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Emigrate to New Zealand - Skilled Migration

The Skilled Migration category is core to the New Zealand Immigration strategy.  The Skilled Migration category offers individuals the opportunity to gain permanent residence in New Zealand by helping boost the New Zealand skilled workforce.

This category was designed to minimise the risk of a mismatch between the skills migrants bring and the skills New Zealand needs. Migration under this category follows a step-by-step application process, from the initial assessment of ability to the settlement stage in New Zealand.

 New Zealand Skilled Migration Assessment

To be eligible for this category you must:

• Be under the age of 56 years;
• Meet the health, character and English language requirements; and
• Be able to meet the threshold of 100 points in the Points System to register an Expression of Interest.

If successful, you will be given:

• A Residence Visa allowing you to enter New Zealand. It must be used within 12 months of the date of issue, and cannot be renewed or extended. If you do not travel to New Zealand within the 12 months, the visa will expire and you will have to reapply for residence; and
• A Residence Permit issued on your arrival to New Zealand, allowing you to remain in the country permanently.

Free New Zealand Immigration Online Assessment

While the New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) looks favourably on those who already have a job offer in New Zealand in a skilled profession, it is not a requirement to qualify for migration under this category.