A Guide to help you understand and fill out an Expression ... · PDF fileSKILLED MIGRANT...

SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY

Expression of Interest GuideA Guide to help you understand and fill out an Expression of Interest form

Contents

About the Skilled Migrant Category .........................................................................................3Important things you need to know .........................................................................................7The Expression of Interest form ..............................................................................................8Next steps .............................................................................................................................10Summary of terms .................................................................................................................12List of terms ...........................................................................................................................42

Expression of Interest Guide – NZIS 1101pg 2

Expression of Interest Guide – NZIS 1101 pg 3

About the Skilled Migrant Category

THE SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY: AN OVERVIEW

New Zealand offers many opportunities for skilled migrants, particularly in industries and regions experiencing growth and skill shortages. The Skilled Migrant Category has been designed to give priority to meeting those needs and opportunities.

If you are interested in migrating to New Zealand as a skilled migrant, and if you have the skills we need, then we are ready to work with you to meet our mutual goals.

How does the Skilled Migrant Category work?

The prerequisites

To be considered under this category you need to be of good health, good character, have a reasonable standard of English* and be under 56 years of age. You will also need to meet the threshold of 100 points for employability and capacity building factors to have an Expression of Interest (EOI) accepted.

The points system

The points system is designed to reflect which applicants have the most to offer New Zealand so that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) can extend invitations to apply for residence to them. The points you can qualify for are set out on page 6. Points are available for skilled employment in New Zealand, work experience, qualifications, age and close family in New Zealand. Bonus points are available for employment in identified areas of future growth and/or absolute skill shortage. Bonus points are also available for employment outside Auckland, studying full-time in New Zealand for at least two years towards a recognised New Zealand qualification, gaining recognised New Zealand qualification(s), and for a partner’s recognised qualification or offer of skilled employment in New Zealand.

*Principal applicants (and their partners, if that person is claiming points for a job, job offer or qualification) must have an English-speaking background, or have reached an overall IELTS band score of 6.5. Other secondary applicants 16 years and over must have an English-speaking background, have reached an overall IELTS band score of 5 or pre-purchase a specified amount of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tuition.

The Skilled Migrant Category

You will see from the prerequisites and points system that the Skilled Migrant Category is designed to minimise the risk of a mismatch between the skills migrants bring and the skills New Zealand needs. The highest points will be available to qualified, skilled migrants who are already working in skilled employment in New Zealand. Research has confirmed that such migrants settle more quickly and are able to match their New Zealand counterparts in salary levels and standards of living.

Although a skilled job offer is not a prerequisite, you can see how important it is to consider ensuring that your skills are needed in New Zealand before you sell your home, leave your job and move to New Zealand. Be wary of anyone who offers to guarantee you residence or to sell you a job offer – it may be a fraudulent practice and could result in your Expression of Interest or application being declined. If anyone attempts to bribe an INZ officer the application will be declined and charges may be laid. If you have any doubts, check with INZ – and check the INZ fees before paying any money to an agent, adviser or representative.


The process

This is an overview of how the process operates.

Step one: You can complete an initial self-assessment

A Skilled Migrant Quick Check is available on www.immigration.govt.nz and in the INZ Self-Assessment Guide for Residence (INZ 1003). This will help you decide whether or not it is worth submitting an Expression of Interest.

Step two: You submit an Expression of Interest

You complete and send us an Expression of Interest form. You can get the form from either the INZ website (www.immigration.govt.nz) or an INZ office. In this you will tell us about your health, character, age, English language ability, as well as the factors that will earn you points. When it is completed, submit it to INZ with the applicable fees, where it will be checked to ensure that all relevant information has been supplied, and that it meets the requirements for entry to the Pool.

If you are completing a paper form you need to send this to:

Expressions of Interest Team Immigration New Zealand DX SR57164 PO Box 3705 Wellington NEW ZEALAND

You can complete and submit an Expression of Interest form online, which is easier to complete and less expensive than submitting a paper form.

Step three: We select Expressions of Interest

Expressions of Interest are submitted into a Pool. Periodically, Expressions of Interest are selected from the Pool as follows:

Expressions of Interest that have total points of 140 or more will be selected automatically from the Pool;•

Expressions of Interest that have a points total of 100 or more but less than 140, and include points for an •offer of skilled employment or current skilled employment in New Zealand, are selected (according to their points ranking) in sufficient numbers to meet New Zealand’s Immigration Programme requirements.

If, following the selection process set out above, further places are available, additional Expressions of Interest may be selected from the Pool on the basis of criteria set from time to time by the Minister of Immigration. These additional selection criteria can be viewed on our website at www.immigration.govt.nz/skilledmigrant.

Once your Expression of Interest has been selected from the Pool, following some checking, you may be invited to lodge an application for residence. Checking will generally involve assessing the credibility of the points that you have claimed.

An Expression of Interest is current for a period of six months from the date of submission to the Pool. If selection(s) of Expressions of Interest occur within the six-month period and yours is not selected, we will automatically withdraw your Expression of Interest at the end of the six-month period. If your Expression of Interest is selected from the Pool but later returned to the Pool by an immigration or visa officer (for example if you are not awarded some of the points you claimed, but still have at least 100 points), your Expression of Interest will also be automatically withdrawn from the Pool, six months from the date it was first submitted.

If your Expression of Interest is withdrawn, you can submit another one if you wish.

If, during the time that your Expression of Interest is in the Pool, there is a change in your circumstances, or in the information that you have provided to INZ, you must inform INZ. If any information is found to be false or misleading we may choose not to invite you to apply for residence.


Step four: We invite you to apply for residence

If you have been successful, we send you an official Invitation to Apply for residence and an application form that already contains your personal details provided in your Expression of Interest. At this stage you will need to send us the signed form, the applicable fees and all the necessary documentation to support the claims you made in your Expression of Interest, such as passports, qualifications and relevant certificates.

Step five: Decision-making

We assess your application for residence against Government Residence Policy and look at your ability to settle successfully and make a real contribution to New Zealand’s social and economic development. We also fully verify everything you have told us in your Expression of Interest. Depending on how you are able to demonstrate your ability to settle in New Zealand successfully, you may be issued or granted a residence visa or permit or you may be issued with a work visa or permit which enables you to move from work to residence.

Step six: Welcome to New Zealand – we want to stay in touch with you

We will send you a Welcome to New Zealand settlement information booklet which contains details of local Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ) organisations which have dedicated local settlement support coordinators. These settlement support coordinators will be your point of contact for settlement information.

Want to know more?

Visit www.immigration.govt.nz – the most up-to-date information can be found there. There’s information about all immigration policies, including the other categories in the New Zealand Immigration Programme eg family sponsored migration, business migration or work-to-residence policies. You can access other websites that provide general information about living and working in New Zealand through the INZ website.


The Skilled Migrant Category points system

This table outlines the points system we use for Expressions of Interest. We have provided a column for you to work out your own points.

FACTORS POINTS YOUR POINTS

Skilled employment:Current skilled employment in New Zealand for 12 months or more•Offer of skilled employment in New Zealand or current employment in •

New Zealand for less than 12 months

6050

Bonus points for employment or offer of employment in:An identified future growth area•An area of absolute skills shortage •Region outside Auckland •Spouse/partner employment or offer of employment •

10101020

Relevant work experience:2 years•4 years•6 years•8 years•10 years•

1015202530

Additional bonus points if work experience in New Zealand:1 year •2 years •3 years or more •

51015

Additional bonus points for work experience in an identified future growth area:2 to 5 years •6 years or more•

10 15

Additional bonus points for work experience in an area of absolute skills shortage:2 to 5 years •6 years or more •

10 15

Qualifications:Recognised basic qualification (eg trade qualification, diploma, bachelors •

degree with honours) Recognised postgraduate qualification (masters degree or doctorate)•

50

55Bonus points for:

Two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised qualification•Recognised basic New Zealand qualification (eg trade qualification, diploma, •

bachelors degree with honours)Recognised postgraduate New Zealand qualification (masters or doctorate) •Qualification in an identified future growth area•Qualification in an area of absolute skills shortage•Spouse/partner qualifications•

5 5

10101020

Close family in New Zealand 10

Age20-29•30-39•40-44•45-49•50-55•

302520105


Important things you need to know

Providing correct and complete information

When filling out your Expression of Interest, it is essential that you provide correct and complete information and that you do not withhold any relevant information.

It is important for you to note that any information you give us may be checked and verified by immigration officers if your Expression of Interest is selected from the Pool. If any information is found to be false or misleading, we may choose to not invite you to apply.

You will also need to advise INZ if there are any changes to the details you have supplied in your Expression of Interest.

Completing all sections of the form

You must complete all questions on the Expression of Interest form. If the question does not apply to you, you must write either ‘N/A’ or ‘Not applicable’ in the space provided. This will enable us to know that you have answered all questions relevant to you.

Skilled Migrant Category Policy

This booklet is only a guide to help you understand the terms as you complete your Expression of Interest form. The authoritative details of the Skilled Migrant Category are contained in the INZ Operational Manual under Skilled Migrant Category Policy. You can read this online at www.immigration.govt.nz.

Purpose of this guide

This guide relates specifically to step two of the process outlined on page 4. It provides information to help you understand the terms and requirements of the Expression of Interest form.

Advance Passenger Screening

New Zealand has implemented a system designed to enhance the security of New Zealand’s borders. You may be refused permission to board your flight to come to, or return to, New Zealand if:

you do not have an appropriate visa to enter New Zealand; or•

your visa has expired; or•

your visa has not been transferred to your current/new passport or the passport being used to enter New Zealand.•

To minimise any disruption to your travel plans please ensure your travel documents are up-to-date and that you have the appropriate and current visa. If you have any questions check www.immigration.govt.nz.

Importing your car, boat, and/or household items

You may be able to bring your car, boat, and/or household items to New Zealand. For detailed information on restrictions, and to find out if you must pay Customs charges, see the New Zealand Customs Service website www.customs.govt.nz. For enquiries telephone 0800 428 786 (within New Zealand) or +64 9 300 5399 (outside New Zealand), or email [email protected].


The Expression of Interest form

If you are interested in migrating to New Zealand as a skilled migrant and if you have the skills we need, you need to complete an Expression of Interest.

How do I know whether it’s worth while submitting an Expression of Interest form?

A Skilled Migrant Quick Check is available on www.immigration.govt.nz and in the INZ Self-Assessment Guide for Residence (INZ 1003). This will help you decide whether or not it is worth submitting an Expression of Interest.

As you work your way through the Expression of Interest you will find points working spaces alongside key questions. Write your points in these boxes and when you have completed the form, total your points. You must have at least 100 points before you send us the form. If you want to be more certain of your points, we recommend you complete an online Expression of Interest.

Who can be included on my Expression of Interest form?

The following people can be included on your Expression of Interest form. These are the people (non-principal applicants) you will want to come to New Zealand with you:

partners•

dependent children.•

As the principal applicant, you will need to supply evidence of your relationship to all the people you include on your Expression of Interest form. A summary description of what INZ means when we use these terms can be found at the back of this guide.

