New Zealand makes changes to skills lists
New Zealand’s Ministry of Business and Innovation (MBIE) regularly reviews the country’s skills list to meet the changing needs of the job market. On Wednesday, 8 May, the MBIE announced the completion of the 2018/2019 review together with the changes that’ll be made to the skills lists.
The MBIE has decided to rename one skills list and will be adding certain occupations to the skills lists. These changes will all come into effect on Monday, 27 May. Below we discuss the changes.
The Regional Skill Shortage List (RSSL) replaces the Immediate Skill Shortage List
The MBIE has renamed the Immediate Skill Shortage List to now be the Regional Skill Shortage List (RSSL). While the occupations on the list stays virtually the same, the number of regions have been increased from 6 to 15.
According to Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway, ‘these changes were the first step in the Government’s plan to streamline and regionalise the skills-based visa system.’ In particular, Immigration New Zealand wants to encourage ‘the regional dispersion of immigrants to places other than Auckland and the main centres’.
Teachers and aged care registered nurses added to skills lists
The New Zealand Aged Care Association has applauded Immigration New Zealand’s decision to add aged care registered nurses to the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL). The Association believes that this is positive step towards addressing chronic nursing shortages.
It’s not just registered nurses that are needed in New Zealand. There is also a teacher shortage. So much so, in fact, that Immigration New Zealand launched an intensive recruitment drive at the end of last year. The goal was to attract 400 teachers from overseas for the 2019 school year.
Considering the above, it is not surprising that MBIE has added Early Childhood Teacher, Primary School Teacher, and Secondary School Teacher for all regions to the new Regional Skill Shortage List.
Other occupation changes to skills lists were:
- Extending the ‘Construction Project Manager Roading and Infrastructure’ listing on the LTSSL to include ‘Construction Project Manager’.
- Amendments to the Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List (CISSL):
- Adding Building Associate.
- Extending Plumber (General) to all regions.
- Removing Stonemason for the Canterbury regions. The occupation will remain for Auckland and Northland.
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- Published in Our very latest posts
See New Zealand in all its glory!
New Zealand is a country of extraordinary beauty! From the country’s mountains and rivers, to its forests and beaches. You could never see it all in one go (but you should try at least once in your lifetime).
We could write about New Zealand’s sights and sounds all day but only photos would do them justice. Here is New Zealand in all its glory:
The Mars-like Putanqirua Pinnacles
The lone tree of Lake Wanaka
Sunset over Tunnel Beach
Lupine season in full bloom
The Land of the Long White Cloud
The Southern Lights
Paddling along the Waikato River
Bright autumn colours
The mighty Mt. Cook
- Published in About New Zealand, Our very latest posts
5 Bucket List Adventures in New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the world’s ultimate destinations. That’s because few countries can beat New Zealand when it comes to breathtaking scenery and things to do.
But how do you choose what to see and do first? We admit, it’s not an easy choice to make. However, everyone agrees that the adventures below are bucket-list worthy!
1. See the Southern Lights
While seeing the Northern Lights in person is a bucket list item for many travellers, the Southern Hemisphere’s Southern Lights is no less spectacular. This night-time light show in nearly all the colours of the rainbow is best appreciated against New Zealand’s clear dark skies. The best places to see the Lights are in the Otago region, just outside of Dunedin, as well as the night skies above Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook.
2. Cruise, raft and go spelunking in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
New Zealand’s Glowworm Caves are unlike anything else you’ve ever seen! Here the pitch black caves are lit up by thousands of glowworms that have made these limestone caves their home.
To explore the caves, you can opt for a gentle boat cruise or choose to raft the caves on rubber tubes. You’ll also get the chance to jump into cascading waterfalls and climb through the caves. You can add abseiling to the experience to make it even more of an adventure!
3. Get up close to the Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular sights. To experience it, you’ll have to book a helicopter ride as it’s the only way to reach the glacier. You can either go straight to the top of Franz Josef or challenge yourself with up to four hours of guided ice-climbing.
However you explore the glacier, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and get to warm yourself in the glacier hot pools. Not that you’ll be as cold you imagine perhaps. The Glacier’s day time temperatures only dip to between 5C and 15C.
4. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is New Zealand’s most famous day hike. The 19.4km route takes about nine hours to complete and reveal incredible scenery along the way. You’ll encounter steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and colourful crater lakes, all with breathtaking views.
This hike is not necessarily for everyone though. You should have a good level of fitness and ideally have hiking experience. The hike can become treacherous during winter when there is snow and ice on the ground.
