There are many parts to a Skilled Migrant visa application. One of these parts is the New Zealand Expression of Interest. Continue reading to find out what it is and where it fits into the process.

1. What is the Expression of Interest?

The Expression of Interest is an initial application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), indicating your interest in applying for a Skilled Migrant visa.

2. How do I qualify to submit an Expression of Interest to INZ?

As someone who wants to immigrate to New Zealand as a skilled migrant, everything hinges on your points score. You must score at least 100 points in an immigration eligibility assessment to submit an Expression of Interest.

3. Where does the EOI fit into the Skilled Migrant application process?

The EOI is the third step in your Skilled Migrant visa application:

Step 1:

The first step is making sure that you meet the basic requirements:

• You’re 55 or younger.
• You’re of good health.
• You meet New Zealand’s character requirements.
• You meet the English language standards for the Skilled Migrant visa.

Step 2:

The second step is doing your points-based immigration eligibility assessment. If you score 100 points or more, you’ll move ahead with the application process.

Step 3:

You submit your Expression of Interest.

Step 4:

You get an Invitation to Apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa if your EOI is selected by INZ.

4. Does submitting an Expression of Interest mean I’ll get a visa?

Unfortunately, being able to submit an Expression of Interest does not guarantee that you’ll get a visa.

Let us explain:

Your EOI will go into an Expression of Interest Pool, along with the EOIs of everyone else who want to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.

From this pool, Immigration New Zealand selects the EOIs it feels are from the best candidates for immigration to New Zealand. In our experience, that means EOIs with 160 points and a job offer.

5. How long does my EOI stay in the pool?

Expressions of Interest are valid for 6 months. If you haven’t been selected from the pool of applicants in this time, you’ll have to submit your EOI again.

6. Can I increase my points score?

INZ awards points for age, qualifications and experience. There’s not much you can do to change any of these to get more points.

However, a job offer does increase your points score and it earns you enough points to make a significant difference to your Expression of Interest.

Our advice is thus to secure a job offer to give your EOI a greater chance of selection.

7. Should I wait to submit my Expression of Interest until I have a job offer?

That would entirely depend on you but remember that your Expression of Interest is only valid for 6 months:

• Are you confident that you’ll secure a job offer in 6 months? Then you can go ahead and submit your Expression of Interest. INZ allows you to amend your EOI once it’s been submitted.
• Don’t want the pressure of having to find a job in 6 months and having to submit and pay for an EOI more than once? Then you might want to wait with your EOI until you have a job offer.

8. What if I can’t secure a job offer and 160 points?

You could still submit or leave your Expression of Interest in the pool but you should also consider other visa options if you’re determined to work in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Expression of Interest in summary

• The Expression of Interest is the third step in the Skilled Migrant Visa application process.
• To submit an EOI to INZ for consideration, you’ll have to score 100 points in an immigration eligibility assessment.
• Your Expression of Interest will stay in the EOI pool for 6 months.
• INZ usually selects Expressions of Interest with 160 points and a job offer from the EOI pool.
• If you can’t secure a job offer and 160 points, you might have to consider applying for another type of visa.
• However, if you’re successful and INZ selects your EOI from the pool, you’ll get an Invitation to Apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.

Do you have more questions?

Please feel free to contact us should you have any other questions about the Expression of Interest. Our immigration agents are licensed to give advice and happy to help!