Who can help me fill out the form?

If you are submitting an Expression of Interest form, you may ask another person to help you. Anyone can act as your agent, adviser or representative. An agent, adviser or representative may be:

a lawyer•

a consultant•

any other person (including a friend) whom you hire or ask to help you express interest.•

INZ treats all applicants equally. We do not give preferential service to applicants’ agents, advisers or representatives.

INZ deals with agents, advisers or representatives in the following ways.

You may give your own address, or the address of your agent, adviser or representative, as a point of contact for •INZ. If you choose to give your agent’s, adviser’s or representative’s address, all correspondence from INZ will be sent to your agent, adviser or representative.

If you stop using the services of your agent, adviser or representative, you must cancel your authorisation to •INZ in writing, or INZ will continue to deal with them. If you hire an agent, adviser or representative, you will have to provide a new authorisation to INZ.

You need to be aware that you are responsible for any documents or information that you submit to INZ, or that your agent, adviser or representative submits on your behalf.

If any person helps you to complete the form – for example by interpreting or translating it, or by completing it for you – they should also sign the form. If you are changing your immigration adviser, please use the form Immigration Adviser Details (INZ 1160).


Declaration section

Make sure you read and understand all the declarations before you sign the declaration section of your Expression of Interest form. Please contact your nearest INZ branch if you have any questions about the declaration. Our contact details are at the back of this guide.

Declaration for person assisting applicant to complete an Expression of Interest form

If any person has helped you to fill out your Expression of Interest form by explaining, translating or completing it for you, they must sign the declaration. Make sure they read and understand the declaration before they sign it.

Payment details section

To help us process your Expression of Interest as quickly as possible, make sure you complete the payment details section of the Expression of Interest form.

Privacy Act section

Make sure you read and understand this section before you sign your Expression of Interest form.


Next steps

What happens next?

You must meet the health, character, English language and age prerequisites, including attaining at least 100 points for employability and capacity building factors. (You might need to refer to the summary of terms in the next section of this guide to understand the terms we use below.)

If you meet all these requirements, and you have paid the applicable fee, your Expression of Interest will be accepted into the Expression of Interest Pool.

Expressions of Interest are submitted into a Pool. Periodically, Expressions of Interest are selected from the Pool as follows:

Expressions of Interest that have total points of 140 or more will be selected automatically from the Pool•

Expressions of Interest that have a points total of 100 or more but less than 140, and include points for an •offer of skilled employment or current skilled employment in New Zealand, are selected (according to their points ranking) in sufficient numbers to meet New Zealand’s Immigration Programme requirements.

If, following the selection process set out above, further places are available, additional Expressions of Interest may be selected from the Pool on the basis of criteria set from time to time by the Minister of Immigration. These additional selection criteria can be viewed on our website at www.immigration.govt.nz/skilledmigrant.

Once your Expression of Interest has been selected from the Pool, following some checking, you may be invited to lodge an application for residence.

If your Expression of Interest is not selected from the Pool, it will remain in the Pool for six months. If after the six-month period your Expression of Interest has not been selected from the Pool, we will withdraw your Expression of Interest from the Pool and you will receive notification that this has happened. You can submit another Expression of Interest if you wish.

If we have not selected any Expressions of Interest during the six-month period that your Expression of Interest is in the Pool, it will remain in the Pool until a selection has been made.

What happens if I am selected?

If your Expression of Interest has been selected it will undergo a preliminary checking and verification process, to determine whether the claims made in your Expression of Interest appear credible and legitimate. As part of this process, we may contact the people and organisations you list in your Expression of Interest. You may be contacted and requested to provide additional information or documentation during this period if necessary.

If it is determined that your claims are not credible or legitimate, you will receive notification that your Expression of Interest will not proceed any further.

If it is determined that your claims appear credible and legitimate, you will receive an Invitation to Apply for residence. The Invitation to Apply will specify a time frame of four months within which you may lodge an application under the Skilled Migrant Category. The Invitation to Apply will also specify the documentation that you will need to provide at the time that your application is lodged and the applicable fees. You will also be sent further information to assist you to lodge your application for residence correctly.

How do I lodge an application for residence if I am invited to apply?

You will need to sign and submit a short application form, attach passport photos, the documentation requested in the Invitation to Apply and the applicable fees. This application should be sent to the address specified in your Invitation to Apply.


Documentation required is to enable INZ to validate the claims you have made in your Expression of Interest, and is likely to include the following types of items.

Passport(s) (for all applicants, if available).•

Birth certificate(s) (for all applicants).•

Marriage certificate(s) (if applicable).•

Custody documentation (for any children, where applicable).•

Police certificates (for all applicants aged 17 and over, which are no more than six months old when lodged).•

Medical and X-ray Certificates (for all applicants, which are no more than three months old when lodged).•

Evidence of English language ability (for all applicants aged 16 and over).•

Evidence of a recognised qualification (for you and/or your partner, if applicable).•

Evidence of skilled work experience (for you, if applicable).•

Evidence of a skilled job offer (for you and/or your partner, if applicable).•

Evidence of current skilled employment.•

Other documentation as specified by INZ in your Invitation to Apply.•

In some cases, we will conduct an interview with you covering your employment prospects, your familiarity with New Zealand and the support you are likely to have here.

When should I start gathering the documents I will need if I’m invited to apply for residence?

The documentation required to lodge an application can take some weeks or even months to gather. Documents that can take the longest to obtain are items such as police certificates, qualification assessments from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificates.

It is therefore vital that you begin the process of obtaining these documents as soon as possible.

You must use official INZ forms to obtain medical certificates. To find out about our health requirements, see the Health Requirements Leaflet (INZ 1121) available on our website at www.immigration.govt.nz, or from your local branch.

For information on how to obtain a police certificate from particular countries you can visit our website at www.immigration.govt.nz/policecertificate. Accessing the website is the quickest means of obtaining this information, however if you do not have access to the internet you can either:

call us on 0508 55 88 55 if you are in New Zealand or (09) 914 4100 if you are in Auckland•

contact your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.•

If, between the time you are sent an Invitation to Apply and the time you submit your residence application, there has been a change in your circumstances, or in the information you have provided to INZ, you must inform INZ.


Summary of terms

This section of the guide will help you understand the terms we have used in the form and in the explanations in the guide. We have also included key extracts from New Zealand Immigration policy, which you may find helpful in clarifying our specific requirements.

Acceptable standard of healthWe consider you to have an acceptable standard of health if you are unlikely to be a danger to public health, unlikely to be a burden on health services and are fit for the purpose of entry to New Zealand.

Please refer to the Health Requirements Leaflet (INZ 1121) for more information.

Areas of absolute skills shortageThese areas are occupations in which New Zealand has an ongoing and sustained shortage of skilled workers. These are listed on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. You can earn points if you can prove that your current employment or offer of employment meets the specifications of the list and that you are suitably qualified or experienced for the occupation. You can also qualify for bonus points if your work experience and/or qualification are in an area of absolute skills shortage.

SM8.20 Employment in an area of absolute skills shortage

a. A principal applicant is assessed as having employment in an area of absolute skills shortage if:

i. they are employed in an occupation included on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (refer Appendix 6) or that was on the Long Term Skill Shortage List at the time their Expression of Interest was selected; and

ii. the current employment or offer of employment meets the specifications for that occupation; and

iii. they are suitably qualified by training and/or experience to undertake the employment or offer of employment (including any specific requirements set out on the Long Term Skill Shortage List).

b. Skilled employment in an area of absolute skills shortage only qualifies for points if a principal applicant provides evidence that their employment or offer of employment meets the requirements of (a) above.

SM13.20 Work experience in an area of absolute skills shortage

a. Recognised work experience is assessed as being in an area of absolute skills shortage if:

i. it was undertaken in an occupation included on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (refer Appendix 6) or that was on the Long Term Skill Shortage List at the time their Expression of Interest was selected; and

ii. it meets the specifications for that occupation; and

iii. the principal applicant is suitably qualified by training and/or experience to undertake that work (including any specific requirements set out on the Long Term Skill Shortage List).

b. Where the Long Term Skill Shortage List specifies that occupational registration is required for a listed occupation, principal applicants must demonstrate that they held occupational registration while undertaking the work experience, if occupational registration is required in the country in which the work occurred.

SM13.20.1 Evidence

Recognised work experience in an area of absolute skills shortage only qualifies for points if the principal applicant provides evidence that satisfies a visa or immigration officer that their work experience meets the requirements of SM13.20 above.


SM16.20 Qualifications in an area of absolute skills shortage

a. If a principal applicant does not have skilled employment in New Zealand in an area of absolute skills shortage (see SM8.20), their recognised qualification will be assessed as being in an area of absolute skills shortage if it is listed as a qualification (or is assessed as comparable to a qualification) in Column 4 of the Long Term Skill Shortage List.

b. If a principal applicant does have skilled employment in New Zealand in an area of absolute skills shortage (see SM 8.20) their recognised qualification will be assessed as being in an area of absolute skills shortage if the specialist, technical or managerial expertise required for that employment was obtained through the completion of that qualification.

c. Recognised qualifications in an area of absolute skills shortage only qualify for points if any occupational registration requirements relating to those qualifications are met (see SM19.15 on page 23).

SM16.25 Removal of an occupation from the Long Term Skill Shortage List

If an occupation is removed from the Long Term Skill Shortage List, Expressions of Interest that have been selected before the removal, which include points for meeting the requirements under SM16.20, will be assessed in the subsequent SMC application for residence as if the occupation was not removed.

Basic New Zealand qualificationA basic New Zealand qualification is a recognised qualification that is on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications at level 4 (New Zealand National Certificate) up to and including level 8 on the Register. See New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications.

Bonus pointsBonus points are available for employment, work experience and qualifications in identified areas of future growth or absolute skill shortage. Bonus points are also available for employment outside Auckland, studying full-time in New Zealand for at least two years towards a recognised New Zealand qualification, gaining recognised New Zealand qualification(s) and for a partner’s recognised qualification or skilled employment in New Zealand. See Identified future growth area, Area of absolute skills shortage, Employment outside Auckland.

Character requirementsFor your Expression of Interest to be considered for the Pool we need to be assured that you are of good character. We have set a number of requirements that help us determine this. See Good character.

CitizenshipYou are usually automatically a citizen of the country in which you were born, but you may also hold citizenship in another country. Your citizenship(s) will be listed in your passport(s).

Close Family in New ZealandYou can earn points if you have a close family member in New Zealand who is a resident or citizen of New Zealand and whose primary place of established residence is New Zealand. This provision recognises that the presence of close family in New Zealand enhances prospects for employability and settlement.


