14 May 2009

Important changes to the New Zealand Skilled Migration program

Immigration New Zealand has announced important changes to the New Zealand Skilled Migration program for people with recognised qualifications. These changes to the New Zealand Skilled Migration program will take effect on 25 May 2009.

If you are emigrating to New Zealand through the New Zealand Skilled Migration program, you should be aware of the upcoming changes, as it may affect your New Zealand visa application.  This includes people about to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for their New Zealand visa application, or those who have already lodged an EOI and those invited to apply for permanent residence.

The following changes to the New Zealand Skilled Migration program will be implemented on the 25 May 2009:

• The List of Recognised Qualifications will be renamed as the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.
• The List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment will be an updated expansion of the old List of Recognised Qualifications, and will include academic qualifications from:
• • Austria 
  • Belgium 
  • The Czech Republic 
  • Denmark 
  • France 
  • Germany 
  • Hungary 
  • Italy 
  • Netherlands
  • Philippines
  • Poland 
  • South Africa
  • Sweden 
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
• Technical and level four qualifications for nationals from Germany, South Africa and the UK have been added to the new list.  All points gained for being on this list must be supported by meeting any requirements specified on the list.
• Level three trade qualifications from Germany, South Africa and the UK have been added to the list as an Exception.  Again, all points gained for being on this list must be supported by meeting any requirements specified on the list.  Applicants who hold a qualification on the list do not need to provide a NZQA assessment.
• Marine and Aviation lists have been removed.
• Social Worker qualifications have been removed from the UK list.

If you are considering emigrating to New Zealand and are unsure of the best and quickest pathway to do so, complete our free online assessment and have a registered migration consultant help you with your New Zealand visa application.

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The New Zealand Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with their New Zealand visa application.