5. Visit Milford Sound
This list would not have been complete without adding Milford Sound. Milford Sound is in Fiordland National Park and one of the most spectacular places on Earth. Here majestic peaks tower over crystal-clear lakes. You can explore the area by hiking through the forested landscapes or cruising along the water to see the hundreds of cascading waterfalls up close.
- Published in About New Zealand, Our very latest posts
7 Reasons to move from South Africa to New Zealand
In the 2017/2018 financial year, more than 5,000 South Africans left for New Zealand. Our guess is that their reasons to move from South Africa to New Zealand, while unique to each person, shared some distinct similarities.
Today, we’ll discuss these similarities, which range from the countries sharing a similar culture to the high standard of education children receive in New Zealand.
1. New Zealand is familiar
South Africa and New Zealand are alike in many ways. The culture is similar, many values are shared, and both countries have good weather and a great love for the outdoors. New Zealand can also match South Africa when it comes to breathtaking scenery.
It also helps that English is spoken in New Zealand, so South Africans going over won’t have problems communicating with locals. It is much harder to adapt to life in a new country when you can’t speak the local language!
2. It is one of the safest countries in the world
No country is without crime, but New Zealand does much better than South Africa in safety indexes. For instance, in the 2018 Global Peace Index, New Zealand came in second after only Iceland.
In comparison South Africa slipped down one spot in 2018 to sit at number 125 out of 163 countries.
New Zealand also scores well in the SafeAround Safety Index with a score of 91%. This score is helped by the fact that women travelers are safer in New Zealand than in most other countries around the world. These countries include the USA and Canada.
3. New Zealand’s economy is doing well
The South African economy advanced 1.1% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2018. In contrast, the New Zealand GDP grew 2.6% year-on-year in the same period.
This good growth, although lower than originally forecasted, stimulate the job market. New Zealand’s unemployment rate at the end of 2018 was only 4.3%, while South Africa was struggling with an unemployment rate of 27.1%.
4. Plenty of job opportunities
South Africans are known as hard workers and sought-after employees the world over. If you have the right skills, qualifications and experience, you are bound to find a job in New Zealand.
5. Access to excellent healthcare
New Zealand’s healthcare is among the best in the world. The public healthcare system ensures that all residents have access to free or heavily-subsidised hospital care. According to the OECD Better Life Index, New Zealanders have a life expectancy of 82 years, which is two years above the OECD average.
Please note: in order to access public healthcare, migrants must have New Zealand residency status.
6. Children get a world-class education
In 2017, New Zealand was ranked the best in the world for ‘preparing students for the future’. New Zealand also fares well in the OECD’s Better Life Index with the average student scoring 506 in reading literacy, maths and sciences. This is above the OECD average of 486.
Parents agree that New Zealand’s education standards are exceptional. Expats ranked New Zealand’s school quality at number 10 out of 31 countries in the latest Expat Explorer Survey. South Africa came in at number 21.
7. It’s not as expensive as you might think
While it’s true that New Zealand is not the cheapest place to live in the world, it’s not as expensive as many people think. In fact, the cost of living in New Zealand is dropping relative to many other countries.
In the 2018 Mercer Cost of Living Index, Auckland dropped to number 81 on the list while Wellington dropped to number 101. This makes it more affordable cities to live in than Berlin, at number 71, and London, at number 19.
Keep in mind that even though the cost of living might be more expensive than in South Africa, you get to live in a beautiful country with good public services. New Zealanders are also known for favouring a healthy work-life balance, so it’s safe to say that life will be good in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Eager to explore your chances of working and living in New Zealand? Book your free initial immigration assessment today!
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- Published in About New Zealand, Our very latest posts
Auckland vs Christchurch vs Wellington: Comparing living costs
Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington are the New Zealand cities most popular with migrants. That’s why we wanted to compare the costs of basic expenses between these cities. Our aim? To give you the information you need to make an informed decision about where you want to live.
Our comparison covers the costs of:
- Rent;
- Utilities;
- Groceries;
- Getting around;
- Entertainment; and
- Childcare.
Of course it is important to also look at average salaries, so that you can see how your expenses are likely to relate to your income. This is why we start by sharing the average annual salary of each city.
Please note: All costs are quoted in New Zealand dollars.
Salaries
Monthly expenses
Your monthly expenses will include costs such as rent, groceries, and entertainment. Your rent will be the first expense to take care of each month, so let’s start there.