SM17.5.5 Close Family in New Zealanda. A principal applicant* qualifies for 10 points for a close family member in New Zealand if that close family member:

i. is the adult sibling or adult child, or parent, of a principal applicant*, or of the principal applicant’s partner* included in the application; and

ii. is in New Zealand; and

iii. is a New Zealand or Australian citizen or the holder of a current residence permit that is not subject to requirements under s18A of the Immigration Act 1987.

b. In all cases, a visa or immigration officer must be satisfied that New Zealand is the primary place of established residence of the close family member at the time the application under the Skilled Migrant Category is made.

SM17.5.15 Evidence of relationship to close family memberTo obtain points for having a close family member in New Zealand, a principal applicant* must provide:

a. birth certificates, which establish the relationship of the close family member in New Zealand to the principal applicant* or their partner* included in the application, or

b. evidence of adoption (see R3) which establishes the relationship of the close family member in New Zealand to the principal applicant* or their partner* included in the application.

SM17.5.20 Evidence that New Zealand is the primary place of established residencea. Where required by a visa or immigration officer, applicants must provide evidence that New Zealand is

the close family member’s primary place of established residence. Evidence may include an original or certified copy of one of the following:

• employmentrecords

• recordsofbenefitpaymentsfromtheMinistryofSocialDevelopment

• bankingrecords

• ratesdemands

• InlandRevenueDepartmentrecords

• mortgagedocuments

• tenancyandutilitysupplyagreements

b. Each case will be decided on the basis of the evidence provided.

Comparable labour marketA labour market is the commercial environment in which people exchange their work for income and where employers and workers ‘trade’ on the demand for, and supply of, skills. If you do not have skilled employment in New Zealand or an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand, or if your work experience is not in an area of absolute skills shortage, you can only qualify for points for your work experience if it is in a labour market that is comparable to New Zealand.

SM11.10.1 Definition: Comparable labour market

a. Work experience is assessed as being in a comparable labour market if it was undertaken in one of the following countries by:

i. a citizen or permanent resident of that country; or

ii. a person who had the lawful authority to work in that country.


AustraliaAustriaBelgium-LuxembourgCanadaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreece

IcelandIrelandIsraelItalyJapanMalaysiaNew ZealandNetherlandsNorwayPhilippines

PortugalRepublic of South KoreaSingaporeSouth AfricaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUnited KingdomUnited States

b. Work experience undertaken in a country not listed at (a) above will be assessed as being in a comparable labour market only if it was undertaken for a multinational commercial entity (including a wholly or majority owned subsidiary of such an entity that bears the same core name as the parent company) domiciled in one of the countries listed in (a) above.

Custody of childrenIf you are separated or divorced and bringing a child under 16 years with you to New Zealand we will need to see proof of their right to leave their home country and your right to remove them. Section R2.1.45 of the INZ Operational Policy Manual (available online at www.immigration.govt.nz) contains comprehensive policy on child custody.

Customary adoptionIn some countries and cultures parents may adopt children without going through a formal legal adoption process. If this applies to your family situation we will require evidence of this adoption.

R3.5.1 Evidence of adoption

b. Evidence of a customary adoption is a written declaration by the adoptive parents stating:

i. that the person has been adopted by them, and

ii. the date of adoption, and

iii. the country in which the adoption took place.

Dependent childrenDependent children of a principal applicant are children aged up to 24 years who are unmarried and who have not had their own children (unless your child is under 16 years). They need not live with you but must at least rely mainly on an adult for financial support.

DeportedA person has been deported if they leave a country (including voluntarily) while a lawful order for their departure is in force.

DomiciledA company is domiciled in the country where it is permanently located and legally registered. Multinational companies are domiciled in the country where the head office or parent company is registered. For example, if company A has branches in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji, but the head office is in the United Kingdom, it is considered to be domiciled in the United Kingdom. See Comparable labour market.

Drug traffickingThis means having any involvement in the international trading of illegal drugs.


Employability and capacity-building factorsWe have determined a number of factors against which you will be assessed. These factors include current, or an offer of, skilled employment in New Zealand, work experience, age and qualifications. We have allocated points to each of these factors and the total score you gain when rated against them determines whether your Expression of Interest can go into the Pool.

Employment outside AucklandA place of work that is outside the Auckland region attracts bonus points as we want to ensure all of New Zealand can benefit from the skills of people moving here. To earn points, you will need to prove that your employment is outside the six local government areas that make up the Auckland region.

SM9.10 Definition: Employment outside the Auckland region

Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 s2

a. Employment is outside the Auckland region if the principal applicant’s entire or principal place of work (as defined in s2 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992) is not within one of the following Territorial Authorities:

• RodneyDistrictCouncil;

• NorthShoreCityCouncil;

• WaitakereCityCouncil;

• AucklandCityCouncil;

• ManukauCityCouncil;

• PapakuraDistrictCouncil;

• FranklinDistrictCouncil.

Note: The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 defines a ‘place of work’ as meaning a place (whether or not within or forming part of a building, structure, or vehicle) where any person is to work, for the time being works, or customarily works, for gain or reward; and, in relation to an employee, includes a place, or part of a place, (not being domestic accommodation provided for the employee):

• Wheretheemployeecomesormaycometoeat,restorgetfirstaidorpay;or

• Wheretheemployeecomesormaycomeaspartoftheemployee’sdutiestoreportinorout,getinstructions, or deliver goods or vehicles; or

• Throughwhichtheemployeemayormustpasstoreachaplaceofwork.

SM9.15 Evidence

If requested by a visa or immigration officer, principal applicants must provide evidence that their place of work is entirely or principally outside the Auckland region.

English language requirementsWe require people to have a reasonable standard of English to ensure they have the best opportunity to settle readily into work and life in New Zealand.


SM5.5 Minimum standard of English language for principal applicants

a. Applications under the Skilled Migrant Category must be declined if the principal applicant* has not met the minimum standard of English.

b. Principal applicants* under the Skilled Migrant Category meet the minimum standard of English if they provide a Test Report Form (no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged*) from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), showing they achieved an overall band score of at least 6.5 in the IELTS General or Academic Module.

c. Notwithstanding (b) above, a visa or immigration officer may, on a case by case basis, consider the following as evidence of the principal applicant meeting the minimum standard of English if:

i. they provide evidence that their recognised qualification(s):

• wasgainedasaresultofacourseorcoursesofstudyinwhichEnglishwastheonlymediumofinstruction; and

• (ifthatqualificationwasgainedinNewZealand)thequalificationhadaminimumcompletiontimeofatleast two years or it is a post-graduate qualification and the applicant has an undergraduate qualification that qualifies for points; or

ii. they have current skilled employment in New Zealand for a period of at least 12 months that qualifies for points (see SM7); or

iii. they provide other evidence which satisfies a visa or immigration officer that, taking account of that evidence and all the circumstances of the application, they are a competent user of English. These circumstances may include but are not limited to:

• thecountryinwhichtheapplicantcurrentlyresides;

• thecountry(ies)inwhichtheapplicanthaspreviouslyresided;

• thedurationofresidenceineachcountry;

• whethertheapplicantspeaksanylanguageotherthanEnglish;

• whethermembersoftheapplicant’sfamilyspeakEnglish;

• whethermembersoftheapplicant’sfamilyspeakanylanguageotherthanEnglish;

• thenatureoftheapplicant’scurrentorpreviousemployment(ifany)andwhetherthatisorwaslikelytorequire skill in English language;

• thenatureoftheapplicant’squalifications(ifany)andwhethertheobtainingofthosequalificationswaslikely to require skill in the English language.

d. In any case, a visa or immigration officer may require an applicant to provide an IELTS certificate in terms of paragraph (b). In such cases, the IELTS certificate will be used to determine whether the principal applicant* meets the minimum standard of English.

Note: Full consideration must be given to all evidence of English language ability provided before a decision to request an IELTS certificate under SM5.5 (d) is made. If an IELTS certificate is requested the reason(s) behind the decision must be clearly documented and conveyed to the applicant.


SM5.10 English language requirements for non-principal applicantsa. Unless SM 5.15 below applies, partners and dependent children aged 16 and older, who are included in

Skilled Migrant Category applications, must:i. show that they meet a minimum standard of English to enable successful settlement in New Zealand, orii. pre-purchase ESOL training, oriii. provide other evidence which satisfies a visa or immigration officer that, taking account of that evidence and

all the circumstances of the application, they are a competent user of English (see SM 5.5 (b)(iv) above).b. Non-principal applicants meet the minimum standard of English if:i. they provide a Test Report Form (no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged) from IELTS,

showing they achieved an overall band score of at least 5 in the IELTS General or Academic Module, orii. (if they are the partner of a principal applicant), they have current skilled employment in New Zealand

for a period of at least 12 months that qualifies for points; oriii. they provide evidence of one of the following:• completionofallprimaryeducationandatleast3yearsofsecondaryeducation(thatis,theequivalent

of New Zealand Forms 3 to 5 or years 9 to 11) at schools using English as the language of instruction,• completionofatleast5yearsofsecondaryeducation(thatis,theequivalentofNewZealandForms3to

7 or years 9 to 13) at schools using English as the language of instruction,• completionofacourseofatleast3yearsdurationleadingtotheawardofatertiaryqualificationat

institutions using English as the language of instruction,• thattheapplicantholdsGeneralCertificateofEducation(GCE)“A”LevelsfromBritainorSingaporewith

a minimum C pass (the passes must specifically include the subjects English Language or Literature, or Use of English),

• thattheapplicantholdsInternationalBaccalaureate–fullDiplomainEnglishMedium,• thattheapplicantholdsCambridgeCertificateofProficiencyinEnglish–minimumCpass,• thattheapplicantholdsHongKongAdvancedLevelExaminations(HKALE)includingaminimumC

pass in Use of English,• thattheapplicantholdsSTPM920(Malaysia)–AorBpassinEnglishLiterature,• thattheapplicantholdsUniversityofCambridgeincollaborationwithUniversityofMalaya,General

CertificateofEnglish(GCE)“A”levelswithaminimumCpass.Thepassesmustspecificallyincludethesubjects English or General Paper,

• thattheapplicantholdsSouthAfricanMatriculationCertificate,includingaminimumDpassinEnglish(Higher Grade),

• thattheapplicantholdsSouthAfricanSeniorCertificate,includingaminimumDpassinEnglish(HigherGrade), endorsed with the words ‘matriculation exempt’,

• thattheapplicantholdsaNewZealandTertiaryEntranceQualificationgainedoncompletingtheseventhform.c. In any case, a visa or immigration officer may require an applicant to provide an IELTS certificate in

terms of paragraph (b)(i). In such cases, the IELTS certificate will be used to determine whether the applicant meets the minimum standard of English.

SM5.15 English language requirements for partners where bonus points are claimed for the partner’s skilled employment or recognised qualificationsA partner’s skilled employment in New Zealand or recognised qualifications, only qualify for points if the partner meets the English language requirements for principal applicants (see SM 5.5 above).

