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Outlook > 2006
> July
Skilled migration helps you and NZ
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.
To be considered under this category you need to be of good health,
good character, have a reasonable standard of English, and be under the
age of 56 years.
You will also need to meet the threshold of 100 points to register an Expression of Interest.
The points system is designed to reflect which applicants have the most
to offer New Zealand so that the New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS)
can extend invitations to apply for residence to them.
Points are available for skilled employment in New Zealand, work experience, qualifications and age.
Bonus points are also available for employment outside Auckland, for
New Zealand qualifications gained in New Zealand over at least two
years, for your partner's skilled employment in New Zealand and their
recognised qualification and for close family in New Zealand.
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.
* For more advice and information on the migration process try NZIS's own web site at www.immigration.govt.nz |