Skilled Migration
The Objective of the New Migrant Skill Policy is to bring or invite those migrants whose skills are required in New Zealand.
This is a points based system where a minimum threshold of 100 points for employability and capacity building factors required to proceed to submit an Expression of Interest to NZIS.
Applicants are also required to meet the English Language (unless the applicant is from English speaking background as defined by NZ Immigration Policy), character and Health requirements.
In summary the basic procedures are as follows :
Submit an application for Expression of Interest. There is a application fee the application.
The application is processed by the Expressions of Interest Team of NZIS in Wellington.
NZIS will rank applicants who submit an application for Expression of Interest and invite those with the top points to apply for residence.
If the applicant is not selected from the Pool first time then the application remains in the POOL for three months.
If an applicant is invited by the NZIS then they will need to provide all information / documents / application for residence application.
Application after an invitation from NZIS is then assessed against the Residence Policy.
The last stage in the process is the assessment of applicants ability to settle successfully and those who can make a real contribution to New Zealand's social and economic development. Click here to fill up the preliminary assessment form.
Business Category
Business Immigration policy has recently changed for the benefit of potential migrants who will contribute to the economic growth of New Zealand, by increasing the "country's skill base, encourage enterprise, innovation and foster international linkages". The categories include:
Investor Category
Investor category is a points based system. Minimum points required for a successful application is set at 12 points. Points are allocated for age, business experience and investment funds. Minimum of one point is required to be scored, for investment of funds which is NZ $ I million. Applicant will need to prove that the
funds for which the points are claimed are legally earned.
Long Term Business Visa Category (Temporary)
This category has been recently introduced and has been popular for many migrants intending to establish business in New Zealand and eventually gain permanent residence. Applicants are required to: Provide a satisfactory business plan; Have funds to establish the proposed business in addition to the funds required for maintenance; Business or management experience of at least two years and have knowledge of the New Zealand market to establish the proposed business.
Click here for more information on LTBV category.
Entrepreneur Category
People who have held work permit under the Long Term Business Visa category either as a principal applicant or as a secondary applicant can apply for permanent residence of New Zealand under the Entrepreneur Category. Click here for more information on Entrepreneur category.
Employees of Businesses Relocating to New Zealand
To promote New Zealand as a place to invest and do business in, this category is for the employees of businesses relocating to New Zealand.
Family Category
This category for residence in New Zealand is available to parents, spouse,dependent children, adult children left alone in home country etc. Sponsorship formalities should however be met.
Family Quota Category
Family Quota is available to applicants who do not qualify under any category but must satisfy the sponsorship requirements.Applications go into a draw and number of persons depends on the quota announced each year.