SM 5.20 Pre-purchase of ESOL tuitiona. Instead of meeting the minimum standard of English, non-principal applicants may pre-purchase ESOL

tuition. ESOL tuition must be pre-purchased from TEC (Tertiary Education Commission) by paying the required charge to INZ (which collects this charge on behalf of TEC).

b. Applicants must pay any ESOL charge due, sign the ESOL Agreement and return it to INZ within the time specified by INZ before a residence visa is issued or a residence permit is granted.


ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) trainingThis is English language training. If a partner or a child does not meet the minimum standards of English, they will need to purchase ESOL training in New Zealand. You need to pay the tuition charge before an application for residence can be granted.

EvidenceEvidence is something you can show us that proves what you are claiming. It may be your birth certificate to prove who you are, it may be a certificate to prove your English language skills, or it may be an X-ray certificate to prove you are in good health.

Expression of Interest (EOI)The form you are now completing is an expression of your interest in coming to New Zealand to live and work. Completing this form lets you see whether you may be eligible for an Invitation to Apply for residence in New Zealand. It is also your opportunity to present all the information we will need to make an informed decision on whether we invite you to apply for residence.

Expression of Interest PoolThe Expression of Interest Pool is the collection of Expressions of Interest of people who have claimed at least 100 points for our employability and capacity-building factors. Expressions of Interest are entered into a Pool and are ranked from highest to lowest on the basis of their points. It is from this Pool that we select people and invite them to apply for residence. See Points, Bonus points.

Expunged criminal recordsExpungement of a criminal record is a legal process that can clear criminal convictions from a person’s record.

Full-time employmentEmployment is full time if it averages at least 30 hours a week. You can only gain points for skilled employment that is full time.

Genuine and stable relationshipWe need to be satisfied that you and your partner entered your relationship intending to remain in it long-term and to be exclusive to each other. We also need to be satisfied that your relationship is likely to last. See Partner.

Good characterWe consider that a person of good character does not pose a potential security risk and is unlikely to have served time in prison, been deported from any country, or involved in any criminal or dangerous activities.

Health requirementsFor your Expression of Interest to be considered for the Pool we need to be assured that you are healthy. We make this requirement to safeguard the well-being of New Zealanders and the operation of the country’s health services. Please read the Health Requirements Leaflet (INZ 1121) for further details.

Identified future growth areaThis is an industry area that offers New Zealand considerable opportunity to increase its prosperity. Currently we recognise three broad areas — biotechnology, information communications technology, and creative industries. You can gain points if you can prove your employment in New Zealand is in one of these areas.


SM8.10 Employment in an identified future growth areaa. As future growth areas are identified they will be listed in this provision. For the purposes of this policy,

currently identified future growth areas are as follows:

• Biotechnology

• InformationCommunicationsTechnology

• Creativeindustries(Advertising,Software&ComputingServices,Publishing,TVandRadio,FilmandVideo, Architecture, Design, Designer Fashion, Music and Performing Arts, Visual Arts).

b. Skilled employment in one of the identified future growth areas set out above will only qualify for points if the principal applicant provides confirmation from their employer, and an immigration or visa officer is satisfied, that their current employment or offer of employment is in one of those identified future growth areas.

SM13.10 Work experience in an identified future growth area

Recognised work experience in an identified future growth area qualifies for points if:

a. the principal applicant has points for current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment in an identified future growth area; and

b. the experience is relevant to that employment (see SM7.10.10 on page 31).

SM13.10.1 EvidenceRecognised work experience in an identified future growth area only qualifies for bonus points if the principal applicant provides evidence that satisfies a visa or immigration officer that their work experience meets the requirements of SM13.10 above.

SM16.10 Qualifications in an identified future growth areaRecognised qualification(s) in an identified future growth area only qualify for points if:

a. the principal applicant has points for current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment in an identified future growth area; and

b. the qualification is relevant to that employment (see SM16.10.1).

SM16.10.1 Relevance of qualification(s) to skilled employment in an identified future growth areaA recognised qualification is relevant to skilled employment in an area of identified future growth if a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that:

a. the major subject area of the recognised qualification is directly applicable to skilled employment in an identified future growth area that qualifies for points; and

b. the skilled employment is in an occupation for which that qualification is a core requirement.

SM16.10.5 EvidenceRecognised qualification(s) in an identified future growth area only qualify for points if the principal applicant provides evidence that satisfies a visa or immigration officer that the qualification(s) meets the requirements of SM16.10 and SM16.10.1 above.

IELTS certificateA recent test from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) can be used as proof that you meet our English language requirements. As principal applicant, you need to have an overall band score of 6.5 or over in the IELTS General or Academic Module. See Minimum standard of English.

International Qualification Assessment (IQA) (formerly Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR))This report produced by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) assesses the level of your qualification and includes a full verification of the qualification. We will use this report to help decide if you qualify for points. See New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).


SM14.35 NZQA Pre-Assessment Results (PARs), International Qualification Assessments (IQAs) and Qualifications Assessment Reports (QARs)a. The NZQA will provide Pre-Assessment Results (PARs), and International Qualification Assessments

(IQAs) (formerly a Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR)).

b. A Pre-Assessment Result is a report that compares an applicant’s nominated qualification to a Level on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications. It is made on the understanding that:

i a pre-assessment result is based solely on unverified information provided by the applicant on the application form; and

ii no documentation is sighted; and

iii only one overseas qualification is compared; and

iv when an application for residence is made*, a full assessment (a IQA or QAR) will be required to determine whether a qualification (or group of qualifications) will qualify for points.

c. An International Qualification Assessment (IQA) (formerly a Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR)):

i assesses an overseas qualification (or group of qualifications) by stating the learning outcomes of the closest New Zealand equivalent qualification; and

ii states the Register of New Zealand Quality Assured Qualifications level of that equivalent qualifications; and

iii refers to any verification of the applicant’s qualifications undertaken by the NZQA.

Note: From 27 June 2008 the Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR) has been renamed ‘International Qualification Assessment’ (IQA). Both IQAs and QARs are acceptable as evidence to determine whether a qualification will qualify for points.

Issuing authorityThis is the government agency of the country or region that issued your document (eg passport or birth certificate).

Legal adoptionWe need to see proof of adoption. If you have adopted your child through legal means we need to see the original adoption papers — or a certified copy — from the country in which you adopted the child.

Long Term Skill Shortage ListThis is a list of the occupations in which New Zealand has a sustained and ongoing shortage of skilled workers.

Minimum standard of EnglishThere are a number of ways you can show you meet our minimum standard of English requirements, including an IELTS certificate, recognised qualifications taught entirely in English and working in skilled employment in New Zealand. We may also consider other factors such as other countries in which you have lived, other languages you speak and your family’s English skills. See English language requirements.

New Zealand Register of Quality Assured QualificationsThis register provides the different levels of qualifications in New Zealand and is available at www.kiwiquals.govt.nz/about/levels/index.html. See Recognised Qualification.

Non-principal applicantIf you are including other people in your Expression of Interest we consider them to be the non-principal applicants. This includes partners and dependent children.


New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the government agency responsible for quality assurance of qualifications.

Occupational registrationPeople working in some occupations in New Zealand are required by law to be registered with the professional body of their occupation. Most often registration is required in medical and health occupations but it also applies to a range of business and trade occupations. You will only gain points for qualifications required for these occupations or employment in these occupations if you can prove you have either full or provisional registration or if you are a medical or dental professional and hold written confirmation from the New Zealand Dental or Medical Council that you are eligible for registration subject only to attending an interview with a Council representative on arrival in New Zealand. (You should enter the reference number of the letter stating you are eligible for registration in the Expression of Interest question asking for your occupational registration number.)

Note: For medical practitioners, registration within a ‘special scope of practice’ is not full or provisional registration for the purpose of a residence application.

SM19.5 Occupations requiring registrationIn New Zealand registration is required by law in order to undertake employment as one of the following:ArchitectBarrister or solicitorChiropractorClinical dental technicianClinical dental therapistDental hygienistDental technicianDental therapistDentistDietitianDispensing opticianElectrician (see note below)Electrical service technicianEnrolled nurseImmigration AdviserLine mechanicMedical laboratory scientist/technologist

Medical laboratory technicianMedical practitionerMedical radiation technologistNurses and midwivesOccupational therapist Optometrist Osteopath Pharmacist Physiotherapist Plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer Podiatrist PsychologistReal estate agent Cadastral (Land Title) Surveyor Teacher Veterinarian

Note: Electrician — where a current ‘Employer Licence’ is held, an electrician working for that employer does not require individual occupational registration.

SM19.10 Effect of occupational registration on eligibility for pointsThe requirement for occupational registration to undertake the occupations listed above in New Zealand can affect eligibility for points for qualifications and offers of employment.


SM19.15 Effect on points for qualificationsa. This section applies to principal applicants whose recognised qualification is required for employment in

one of the occupations listed in SM19.5 above.

b. Such qualifications only qualify for points if the principal applicant:

i provides evidence of full registration in that occupation in New Zealand (if full registration is required to practise in New Zealand), or provisional registration (if only provisional registration is required to practise in New Zealand); or

ii has current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment in an occupation that does not require registration; or

iii has post-qualification work experience in an occupation for which registration is not required in New Zealand, and were employed in that occupation for the same or a greater period of time than in an occupation for which registration is required by law in New Zealand.

Note: For teachers, ‘provisional’ registration includes both ‘provisional’ and ‘subject to confirmation’ registration.

Note: For medical practitioners, registration within a ‘special purpose scope of practice’ is not full or provisional registration for the purpose of a residence application or a work to residence application.

SM19.20 Effect on points for skilled employmentIf a principal applicant’s qualifications are affected by registration requirements, the principal applicant’s current skilled employment or offer of skilled employment in New Zealand will only qualify for points if the principal applicant:

a. provides evidence of full or provisional registration in New Zealand, if full or provisional registration is required by law in New Zealand to undertake that employment; or

b. has current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand (see SM7 on page 31) in an occupation that does not require registration.

New Zealand Occupational Registration Bodies1. Architects Education and Registration Board2. Dental Technicians Board3. Dental Council of New Zealand4. Electrical Workers Registration Board5. Engineers Registration Board6. Medical Council of New Zealand7. Nursing Council of New Zealand8. New Zealand Law Society9. Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand10. Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand11. Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board12. Real Estate Agents Licensing Board13. Registration Boards Secretariat14. The Survey Board of New Zealand Office of the Surveyor-General Land Information New Zealand15. New Zealand Teachers Council16. Veterinary Council of New Zealand.

Occupations treated as exceptionsSome occupations are treated as an exception under the Skilled Migrant Category. An offer of employment or current employment in New Zealand that is in an occupation listed below is eligible for points for skilled employment. See Skilled employment.

442111 Prison officer


Offer of employmentThis is a job offer from a New Zealand employer made specifically to you.

Ongoing employmentWe will consider your employment to be ongoing if you are a permanent employee who is employed either indefinitely or for at least 12 months and with the option for your employment to be extended. Employment is also ongoing if it is on a contract basis and you have consistent history of contract work and such contract work is likely to be sustained. See Skilled employment.

