Skilled Migrant Category Update

After two years of consulatation and consideration, Immigration New Zealand have released the future of the Skilled Migrant Category for residence in New Zealand.

The points system still remains, however, it has been greatly simplified. There are now only two major category in which points can be claimed, and only 6 points are needed to qualify to make a residence applications.

CATEGORY ONE – Skills

If you have registration in New Zealand for your work e.g. teacher, lawyer, chartered accountant then you can claim the following points

> 3 years training = 3 points

> 4 years training = 4 points

> 5 years training = 5 points

> 6 years training = 6 points

OR

If you have a tertiary qualification, you can claim the following points

Level 7 Bachelor’s degree – 3 points

Level 8 – 4 points

Level 9 – 5 points

Level 10 – 6 points

OR

If you earn a high wage, you can claim the following points

1.5 x the median wage – 3 points

3 x the median wage – 6 points

You can only claim points from one of these three skillsets.

In addition to this, you can also claim additional points for any skilled work experience you may have in New Zealand.

CATEGORY TWO – Skilled New Zealand work experience

1 year – 1 point

2 years – 2 points

3 years – 3 points

TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS REQUIRED = 6

Of course, the standard health, character and English language requirements apply

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!