Rent
This is how much utilities could set you back each month:
Now let’s look at some of the other monthly costs you’ll have to budget for…
Groceries
Groceries will demand a large chunk of your income each month. This is how much basic groceries could set you back:
Getting around
If you don’t import your car, you’ll have to buy a new one or make use of public transport. This is how much both these options could cost you:
Entertainment
No-one only works and pays the bills. We also also spend time with friends and loved ones! Here’s how much you could spend on entertainment:
Childcare
If you’re a family moving over to New Zealand, you’ll have to enroll your children of school-going age into a school:
If there are any other costs you’re curious about, such as clothing, head on over to Numbeo. All of the costs above were taken from Numbeo and valid as at March 2019. Salaries were taken from Payscale.
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- Published in About New Zealand, Our very latest posts
New Zealand Immigration Points Explained
If you’re reading this it means you have questions about New Zealand immigration points for skilled migration. We’re not surprised, really. Most people want to start by calculating their points, but few people understand how to do it.
Today, we’re going to break it down for you. We’ll explain:
- The purpose of the points system.
- Exactly what you get points for.
- Why you shouldn’t necessarily trust online immigration points calculators
The New Zealand immigration points system
The Skilled Migrant process includes four main steps:
- Determining your points score.
- Submitting an Expression of Interest.
- Receiving an Invitation to Apply.
- Applying for the Skilled Migrant visa.
You’ll only be able to submit an Expression of Interest if you score 100 points or more in your skills assessment. Then, once your Expression of Interest is in the pool, your points score will enable Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to decide whether or not you are a desirable candidate for a visa.
High points score = High desirability
Expressions of Interest are ranked using the points score. Those candidates with higher scores are seen as more desirable, as these candidates can offer New Zealand more. INZ will thus use the points scores to help them decide which candidates should get Invitations to Apply.
What do you get New Zealand immigration points for?
New Zealand immigration points are awarded for Age, Skilled Employment, Work Experience, and Qualifications in the following manner:
Age
- 30 points: 20-39 years
- 20 points: 40-44 years
- 10 points: 45-49 years
- 5 points: 50-55 years
Please note if you are older than 55 years of age you will not qualify.
Skilled employment
- 50 points: if you have an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand.
- 50 points: if you are currently employed in a skilled occupation in New Zealand.
Bonus points
- 10 points where you are:
- In an occupation in an area of absolute skills shortage, or
- Employed in work in a region outside Auckland
- 20 points if:
- Your income is more than twice the New Zealand median income.
- Your partner also has a skilled job or job offer.
Work experience in skilled employment
- 10 points: 2 years
- 20 points: 4 years
- 30 points: 6 years
- 40 points: 8 years
- 50 points: 10 years
Bonus points for work experience in New Zealand
- 10 points: 12 months or more
And if the work experience in an area of absolute skills shortage bonus points as follows:
- 10 points: 2 to 5 years
- 15 points: 6 or more years
Qualifications
- 40 points: recognised level 4-6 qualification (e.g. trade qualification, diploma) or Level 3 qualification on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.
- 50 points: recognised level 7 or 8 qualification (e.g. bachelor degree, bachelor degree with honours)
- 70 points: recognised level 9 or 10 post-graduate qualification (master’s degree, doctorate)
Bonus points for qualifications
- 10 points for either:
- Two years full-time study in New Zealand completing a recognised NZ bachelor degree.
- One year of full-time study in New Zealand completing a recognised NZ post-graduate qualification.
- 15 points: Two years of full-time study in New Zealand completing a recognised post-graduate NZ qualification.
- 10 points: Your partner holds a level 7-8 qualification.
- 20 points: Your partner holds a recognised post-graduate (level 9-10) qualification.
The danger of online calculators
We can’t discuss New Zealand immigration points without touching on online immigration points calculators.
Why is this?
Because these free online tools are often inaccurate, yet many people unfortunately pursue immigration based on the results of online assessments.
Here is the big issue with free online assessments:
More often than not it is a series of questions with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. The problem with this is that emigration is a detailed and intricate environment. For example, you may have a qualification, but is it recognized in New Zealand? Online assessments will ask the former, but won’t determine the latter.
In other words, the results from free online assessments are no more than indicators of your eligibility. Your actual points score could, and most likely will, differ from the total you got online.
The only way to get an accurate immigration points score is…
It is with a comprehensive assessment done by a licensed immigration adviser who knows the New Zealand immigration act and who can ask the right questions – not just the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions.
Any other approach is likely to lead to wasted effort and money early in the immigration process.
If you’d like to speak an adviser, you are welcome to contact us. You can call us on +27 (0) 21 202 8200 or book a free initial assessment with an adviser right away. This assessment will reveal any migration pathways open to you. Thereafter, should the signs be positive, you can choose to proceed with a comprehensive assessment.
- Published in Our very latest posts, Skilled Migrant Visa
10 Best places to live in New Zealand
Unless you’ve been in a country, it’s hard to tell where you’d like to live. That’s why we list the best places to live in New Zealand below.