PartnerA partner of a principal applicant is someone who is legally married, or joined in a civil union, to the applicant or who is living in a partnership that is like a marriage.

The partnership can be between people of the opposite or same sex. The partnership must be genuine and stable.

We recognise partnerships where both partners:

• areaged18yearsorover(orhaveparental/guardianorotherconsentifaged16or17years)

• meteachotherbeforeanyresidenceapplicationwassubmitted

• aren’tcloserelatives.

A partner will only be granted residence if both people in the partnership have been living together for at least 12 months.

PartnershipA partnership exists where you are in a genuine and stable relationship with another person. See Partner, Genuine and stable relationship.

People traffickingAny involvement in moving people illegally into or out of a country.

Permanent place of residenceThis is your main residential address. If your permanent place of residence is in New Zealand you will be charged New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12.5% on your fees.

Place of workA place of work is where you sometimes or ordinarily go to work. It may or may not be part of a building. See Employment outside Auckland.

PointsYou may qualify for points for employability and capacity-building factors. The points system is designed for ranking Expressions of Interest so that we can extend Invitations to Apply for residence to those who have the most to offer New Zealand. The greater the number of points you qualify for, the greater your chance of gaining an Invitation to Apply for residence. You need to qualify for at least 100 points to have a chance of entering the Expressions of Interest Pool.

Police certificatesCertificates you obtain from the police to prove you are of good character. You must obtain these from your country of citizenship or any country in which you have lived for over 12 months in the past 10 years. Anyone 17 years or older included in the Expression of Interest will require a police certificate if you are invited to apply for residence.


PoolSee Expression of Interest Pool.

Postgraduate New Zealand qualificationA postgraduate New Zealand qualification is a recognised qualification that is on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications at level 9 or level 10. See New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications.

Pre-Assessment Result (PAR)This report is available online from the NZQA and assesses your qualification based only on information supplied by you and without seeing the original documents. If you are invited to apply for residence your qualification will then have to be fully assessed by the NZQA. See International Qualification Assessment (IQA) .

Principal applicantYou are the principal applicant if you are the primary person making the application for residence. It is you and your skills that we will assess.

Recognised qualificationYou can gain points for qualifications such as trade certificates, diplomas, bachelor degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

PointsThe points you can earn will depend on what level your qualification occupies on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications (providing it is not an excluded qualification). The policy SM14.10 (see below) shows how points are awarded for recognised qualifications at various levels of the Register of Quality Assured Qualifications. See New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications, New Zealand Qualifications Authority, Pre-Assessment Result, International Qualification Assessment, Occupational Registration.

SM14.5 Recognition of qualifications

Subject to SM14.10.5 and SM14.10.10, a recognised qualification is a qualification that a visa or immigration officer is satisfied occupies a level on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications (the Register) which qualifies it for points by reference to:

a. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the Register as assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA); or

b. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the Register as set out in the List of Qualifications Recognised as an Exception (see Appendix 13); or

c. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the Register as set out in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (see Appendix 5); or

d. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the Register having regard to the full or provisional registration of the principal applicant by a New Zealand organisation authorised by law to give occupational registration, if that registration involves an assessment that the principal applicant’s overseas qualification(s) is comparable with a New Zealand qualification that is included in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.


Note: For teachers, ‘provisional’ registration includes both ‘provisional’ and ‘subject to confirmation’ registration.

Note: The New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications is available at www.kiwiquals.govt.nz/about/levels/index.html.


SM14.10 Points for recognised qualifications

Qualifications are recognised and qualify for points as follows:

a. Qualifications assessed as occupying levels nine and ten on the Register qualify for 55 points. b. Qualifications assessed as occupying levels five, six, seven, or eight on the Register qualify for 50 points. c. Qualifications assessed as occupying level four on the Register qualify for 50 points by inclusion in

the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment if they meet the requirements specified in that list.d. Qualifications assessed as occupying level four on the Register qualify for 50 points if they are

assessed by the NZQA and are:i. relevant to an occupation listed at part B or part C of the List of Skilled Occupations (see Appendix 11) and ii. not included on the list of Excluded Qualifications (see SM14.10.5).e. Qualifications assessed as occupying level three on the Register that are included on the List

of Qualifications Recognised as an Exception (see SM14.10.10), and meet the requirements specified in that list, qualify for 50 points.

f. Points are provided for: i. one qualification only; or ii. two or more qualifications assessed in combination.Note: Points for recognised qualifications are not cumulative. A principal applicant may qualify for either 55 points or 50 points.

Note: A qualification will not be recognised if gained while in a country where the principal applicant was either an unlawful resident or required authority to study, but did not have such authority..

SM14.10.1 New Zealand qualifications Despite SM14.10, SM14.10.5, and SM14.10.10, New Zealand qualifications at level three or four of the Register are recognised and qualify for 50 points if:a. the qualification would have been recognised for the award of points under Skilled Migrant

Category policy that was in effect on 3 February 2008; and b. the principal applicant gained the qualification before 4 February 2008; or c. the principal applicant was enrolled in a course of study, resulting in the qualification for which they

are claiming points, on 3 February 2008

SM14.10.5 Excluded qualifications The qualifications listed below are excluded from recognition under the Skilled Migrant Category and do not qualify for points. This list may be amended by the deletion or addition of qualifications from time to time, as approved by the Minister of Immigration.

• LevelfourqualificationsthatarenotaNewZealandNationalCertificate(orcomparedtoaNewZealandNational Certificate by the NZQA).

Note: Visa and Immigration officers must ensure that the qualification is a National Certificate or comparable to a National Certificate and may refer to the following for confirmation:• thewww.kiwiquals.govt.nzwebsite,• writtenconfirmationprovidedbytheNewZealandQualificationsAuthority(NZQA)totheTertiary

Education Provider confirming the qualification is a National Certificate,• aNZQAInternationalQualificationAssessment(IQA),or• aNZQAQualificationsAssessmentReport(QAR).

SM14.10.10 Qualifications recognised as an exception

The qualifications included in the list held at Appendix 13 are recognised for the award of points as an exception under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Qualifications in this list, awarded by an institution included in this list, do not require assessment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.


SM14.20 Evidencea. Principal applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category must submit their qualifications and provide

a NZQA assessment (Pre Assessment Result (PAR), International Qualification Assessment (IQA) or Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR) (see SM14.35)) unless:

i. their qualification(s) are included in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment; or

ii. their qualification(s) are included in the List of Qualifications Recognised as an Exception; or

iii. they have been awarded full or provisional registration by a New Zealand organisation authorised by law to give occupational registration, and registration involves an assessment that their overseas qualification(s) is comparable with a New Zealand qualification that is included in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.

Note: From 27 June 2008 the Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR) has been renamed ‘International Qualification Assessment’ (IQA). Both IQAs and QARs are acceptable as evidence to determine whether a qualification will qualify for points.

b. If an NZQA assessment is required for an overseas qualification, a PAR is suitable for lodgement of an application under the Skilled Migrant Category, but a QAR or IQA will be required to determine whether a qualification (or group of qualifications) will qualify for points.

c. Applicants with New Zealand qualifications should provide evidence of the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications level of that qualification by submitting a ‘Qualification Overview’ report with their qualification. This report can be obtained from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority ‘KiwiQuals’ website (www.kiwiquals.govt.nz).

d. In the case of a New Zealand qualification that is not included on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications, a letter from the NZQA will be required to determine whether the qualification will qualify for points.

e. In order for a qualification to qualify for points on the basis of full or provisional registration, the certificate of registration, or evidence of eligibility for registration subject only to an interview with a representative of the New Zealand Medical or Dental Council on arrival must also be provided (see SM19.15).


f. If a principal applicant is claiming points for a qualification on the basis of their occupational registration, the qualification(s) qualifies for the points identified for the comparable New Zealand qualification in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.

g. Despite the fact that the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment or the List of Qualifications Recognised as an Exception provides that a specified qualification qualifies for certain points, an applicant or a visa or immigration officer (by requesting the applicant to do so) may seek a IQA or QAR of any particular qualification. Where this occurs, the most recent NZQA assessment will prevail.

SM14.25 List of Qualifications Exempt from AssessmentThe List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment is a list of qualifications which may qualify for points without the need for a NZQA assessment (unless SM14.20 (d) above applies).

To view the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment see www.immigration.govt.nz/LQEA.

Recognised work experienceYou can gain points for work experience if it is relevant to your recognised qualification or relates to your current or offered skilled employment in New Zealand. You can gain additional bonus points if you have work experience lawfully gained in New Zealand or that was in an identified future growth area or area of absolute skills shortage. If you do not have current or offered skilled employment in New Zealand, or if your work experience is not in an area of absolute skills shortage, your work experience must have been in a comparable labour market in order for you to claim points. If you are claiming points for skilled employment in New Zealand you must also qualify for points for either a recognised qualification or recognised work experience. See Identified future growth area, Area of absolute skills shortage, Comparable labour market.


SM11.10 Requirements for recognitionWork experience is recognised and qualifies for points if it meets the requirements set out at (a) and (b) below:

a. A visa or immigration officer must be satisfied that work experience is:

i relevant to the principal applicant’s* current skilled employment in New Zealand or offer of skilled employment in New Zealand (see SM7); or

ii relevant to the principal applicant’s* recognised qualification (see SM14); or

iii skilled, because it required, or enabled the principal applicant* to gain specialist, technical, or management skills and experience relevant to an occupation that is included in the lists of occupations held at Appendix 11 or Appendix 12.

b. Work experience must also have been gained in a labour market that is comparable to the New Zealand labour market unless:

i the work experience meets the requirements set out at SM13.20 for work experience in an area of absolute skills shortage; or

ii the principal applicant* has current skilled employment in New Zealand or an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand (see SM7).

SM11.10.5 Relevance of work experience to qualificationsWork experience is relevant to a principal applicant’s* recognised qualification if a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that the qualification was:

a. an important factor in the principal applicant* being able to obtain work or continue or advance in the position or field of work in which they have experience; or

b. an important factor in a career path that has advanced progressively from the principal applicant’s* pre-qualification work experience.

SM11.10.10 Relevance of work experience to an offer of skilled employment in New ZealandWork experience is relevant to a principal applicant's* offer of skilled employment in New Zealand if an employer considers, and a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that:

a. the work experience is directly applicable to the employment offered; and/or

b. the offer of employment could not reasonably have been made if the principal applicant* did not have that work experience.

SM11.15 Additional requirements for recognition of work experiencea. Work experience only qualifies for points if a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that the principal

applicant’s* work experience is lawfully obtained.

b. Work experience will not be recognised if it was gained while in a country where the principal applicant* was either an unlawful resident or required authority to undertake employment, but did not have such authority.

SM11.15.1 Part-time worka. Calculation of levels of work experience must be for complete weeks based on a 30-hour week.

b. Credit is given for 30-hour weeks only, even though a principal applicant* has worked more than 30 hours in any week.

