New Zealand has long been a popular destination for people seeking to live, work, or study in a beautiful and thriving country. It offers excellent quality of life, a strong economy, and breathtaking landscapes. One of the main ways the country selects immigrants is through its point system, which is part of the country’s immigration policy.
The New Zealand immigration point system is designed to help the government assess whether applicants have the right skills, qualifications, and work experience to contribute positively to the country’s economy and society. The system is used primarily for skilled workers who want to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
This article will explain how the New Zealand immigration point system works, what factors contribute to the points, and how you can calculate your points to determine whether you’re eligible for immigration. We’ll also look at how points are awarded based on different criteria and provide practical tips for improving your chances of being selected for immigration.
The Skilled Migrant Visa
The Skilled Migrant Visa (SMV) is one of the most popular visa types for those who want to live and work in New Zealand. It allows skilled workers to enter the country and apply for permanent residency. To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and obtain enough points through the immigration point system.
The point system is a way to evaluate your skills, experience, and qualifications. The government awards points based on various factors such as your age, work experience, education, and job offer in New Zealand. If you have a job offer, work experience, or qualifications that match the country’s needs, you will score higher points.
The Basics of the New Zealand Immigration Point System
The point system is designed to make sure that immigrants can fill jobs in New Zealand that are in demand. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting a visa. Applicants need to score at least 160 points to be eligible to apply for the Skilled Migrant Visa. However, even if you don’t meet this score initially, you may still be able to apply for an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the pool if you score above a minimum threshold.
In the EOI process, you express your interest in applying for a Skilled Migrant Visa. The points you score will determine whether or not you are invited to apply for residency. If you meet the minimum point requirement and submit all the necessary documents, you can proceed to the next steps.
How Points Are Awarded
1. Age
Your age is one of the most significant factors in the New Zealand immigration point system. Younger applicants tend to score more points as they are seen as more likely to contribute to the workforce for a longer period. Points are awarded based on your age as follows:
- 20 to 29 years: 30 points
- 30 to 39 years: 25 points
- 40 to 44 years: 20 points
- 45 to 49 years: 10 points
- 50 years or older: 0 points
Applicants under 20 and over 50 years old are generally not awarded points for age. So, if you are under 30, you will get the most points in this category, which can significantly improve your overall score.
2. Work Experience
Work experience plays a significant role in the point system. The more experience you have in your field of expertise, the more points you can earn. Here’s how points are awarded for work experience:
- 2 years of relevant work experience: 5 points
- 4 years of relevant work experience: 10 points
- 6 years of relevant work experience: 15 points
- 8 years of relevant work experience: 20 points
- 10 years of relevant work experience: 25 points
Work experience is considered relevant if it matches the skills and qualifications required for jobs that are in demand in New Zealand. The higher your experience level, the more points you can accumulate.
3. Qualifications
Your qualifications are another important factor in the point system. The higher your level of education and the relevance of your qualifications to the New Zealand job market, the more points you will receive. Points are awarded as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree: 50 points
- Master’s degree: 70 points
- PhD: 120 points
Having higher qualifications, such as a master’s degree or a PhD, can significantly increase your chances of qualifying for immigration, especially if your qualifications are aligned with in-demand fields in New Zealand.
4. Job Offer in New Zealand
If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, this can help boost your points. A valid job offer from an accredited employer can add valuable points to your application. Here’s how points are awarded based on job offers:
- Job offer in a skilled occupation (for at least 12 months): 50 points
- Job offer in a highly skilled occupation: Additional points may be awarded depending on the specific requirements of the job.
The job offer must be for a role that is on the New Zealand Skilled Occupation List, and the salary must meet a certain threshold to be considered skilled.
5. Partner’s Qualifications and Work Experience
If your partner is also applying to immigrate with you, their qualifications and work experience can help you earn additional points. The following factors will contribute to your overall score:
- Partner’s qualifications: If your partner has a recognized qualification (such as a bachelor’s degree or higher), they can add points to your application.
- Partner’s work experience: Similar to your own work experience, your partner’s work experience can help you earn extra points if their experience is relevant to New Zealand’s workforce needs.
If your partner is also skilled and employed in a role that matches New Zealand’s needs, it can improve your chances of being invited to apply for residency.
6. English Language Proficiency
New Zealand requires all immigrants to prove their English language proficiency as part of the immigration process. This ensures that you can communicate effectively in the country. Points are awarded based on your ability to speak, write, read, and understand English.
- IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent: 10 points
- IELTS score of 7.0 or higher: 20 points
If you have a higher level of English proficiency, you will earn more points, which can help you increase your score and improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for residency.
7. Bonus Points for Specific Skills and Areas of Expertise
Certain specific skills or areas of expertise may also earn you bonus points. For example, you may receive additional points if:
- You have experience in occupations listed on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List: 10 points
- You have experience in certain regions of New Zealand: Points may be awarded for working in regions that are in need of skilled workers.
- You have a job offer in a highly skilled or niche area: You can earn additional points for specialized expertise.
Having specific skills that align with New Zealand’s labor market needs can set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of being selected for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
Maximizing Your Points and Increasing Your Chances of Success
1. Invest in Your Education
One of the most effective ways to increase your points is to invest in further education. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, consider pursuing a master’s or PhD to boost your overall score. Specialized qualifications in fields with high demand, such as healthcare, engineering, or information technology, can significantly improve your chances of qualifying for immigration.
2. Gain Relevant Work Experience
Focus on gaining as much relevant work experience as possible in fields that align with New Zealand’s labor needs. Having more years of experience will earn you additional points and increase your appeal as a candidate for immigration.
3. Improve Your English Language Skills
Taking English language courses or passing an internationally recognized test such as the IELTS or TOEFL can help improve your English proficiency and earn you additional points. This will not only help with the immigration process but also with your integration into New Zealand society.
4. Secure a Job Offer in New Zealand
If you can secure a valid job offer from a New Zealand employer before you apply, this can greatly enhance your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa. Make sure the job offer meets the requirements set by New Zealand Immigration, including salary and job description.
Conclusion
The point system for immigration in New Zealand is a transparent and structured way of assessing applicants for skilled migration. By understanding the various factors that contribute to your score, such as age, qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency, you can increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
Focus on building your qualifications, gaining relevant work experience, and improving your English skills to maximize your points. With the right preparation, you can improve your chances of success and begin your journey to live and work in New Zealand.
Related topics:
