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Emigration to New Zealand: Point System

The Point System allows for Expressions of Interest to be ranked so applicants who have the most to offer can be extended an invitation for emigration to New Zealand.

Points are offered based on:

Employability;
Work experience;
Qualifications;
Family ties; and
Age.

Bonus points may also be awarded to applicants if they meet certain criteria, as set out below.

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Skilled Employment

Skilled Employment
Skilled employment	Points
Current skilled employment in New Zealand for 12 months or more	60
Offer of skilled employment in New Zealand or current employment in New Zealand for less than 12 months	50

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Employment or an Employment Offer

Employment or Employment Offer
Employment/employment offer in	Points
An identified future growth area	10
An area of absolute skills shortage	10
Region outside Auckland	10
Spouse/partner employment or offer of employment	20

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Work Experience

Work Experience
Work experience	Points
2 years	10
4 years	15
6 years	20
8 years	25
10 years	30

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Bonus Points for Work Experience

You can obtain bonus points for work experience in New Zealand, as well as work experience undertaken in a future growth area or in an area of New Zealand where there is a skills shortage.

New Zealand Work Experience
NZ work experience	Points
1 year	5
2 years	10
3 years or more	15

Future Growth Area
Work experience in a NZ future growth area	Points
2 to 5 years	10
6 years or more	15

Absolute Skill Shortage Area
Work experience in a NZ area of absolute skill shortage	Points
2 to 5 years	10
6 years or more	15

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Qualifications

Qualifications
Qualifications	Points
Recognised basic qualifications (for example trade qualifications, diploma, bachelor degree, degree with Honours)	50
Recognised post-graduate qualification (Masters degree, Doctorate)	55

Bonus Points
Qualification	Points
2 years of full time study in New Zealand towards a recognised qualification	5
Recognised New Zealand qualification (and at least 2 years study in New Zealand)	5
Recognised post-graduate New Zealand Qualification (Masters, PHD)	10
Qualification in an area of absolute skills shortage	10
Qualification in an identified future growth area	10
Spouse/partner qualifications	20

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Close Family in New Zealand

Close Family in New Zealand
Close family in NZ	Points
Close family in New Zealand	10

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Age

Age
Age	Points
20-29	30
30-39	25
40-44	20
45-49	10
50-55	5

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The higher the score in the Point System, the more likely it is you will be chosen for an invitation for emigration to New Zealand.

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