Example: Fifty-two 60-hour weeks are equal to one year’s work experience.

c. Credit for part-time work experience may be given on a proportional basis.

Example: Four years’ work experience for 15 hours per week is equal to 2 years’ work experience for a 30-hour week, and therefore qualifies for 10 points.

SM11.20 EvidencePrincipal applicants* must provide evidence and information that satisfies a visa or immigration officer that their work experience meets the requirements for recognition.


Removal orderA legal document that requires you to leave New Zealand and not return for at least five years from the date you depart. Removal orders are served on people found to be unlawfully in New Zealand or where people have their residence or citizenship revoked.

SelectionWe make regular selections from the Pool. Periodically, Expressions of Interest are selected from the Pool as follows:

• ExpressionsofInterestthathavetotalpointsof140ormorewillbeselectedautomaticallyfromthePool;

• ExpressionsofInterestthathaveapointstotalof100ormorebutlessthan140,andincludepointsforanoffer of skilled employment or current skilled employment in New Zealand, are selected (according to their points ranking) in sufficient numbers to meet New Zealand’s Immigration Programme requirements.

If, following the selection process set out above, further places are available, additional Expressions of Interest may be selected from the Pool on the basis of criteria set from time to time by the Minister of Immigration. These additional selection criteria can be viewed on our website at: www.immigration.govt.nz/skilledmigrant.

Settlement and contribution requirementsYou need to show you have the potential to settle in New Zealand and make a contribution socially and economically. In some cases we will assess this by conducting an interview with you covering your employment prospects, your familiarity with New Zealand and the support you are likely to have here.

Skilled employmentSkilled employment is work that requires specialist, technical or management expertise obtained through completing a recognised qualification and/or through work experience.

Please note: points are provided for skilled employment for a third party, not for self-employment in your own business. If you wish to obtain residence by establishing and operating your own business in New Zealand, you should consider the Business categories.

SM7.10 Skilled employment a. Skilled employment is employment that requires specialist, technical or management expertise:

i obtained through the completion of recognised relevant qualifications; or ii obtained through recognised relevant work experience; or iii obtained through the completion of recognised relevant qualifications and work experience. b. Assessment of whether an occupation is skilled for the purposes of Skilled Migrant Category

(SMC) policy is primarily based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) which associates skill levels with each occupation.

Note: The ANZSCO is available at www.immigration.govt.nz/ANZSCO.


SM7.10.1 Assessment of whether employment is skilled An offer of employment or current employment in New Zealand will be assessed as skilled if it meets the requirements of (a), (b) or (c) below. a. The occupation is included in part A of the List of Skilled Occupations and the principal applicant* can

demonstrate that their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation (including core tasks) as set out in the ANZSCO and:

i the applicant holds a relevant recognised qualification which is at, or above, the qualification level on the Register (see SM14.5) that corresponds to the indicative skill level described for that occupation in the ANZSCO; or

ii the applicant has the relevant work experience that the ANZSCO indicates may substitute the required qualification; or

iii the employment is in an occupation included on the Long Term Skill Shortage List and the applicant meets the relevant requirements specified in column three of the Long Term Skill Shortage List for that occupation.

iv Notwithstanding a.ii, applicants with Skill Level One Occupations can substitute the required qualification with five years of relevant work experience.

b. The occupation is included in part B of the List of Skilled Occupations and the principal applicant* can demonstrate that their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation (including core tasks) as set out in the ANZSCO and:

i the applicant holds a relevant recognised qualification which is at, or above, level four on the Register (see SM14.5) (a qualification at level four on the Register must be a National Certificate); or

ii has the relevant work experience that the ANZSCO indicates may substitute the required qualification; or iii the employment is in an occupation included on the Long Term Skill Shortage List and the applicant meets

the relevant requirements specified in column three of the Long Term Skill Shortage List for that occupation. c. The occupation is included in part C of the List of Skilled Occupations and the principal applicant* can

demonstrate that their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation (including core tasks) as set out in the ANZSCO and has either:

i at least three years of relevant recognised work experience and a relevant recognised qualification which is at, or above, level four on the Register (see SM14.5) (a qualification at level four on the Register must be a National Certificate); or

ii at least three years of relevant recognised work experience and that current employment or the position in which the employment is offered, has an annual base salary of at least NZ$45,000.

d. Where a principal applicant’s* offer of employment or current employment in New Zealand does not meet the requirements of (a), (b), or (c) above they may nevertheless qualify for points for skilled employment if:

i their employment in the occupation will enhance the quality of New Zealand’s accomplishments and participation in that occupational area because the principal applicant has an international reputation and record of excellence in that field; and

ii the required expertise for the occupation has been gained through relevant recognised qualifications or work experience.

SM7.10.3 Occupations awarded points for skilled employment as an exception

A principal applicant’s* offer of employment or current employment in New Zealand also qualifies for skilled employment points if:

a. it is in an occupation included in the list of occupations held at Appendix 12 (Occupations Treated as Exceptions); and

b. the principal applicant* can demonstrate that their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation (including core tasks) as set out in the ANZSCO and has either:

i a relevant qualification which is at, or above, the qualification level on the Register (see SM14.5) that corresponds to the indicative skill level described for that occupation in the ANZSCO; or

ii the relevant work experience that the ANZSCO indicates may substitute the required qualification.


SM7.10.5 Relevance of qualification(s) to employment

Qualifications are relevant to employment if:

a. the major subject area of the principal applicant’s* recognised qualification is directly applicable to the employment; and/or

b. a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that the qualification was a key factor in the employer’s decision to employ the principal applicant* in that position.

Note: For the purposes of this provision, ‘qualifications’ must meet the requirements for recognition set out in SM14.5 (except where SM7.10.3 applies) but are not required to be the same qualification(s) that qualifies for points under the Qualifications part of this policy (see SM14).

SM7.10.10 Relevance of work experience to employment

Work experience is relevant to employment if the employer considers, and a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that:

a. the work experience is directly applicable to the employment; and/or

b. the offer of employment could not reasonably have been made or the employment could not reasonably have been undertaken if the applicant did not have that work experience.

SM7.15 Additional requirements for skilled employment a. Skilled employment only qualifies for points if the employment is:

i full time (employment is full-time if it amounts to, on average, at least 30 hours per week); and

ii genuine; and

iii for a position that is paid by salary or wages or in terms of a contract for service (payment by commission and/or retainer are not acceptable), and

iv accompanied by evidence of full or provisional registration, or evidence of eligibility for registration by the New Zealand Medical or Dental Council subject only to an interview with the relevant registration authority on arrival, if full or provisional registration is required by law to undertake the employment (see SM19.20); and

Note: For medical practitioners, registration within a ‘special purpose scope of practice’ is not full or provisional registration for the purpose of a residence application or a work to residence application

v the employment was not offered as a result of payment made by the applicant (or their agent) to the employer (or their agent) in exchange for securing that offer of employment. Such practices are contrary to the principles of the Wages Protection Act 1983, as well as to immigration policy.

b. Employment must be ongoing and sustainable. Ongoing and sustainable employment is:

i an offer of employment or current employment with a single employer and permanent, or indefinite, or for a stated term of at least twelve months with an option for the employee of further terms, and of which the employer is in a position to meet the terms specified; or

ii employment on a contract basis where the applicant:

has a consistent history of contract work, and •

has a current contract for services, and •

the NZIS is satisfied that such contract work is likely to be sustained. •

Note: When assessing whether employment is sustainable, officers may consider, but are not limited to, such factors as the residence status of the employer, the period for which the employing organisation has been established as a going concern, and the financial sustainability of the employing organisation.

c. In the case of independent midwife practitioners a letter of authority to claim under the Maternity Notice pursuant to Section 88 of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 as well as evidence of admission to the New Zealand Register of Midwives will satisfy the requirements of SM7.5 (b), SM7.15 (a)(i),(ii) and (iii), SM7.15 (b), and can be used to satisfy the requirements of SM4.30.10 (a)(i).


SM7.20 Requirements for employersa. All employers wishing to employ non-New Zealand citizens or residents must comply with all relevant

employment and immigration law in force in New Zealand. Compliance with relevant New Zealand employment and immigration law includes, but is not limited to:

i paying employees no less than the appropriate adult or youth minimum wage or other contracted industry standard; and

ii meeting holiday and special leave requirements or other minimum statutory criteria, e.g. occupational safety and health obligations; and

iii only employing people who have authority to work in New Zealand.

b. To qualify for points, skilled employment must be with an employer who has good workplace practices, including a history of compliance with all immigration and employment laws such as the Immigration Act, the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, the Minimum Wage Act, the Health and Safety in Employment Act, the Employment Relations Act and the Holidays Act.

c. Current employment or an offer of employment does not qualify for points if it is not compliant with all relevant immigration and employment laws in force in New Zealand or if the NZIS considers that the employment of the applicant creates unacceptable risks to the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration or employment laws or policies.

See Occupations treated as exceptions and Qualifications recognised as an exception.


Appendix 11 - List of Skilled Occupations

The occupations listed below under part A, part B, and part C may be considered skilled employment providing the requirements at SM7.10.1 (a), (b), or (c) are met.

Part A

Skill Level One Occupations

221111 Accountant (General)211111 Actor211199 Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers nec224111 Actuary252211 Acupuncturist131113 Advertising Manager225111 Advertising Specialist233911 Aeronautical Engineer231111 Aeroplane Pilot234111 Agricultural Consultant233912 Agricultural Engineer234112 Agricultural Scientist231112 Air Traffic Controller231199 Air Transport Professionals nec253211 Anaesthetist261311 Analyst Programmer234512 Anatomist or Physiologist121311 Apiarist121111 Aquaculture Farmer232111 Architect224211 Archivist212311 Art Director (Film, Television or Stage)249211 Art Teacher (Private Tuition)212111 Artistic Director139911 Arts Administrator or Manager252711 Audiologist212211 Author271111 Barrister121312 Beef Cattle Farmer234513 Biochemist233913 Biomedical Engineer234514 Biotechnologist212212 Book or Script Editor234515 Botanist253312 Cardiologist253512 Cardiothoracic Surgeon272111 Careers Counsellor232213 Cartographer233111 Chemical Engineer234211 Chemist

111111 Chief Executive or Managing Director135111 Chief Information Officer134111 Child Care Centre Manager252111 Chiropractor233211 Civil Engineer253313 Clinical Haematologist272311 Clinical Psychologist139111 Commissioned Defence Force Officer139112 Commissioned Fire Officer139113 Commissioned Police Officer272611 Community Arts Worker221211 Company Secretary252299 Complementary Health Therapists nec211211 Composer263111 Computer Network and Systems Engineer234311 Conservation Officer234911 Conservator133111 Construction Project Manager212411 Copywriter111211 Corporate General Manager132111 Corporate Services Manager221212 Corporate Treasurer121211 Cotton Grower272199 Counsellors nec121299 Crop Farmers nec121313 Dairy Cattle Farmer249212 Dance Teacher (Private Tuition)211112 Dancer or Choreographer262111 Database Administrator121314 Deer Farmer111212 Defence Force Senior Officer252311 Dental Specialist252312 Dentist253911 Dermatologist261312 Developer Programmer253917 Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist251111 Dietitian212312 Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage)212313 Director of Photography249213 Drama Teacher (Private Tuition)


