work experience in long-term skill shortage occupations: 2-5 years earns 10 points, and 6 years or more earns 15 points.
2. Educational Qualification Points
Both local and overseas qualifications will be classified according to the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), which consists of 10 levels in total.
1) Two years of full-time study in New Zealand, completing a recognized bachelor's degree (NZQF Level 7) (10 points);
2) One year of full-time study in New Zealand, completing a recognized New Zealand graduate diploma (NZQF Level 8-10) (10 points);
3) Two years of full-time study in New Zealand, completing a recognized New Zealand graduate diploma (NZQF Level 9-10) (15 points).
3. Partner Points
To obtain partner points, the partner must have at least a bachelor's degree or a job offer from a New Zealand employer, and an IELTS score of 6.5 on average is required.
1) Partner working in New Zealand or having a job offer from New Zealand (20 points);
2) Partner's qualification at NZQF Level 7 or Level 8 (10 points);
3) Partner's qualification at NZQF Level 9 or Level 10 (20 points).
