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THE years when skilled migrants wound up doing jobs in New Zealand ill suited to their qualifications, should be a thing of the past following the new skilled migrant category which came into effect last month.
Changes to skilled immigration policy were announced by the New Zealand Government in July after a comprehensive review of the general skills category.
Declaring the new category officially open last month, New Zealand Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel said: "Prospective migrants can submit expressions of interest (EOIs) based on an enhanced points system.
"Points are allocated for skilled employment, work experience and qualifications, with a particular emphasis on identified areas of growth or skill shortages.
"Bonus points will be awarded to those who, for example, have a skilled job offer outside Auckland or who have a recognised New Zealand qualification gained after at least two years' study in New Zealand.
"This enables us to prioritise applicants who best meet New Zealand's needs," Ms Dalziel said.
Once you have been invited to apply for residence, it is expected that the application will lead to residence, either:
¥ Directly, where there is a demonstrated ability to settle in New Zealand, or
¥ Indirectly, through a two-year work-to-residence programme where - despite not having a relevant job offer, or history of studying or working successfully in New Zealand - the applicant has good settlement prospects.
"This policy is designed to end the 'professional-driving-taxi' scenario, which resulted from a flawed policy focused solely on migrants gaining residence by meeting the set points, regardless of whether or not their skills were needed in New Zealand.
"The new category is a win-win for skilled migrants and for New Zealand. It shifts the focus from the passive acceptance of residence applications to the active recruitment of the skilled migrants that New Zealand needs," the Minister said.