272112 Drug and Alcohol Counsellor241111 Early Childhood (Pre-primary School)

Teacher224311 Economist249111 Education Adviser134499 Education Managers nec249112 Education Reviewer272312 Educational Psychologist224911 Electorate Officer233311 Electrical Engineer233411 Electronics Engineer253912 Emergency Medicine Specialist253315 Endocrinologist133211 Engineering Manager233999 Engineering Professionals nec233914 Engineering Technologist211113 Entertainer or Variety Artist234312 Environmental Consultant233915 Environmental Engineer251311 Environmental Health Officer139912 Environmental Manager234313 Environmental Research Scientist234399 Environmental Scientists nec221213 External Auditor134411 Faculty Head272113 Family and Marriage Counsellor232311 Fashion Designer121214 Field Crop Grower 212314 Film and Video Editor212399 Film, Television, Radio and Stage Directors

nec132211 Finance Manager222299 Financial Dealers nec222311 Financial Investment Adviser222312 Financial Investment Manager222211 Financial Market Dealer121212 Flower Grower231113 Flying Instructor234212 Food Technologist234113 Forest Scientist 121213 Fruit or Nut Grower222212 Futures Trader224212 Gallery or Museum Curator253316 Gastroenterologist253111 General Medical Practitioner234411 Geologist

234412 Geophysicist233212 Geotechnical Engineer121315 Goat Farmer121215 Grape Grower232411 Graphic Designer134299 Health and Welfare Services Managers nec251999 Health Diagnostic and Promotion

Professionals nec224213 Health Information Manager251911 Health Promotion Officer231114 Helicopter Pilot272411 Historian252212 Homoeopath121316 Horse Breeder251511 Hospital Pharmacist223111 Human Resource Adviser132311 Human Resource Manager225211 ICT Account Manager261111 ICT Business Analyst225212 ICT Business Development Manager135199 ICT Managers nec135112 ICT Project Manager263211 ICT Quality Assurance Engineer225213 ICT Sales Representative262112 ICT Security Specialist263299 ICT Support and Test Engineers nec263212 ICT Support Engineer263213 ICT Systems Test Engineer223211 ICT Trainer232412 Illustrator224913 Immigration Consultant 133311 Importer or Exporter232312 Industrial Designer233511 Industrial Engineer251512 Industrial Pharmacist224999 Information and Organisation Professionals

nec224411 Intelligence Officer253317 Intensive Care Specialist232511 Interior Designer241311 Intermediate School Teacher 221214 Internal Auditor272412 Interpreter232313 Jewellery Designer212499 Journalists and Other Writers nec271211 Judge


271299 Judicial and Other Legal Professionals nec241112 Kaiako Kohanga Reo (Maori Language

Nest Teacher)241211 Kaiako Kura Kaupapa Maori (Maori-

medium Primary School Teacher)139913 Laboratory Manager224511 Land Economist232112 Landscape Architect111399 Legislators nec224912 Liaison Officer224611 Librarian234511 Life Scientist (General)234599 Life Scientists nec121399 Livestock Farmers nec111311 Local Government Legislator271212 Magistrate221112 Management Accountant224711 Management Consultant133411 Manufacturer234516 Marine Biologist233916 Marine Designer 231299 Marine Transport Professionals nec121221 Market Gardener 225112 Market Research Analyst225113 Marketing Specialist231211 Master Fisher233112 Materials Engineer224112 Mathematician233512 Mechanical Engineer212112 Media Producer (excluding Video)251211 Medical Diagnostic Radiographer234611 Medical Laboratory Scientist253314 Medical Oncologist253999 Medical Practitioners nec251212 Medical Radiation Therapist134211 Medical Superintendent 111312 Member of Parliament234912 Metallurgist234913 Meteorologist234517 Microbiologist254111 Midwife233611 Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)272211 Minister of Religion121411 Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer121216 Mixed Crop Farmer121317 Mixed Livestock Farmer232413 Multimedia Designer

261211 Multimedia Specialist211212 Music Director211299 Music Professionals nec249214 Music Teacher (Private Tuition)211213 Musician (Instrumental)234999 Natural and Physical Science

Professionals nec252213 Naturopath263112 Network Administrator263113 Network Analyst253318 Neurologist253513 Neurosurgeon212412 Newspaper or Periodical Editor251213 Nuclear Medicine Technologist254211 Nurse Educator254311 Nurse Manager254411 Nurse Practitioner254212 Nurse Researcher134212 Nursing Clinical Director253913 Obstetrician and Gynaecologist251312 Occupational Health and Safety Adviser252411 Occupational Therapist253914 Ophthalmologist251411 Optometrist224712 Organisation and Methods Analyst272313 Organisational Psychologist253514 Orthopaedic Surgeon251412 Orthoptist251912 Orthotist or Prosthetist252112 Osteopath253515 Otorhinolaryngologist253516 Paediatric Surgeon253321 Paediatrician211411 Painter (Visual Arts)234314 Park Ranger224914 Patents Examiner253915 Pathologist233612 Petroleum Engineer211311 Photographer234914 Physicist252511 Physiotherapist121318 Pig Farmer253517 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon252611 Podiatrist224412 Policy Analyst132411 Policy and Planning Manager242211 Polytechnic Teacher


211412 Potter or Ceramic Artist241212 Pouako Kura Kaupapa Maori (Maori-

medium Primary School Senior Teacher)121321 Poultry Farmer134213 Primary Health Organisation Manager241213 Primary School Teacher212413 Print Journalist249299 Private Tutors and Teachers nec133511 Production Manager (Forestry)133512 Production Manager (Manufacturing)133513 Production Manager (Mining)233513 Production or Plant Engineer212315 Program Director (Television or Radio)133112 Project Builder253411 Psychiatrist272399 Psychologists nec272314 Psychotherapist131114 Public Relations Manager225311 Public Relations Professional139914 Quality Assurance Manager233213 Quantity Surveyor253918 Radiation Oncologist212414 Radio Journalist212113 Radio Presenter224214 Records Manager272612 Recreation Coordinator223112 Recruitment Consultant134412 Regional Education Manager254412 Registered Nurse (Aged Care)254413 Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)254414 Registered Nurse (Community Health)254415 Registered Nurse (Critical Care and

Emergency)254416 Registered Nurse (Developmental

Disability)254417 Registered Nurse (Disability and

Rehabilitation)254421 Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)254418 Registered Nurse (Medical)254422 Registered Nurse (Mental Health)254423 Registered Nurse (Perioperative)254424 Registered Nurse (Surgical)254499 Registered Nurses nec272114 Rehabilitation Counsellor253322 Renal Medicine Specialist132511 Research and Development Manager253112 Resident Medical Officer

251513 Retail Pharmacist253323 Rheumatologist131112 Sales and Marketing Manager225411 Sales Representative (Industrial Products)225412 Sales Representative (Medical and

Pharmaceutical Products)134311 School Principal211413 Sculptor241411 Secondary School Teacher139211 Senior Non-commissioned Defence Force

Member121322 Sheep Farmer231212 Ship’s Engineer231213 Ship’s Master231214 Ship’s Officer231215 Ship’s Surveyor211214 Singer272499 Social Professionals nec272511 Social Worker261399 Software and Applications Programmers

nec261313 Software Engineer261314 Software Tester271311 Solicitor251214 Sonographer232214 Spatial Scientist (Other)241599 Special Education Teachers nec241511 Special Needs Teacher139999 Specialist Managers nec253311 Specialist Physician (General Medicine)253399 Specialist Physicians nec252712 Speech Language Therapist 139915 Sports Administrator212316 Stage Manager224113 Statistician222213 Stockbroking Dealer233214 Structural Engineer272115 Student Counsellor121217 Sugar Cane Grower133611 Supply and Distribution Manager253511 Surgeon (General)232212 Surveyor262113 Systems Administrator261112 Systems Analyst221113 Taxation Accountant249311 Teacher of English to Speakers of Other

Languages


241512 Teacher of the Hearing Impaired241513 Teacher of the Sight Impaired212317 Technical Director225499 Technical Sales Representatives nec212415 Technical Writer263311 Telecommunications Engineer263312 Telecommunications Network Engineer212416 Television Journalist212114 Television Presenter253324 Thoracic Medicine Specialist252214 Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner252215 Traditional Maori Health Practitioner223311 Training and Development Professional272413 Translator233215 Transport Engineer271213 Tribunal Member121218 Turf Grower

242111 University Lecturer242112 University Tutor232611 Urban and Regional Planner253518 Urologist224512 Valuer253521 Vascular Surgeon234711 Veterinarian212318 Video Producer211499 Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals nec232414 Web Designer261212 Web Developer134214 Welfare Centre Manager272613 Welfare Worker133312 Wholesaler234213 Wine Maker223113 Workplace Relations Adviser234518 Zoologist

Skill Level Two Occupations

411511 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker

141999 Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec

311111 Agricultural Technician411111 Ambulance Officer411112 Ambulance Paramedic 149111 Amusement Centre Manager311211 Anaesthetic Technician142112 Antique Dealer312199 Architectural, Building and Surveying

Technicians nec

312111 Architectural Draftsperson141911 Bed and Breakfast Operator142113 Betting Agency Manager149911 Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator312999 Building and Engineering Technicians nec312112 Building Associate312113 Building Inspector141111 Cafe or Restaurant Manager149211 Call or Contact Centre Manager141211 Caravan Park and Camping Ground

Manager

311212 Cardiac Technician351311 Chef311411 Chemistry Technician149912 Cinema or Theatre Manager

312211 Civil Engineering Draftsperson312212 Civil Engineering Technician222111 Commodities Trader411711 Community Worker149311 Conference and Event Organiser312114 Construction Estimator511111 Contract Administrator599111 Conveyancer149212 Customer Service Manager411211 Dental Hygienist411212 Dental Prosthetist411213 Dental Technician411214 Dental Therapist441311 Detective411712 Disabilities Services Officer311412 Earth Science Technician312311 Electrical Engineering Draftsperson312312 Electrical Engineering Technician312411 Electronic Engineering Draftsperson312412 Electronic Engineering Technician411411 Enrolled Nurse149915 Equipment Hire Manager149913 Facilities Manager411713 Family Support Worker222112 Finance Broker222199 Financial Brokers nec149914 Financial Institution Branch Manager


311311 Fisheries Officer149112 Fitness Centre Manager149411 Fleet Manager451311 Funeral Director399311 Gallery or Museum Technician142114 Hair or Beauty Salon Manager313111 Hardware Technician512211 Health Practice Manager149999 Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers

nec

141311 Hotel or Motel Manager313112 ICT Customer Support Officer313199 ICT Support Technicians nec222113 Insurance Broker399912 Interior Decorator411512 Kaiawhina (Hauora) (Maori Health

