Background
December 2003 saw the introduction by NZIS of a completely new Skilled Migrant Policy. While still a points based system gone is the right of applicants to apply for Permanent Residence if they achieved the necessary points.

In its place a policy which emphasised "Settlement outcomes" for the benefit of both New Zealand and applicants has been introduced. Applicants must now be "invited to apply" for Permanent Residence by the NZIS.

A two step system is now in force.

Expressions of Interest
To be invited to apply for PR, applicants must first submit an "Expression of Interest" ("E.O.I" form to NZIS). To be able to submit an E.O.I. you need:

(i) IELTS level 6.5 or an English Speaking Background.
(ii) Meet Health and character requirements.
(iii) Achieve 100 points

Note:
Achieving 100 points is no guarantee you will be invited to apply for PR. Applicants who achieve a total of 140 points or who have "skilled" employment or an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand will, under current policy, be invited to apply for residency.

Periodically NZIS will select from the "Pool" a sufficient number of cases to meet the Skilled quota of applicants required for that period. The highest scoring applicants sufficient to meet the quota will then be invited to apply for PR. There is no "Pass Mark" as of January 2004 so no indication can be given of what the likely successful score will be.

Applicants who are not selected in 3 months drop out of the pool.

Two Step Process
1. Satisfy generic requirements and meet points threshold of 100.
2. Be "invited to apply" for PR.
3. There is no "short cut" under this Policy.

Points Allocation -
Refer Points Allocation Chart

While looking simple, the system has been complicated by extensive definitions of many terms e.g. what constitutes "skilled employment", "relevant work experience, "acceptable trades".

Assessment
For an assessment, please complete our questionnaire form or email to us.

General
Applicants from Ethnic non-European countries (except Japan, Malaysia, Philippines and South Korea) will find it difficult to achieve the threshold of points without an offer of Skilled Employment in New Zealand.

Skilled Employment It is very difficult to get an offer of employment unless you are in New Zealand.

Fees
Fees are quoted on a case by case basis. We will provide you with a quote before starting your case.

Points Allocation Chart

Skilled Employment	Points
Current employment in New Zealand for 12 months or more	60
Offer of employment in New Zealand or current employment. In New Zealand for less than 12 months (but minimum 3 months)	50
Bonus points for employment or offer of employment in:
Identified future growth area, identified cluster, area of absolute skill shortage	5
Region outside Auckland	10
Spouse/partner employment or offer of employment	10
Absolute Skills Shortage	10
Relevant Work Experience
Two years	10
Four years	15
Six years	20
Eight years	25
Ten years	30
Additional Bonus points if work experience in New Zealand
One year	5
Two years	10
Three years or more	15
Additional bonus points for work experience in an identified future growth area, identified cluster or area of absolute skills shortage
Two - five years	10
Six years or more	15
Qualifications
Recognised basic qualification (trade qualification Diploma or Bachelors Degree)	50
Recognised post graduate qualification (eg. Masters Degree Or higher)	55
Bonus points for:
Recognised New Zealand qualification (and at least 2 years study in New Zealand)	10
Qualification in an identified future growth area, identified cluster or area of absolute skills shortage	10
Spouse/partner qualifications	10
Family Links	10
Age (20-25 years)
20-29	30
30-39	25
40-44	20
45-49	10
50-55	5

For an initial assessment and advice complete our questionnaire form or email to us.