Assistant)

599112 Legal Executive399312 Library Technician141411 Licensed Club Manager311413 Life Science Technician312911 Maintenance Planner411611 Massage Therapist311312 Meat Inspector312511 Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson312512 Mechanical Engineering Technician311213 Medical Laboratory Technician311299 Medical Technicians nec312912 Metallurgical or Materials Technician312913 Mine Deputy411412 Mothercraft Nurse

512111 Office Manager311214 Operating Theatre Technician411714 Parole or Probation Officer311215 Pharmacy Technician312115 Plumbing Inspector441312 Police Officer142115 Post Office Manager512299 Practice Managers nec311399 Primary Products Inspectors nec511112 Program or Project Administrator311313 Quarantine Officer313211 Radiocommunications Technician149412 Railway Station Manager612113 Real Estate Agency Licensee 411715 Residential Care Officer142111 Retail Manager (General)141912 Retirement Village Manager312611 Safety Inspector311414 School Laboratory Technician311499 Science Technicians nec149113 Sports Centre Manager452321 Sports Development Officer312116 Surveying or Spatial Science Technician313212 Telecommunications Field Engineer313213 Telecommunications Network Planner313214 Telecommunications Technical Officer or

Technologist

149413 Transport Company Manager142116 Travel Agency Manager313113 Web Administrator411716 Youth Worker

Part B334112 Airconditioning and Mechanical Services

Plumber

342111 Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic323111 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)323112 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

(Mechanical)323113 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)393211 Apparel Cutter321111 Automotive Electrician351111 Baker322111 Blacksmith399111 Boat Builder and Repairer331111 Bricklayer

399511 Broadcast Transmitter Operator342311 Business Machine Mechanic351211 Butcher or Smallgoods Maker394111 Cabinetmaker342411 Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)399512 Camera Operator (Film, Television or

Video)393111 Canvas Goods Fabricator331212 Carpenter331211 Carpenter and Joiner399211 Chemical Plant Operator393212 Clothing Patternmaker342312 Communications Operator


441111 Defence Force Member - Other Ranks321212 Diesel Motor Mechanic399911 Diver334113 Drainlayer 393213 Dressmaker or Tailor342211 Electrical Line Mechanic 341111 Electrician (General)341112 Electrician (Special Class)342313 Electronic Equipment Trades Worker342314 Electronic Instrument Trades Worker

(General)

342315 Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)

322112 Electroplater441211 Emergency Service Worker323411 Engineering Patternmaker323311 Engraver322113 Farrier333211 Fibrous Plasterer441212 Fire Fighter399918 Fire Protection Equipment Technician323211 Fitter (General)323212 Fitter and Turner323213 Fitter-Welder332111 Floor Finisher394211 Furniture Finisher399212 Gas or Petroleum Operator334114 Gasfitter333111 Glazier392211 Graphic Pre-press Trades Worker323312 Gunsmith391111 Hairdresser399411 Jeweller331213 Joiner393112 Leather Goods Maker341113 Lift Mechanic399513 Light Technician323313 Locksmith322114 Metal Casting Trades Worker322311 Metal Fabricator323299 Metal Fitters and Machinists nec323214 Metal Machinist (First Class)322115 Metal Polisher321211 Motor Mechanic (General)321213 Motorcycle Mechanic399515 Musical Instrument Maker or Repairer

399914 Optical Mechanic332211 Painting Trades Worker324111 Panelbeater351112 Pastrycook399599 Performing Arts Technicians nec394212 Picture Framer399916 Plastics Technician334111 Plumber (General)399213 Power Generation Plant Operator323314 Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer322312 Pressure Welder392111 Print Finisher392311 Printing Machinist334115 Roof Plumber333311 Roof Tiler393113 Sail Maker323315 Saw Maker and Repairer392112 Screen Printer322211 Sheetmetal Trades Worker399112 Shipwright393114 Shoemaker399611 Signwriter321214 Small Engine Mechanic392312 Small Offset Printer333212 Solid Plasterer399516 Sound Technician331112 Stonemason342212 Technical Cable Jointer399999 Technicians and Trades Workers nec342412 Telecommunications Cable Jointer342413 Telecommunications Line Mechanic 342414 Telecommunications Technician399517 Television Equipment Operator323215 Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic323412 Toolmaker393311 Upholsterer324211 Vehicle Body Builder324311 Vehicle Painter324212 Vehicle Trimmer333411 Wall and Floor Tiler323316 Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer322313 Welder 394213 Wood Machinist394299 Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades

Workers nec394214 Wood Turner


Part C

361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers nec362212 Arborist 611111 Auctioneer612111 Business Broker541111 Call or Contact Centre Team Leader599211 Clerk of Court599915 Clinical Coder393299 Clothing Trades Workers nec 351411 Cook 599212 Court Collections Officer 599213 Court Registry Officer 399913 Dispensing Optician 411311 Diversional Therapist 452311 Diving Instructor (Open Water)361111 Dog Handler or Trainer452318 Dog or Horse Racing Official451211 Driving Instructor451815 First Aid Trainer451711 Flight Attendant362111 Florist452411 Footballer451399 Funeral Workers nec362211 Gardener (General)452412 Golfer362311 Greenkeeper452312 Gymnastics Coach or Instructor452313 Horse Riding Coach or Instructor361112 Horse Trainer431411 Hotel Service Manager611211 Insurance Agent599611 Insurance Investigator599612 Insurance Loss Adjuster

599613 Insurance Risk Surveyor452413 Jockey599214 Law Clerk521212 Legal Secretary452414 Lifeguard399514 Make Up Artist362411 Nurseryperson452317 Other Sports Coach or Instructor452323 Other Sports Official521111 Personal Assistant361113 Pet Groomer311216 Phlebotomist399915 Photographer’s Assistant 612112 Property Manager612114 Real Estate Agent612115 Real Estate Representative639211 Retail Buyer521211 Secretary (General)442216 Security Consultant361211 Shearer452314 Snowsport Instructor452322 Sports Umpire452499 Sportspersons nec611112 Stock and Station Agent452315 Swimming Coach or Instructor452316 Tennis Coach451799 Travel Attendants nec599215 Trust Officer361311 Veterinary Nurse639212 Wool Buyer399917 Wool Classer361114 Zookeeper

Note: nec is the abbreviation of ‘not elsewhere classified’.

Skilled migrantWe consider a skilled migrant to be a person who wants to come and live and work in New Zealand, and who has the skills that New Zealand needs to help it prosper nationally and internationally.

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)The Tertiary Education Commission. The Commission is responsible for co-ordinating ESOL tuition of non-principal applicants choosing to use the tuition option to meet the English requirement. See ESOL..


Two years’ studyTwo years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised New Zealand qualification must be completed in no less than four semesters during a period of at least 16 months to gain points.

SM15.5.1 Definition of ‘full-time study’ for the purpose of the Skilled Migrant CategoryFor the purposes of awarding bonus points for two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised New Zealand qualification under the SMC, study undertaken in New Zealand is defined as full-time where:

a. an undergraduate student at a tertiary education institution was enrolled in at least three papers per semester; or

b. a post-graduate student at a tertiary education institution was enrolled in either a course of study:

i that resulted in at least 100 credits per calendar year; or

ii with a workload of at least 20 hours per week; or

c. a student at a private training establishment was enrolled in a course of study that required attendance for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Work experience in New ZealandYou can gain additional bonus points if you can show evidence of lawful recognised work experience in New Zealand.

Work to residence (WR)Principal applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category who do not meet the requirements to be granted residence, but who are assessed as having potential to settle successfully in New Zealand, can be issued a permit to work in New Zealand for up to nine months. The purpose of the work permit is to enable applicants to establish themselves in ongoing skilled employment in New Zealand. Work visas and/or permits issued and/or granted under this policy will allow work for any employer in New Zealand. At the end of the nine-month period, if you have become established in full-time employment, residence can be granted.


List of terms

Acceptable standard of health ...............................................................................................12Areas of absolute skills shortage ..........................................................................................12Basic New Zealand qualification ...........................................................................................13Bonus points..........................................................................................................................13Character requirements.........................................................................................................13Citizenship .............................................................................................................................13Close Family in New Zealand................................................................................................13Comparable labour market ....................................................................................................14Custody of children................................................................................................................15Customary adoption ..............................................................................................................15Dependent children ...............................................................................................................15Deported................................................................................................................................15Domiciled...............................................................................................................................15Drug trafficking ......................................................................................................................15Employability and capacity-building factors ..........................................................................16Employment outside Auckland ..............................................................................................16English language requirements .............................................................................................16ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) training ...................................................19Evidence................................................................................................................................19Expression of Interest (EOI) ..................................................................................................19Expression of Interest Pool ...................................................................................................19Expunged criminal records ....................................................................................................19Full-time employment ............................................................................................................19Genuine and stable relationship ............................................................................................19Good character......................................................................................................................19Health requirements ..............................................................................................................19Identified future growth area .................................................................................................19IELTS certificate ....................................................................................................................20International Qualification Assessment (IQA) (formerly Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR)) .....................................................................................................................20Issuing authority ....................................................................................................................21Legal adoption .......................................................................................................................21Long Term Skill Shortage List ................................................................................................21Minimum standard of English ................................................................................................21New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications ......................................................21Non-principal applicant ..........................................................................................................21New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) ......................................................................22Occupational registration.......................................................................................................22Occupations treated as exceptions .......................................................................................23Offer of employment ..............................................................................................................24Ongoing employment ............................................................................................................24Partner...................................................................................................................................24Partnership ............................................................................................................................24People trafficking ...................................................................................................................24Permanent place of residence ..............................................................................................24Place of work .........................................................................................................................24Points ....................................................................................................................................24


Police certificates ..................................................................................................................24Pool .......................................................................................................................................25Postgraduate New Zealand qualification ...............................................................................25Pre-Assessment Result (PAR) ..............................................................................................25Principal applicant .................................................................................................................25Recognised qualification .......................................................................................................25Removal order .......................................................................................................................29Selection................................................................................................................................29Settlement and contribution requirements ............................................................................29Skilled employment ...............................................................................................................29Skilled migrant .......................................................................................................................40The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) ...........................................................................40Two years’ study ....................................................................................................................41Work experience in New Zealand .........................................................................................41Work to residence (WR) ........................................................................................................41


How to contact us

Contact detailsPlease send your Expression of Interest form to:Expression of Interest Team Immigration New Zealand DX SR57164 PO Box 3705 Wellington New Zealand


NZI

S 11

01 –

27

JULY

200

9

IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALANDwww.immigration.govt.nz

A Guide to help you understand and fill out an Expression ... · PDF fileSKILLED MIGRANT...

Documents

Transcript of A Guide to help you understand and fill out an Expression ... · PDF fileSKILLED MIGRANT...