You’ll find 10 cities on our list, but these are in no particular order. To help you narrow it down, we share:
- The size of each city – because some of us prefer smaller cities over bigger ones.
- The climate – to know what to expect from the weather.
- What or who the city is perfect for – so you can see if it’ll be the right fit for you.
Let’s dive straight into our list.
1. Queenstown
- South Island
- Population: ±15,800 (June 2018)
- Climate: Long, warm days in summer with cold winters and frequent snowfall
- Perfect for: Thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Queenstown is known as New Zealand’s adventure capital. You can go hiking or biking in the summer and hit the slopes for snowboarding or skiing in the winter. The city and surrounds also offer opportunities for skydiving, jet boating, white water rafting, canyon swinging, zip lining, paragliding, and bungee jumping.
Queenstown keeps it balanced though with world-class restaurants, a cosmopolitan art scene, and exceptional vineyards. You’ll always find something to do!
2. Wellington
- North Island
- Population: ±418,000 (June 2018)
- Climate: Generally moderate all-year round. Generally windy all year round with high rainfall.
- Perfect for: City dwellers who still prefer a slower lifestyle.
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital and one of the country’s most popular places to live. It offers a high quality of life, it’s easy to get around thanks to a great public transport system, and there is more than enough to do. Wellington boasts some of the best cafes, bars, and restaurants New Zealand has to offer as well as a buzzing nightlife and a lively music scene. Those who love the outdoors can head to the botanic gardens or one of the beaches and bays for walks and water sports.
It’s interesting to note that Wellington is not New Zealand’s most populated city, despite being the capital. In fact, it’s one of the smaller capital cities in the world, meaning it offers a much more relaxed lifestyle than most cities.
3. Auckland
- North Island
- Population: ±1,628,900 (June 2018)
- Climate: Subtropical with warm humid summers and mild damp winters. Sunniest of New Zealand’s main centers and warmest.
- Perfect for: Professionals keen to advance their career.
Auckland is the number one choice for most immigrants, seeing as it’s widely considered to be New Zealand’s economic capital. The city offers plenty of job opportunities, career progression can happen quickly, and salaries are some of the highest in New Zealand. Of course, this means the cost of living is slightly higher than in other parts of the country, but Auckland is still a great place to live.
There is plenty to do in Auckland! The city has galleries and museums, top-class restaurants, parks and harbours, beaches and parks, and an extensive calendar of cultural events throughout the year.
You can really make the most of your evenings and weekends.
4. Napier
- North Island
- Population: ±63,900 (June 2018)
- Climate: Generally dry, warm climate.
- Perfect for: Wine and design connoisseurs
Napier is a coastal town on New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region, an area that’s renowned for producing excellent wines. The city itself is especially known for its art deco landmarks, but it’s also famed for its beautiful coastline, fabulous bars and restaurants, and the tree-lined waterfront promenade.
The cost of living in Napier is much lower than in New Zealand’s bigger cities, making it an attractive option for immigrants. The city also has the added advantage of enjoying plenty of sunshine all year round, which makes for both pleasant summers and winters.
5. Christchurch
- South Island
- Population: ±404,500 (June 2018)
- Climate: Mild summers and cool winters. Regular moderate rainfalls. Common for temperatures to drop below 0C in winter. Snowfalls occur on average three times per year.
- Perfect for: Living life in a green city.
Christchurch is known as the Garden City due to its abundance of beautiful parks and pretty gardens. Of course, Christchurch is also known for the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and the massive rebuilding initiatives since. It is the latter which is said to have created the incredible sense of community you’ll find in Christchurch.
Christchurch is heavily influenced by Maori culture and has a massive English community. It is also a city with plenty to see and do, from markets and festivals to restaurants and cafes. While Christchurch is not on the coast, some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches are within driving distance.
6. Rotorua
- North Island
- Population: ±59,500 (June 2018)
- Climate: Mild temperate climate. Less wind than in many other places in New Zealand. Temperatures can drop below 0C in winter.
- Perfect for: Being close to all the best parts of New Zealand.
Rotorua is a tourist hotspot and an all-year-round destination thanks to its mild climate. It’s never too hold or too cold. Another reason for Rotorua’s popularity is its central location on the North Island. You’ll get to Auckland, Napier, the Coromandel Peninsula, Mt Maunganui, and Mt Ruapehu in just under three hours from Napier.
The icing on the cake? The fact that Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most affordable cities to live in.
7. Tauranga
- North Island
- Population: ±141,600 (June 2018)
- Climate: Subtropical climate with high humidity.
- Perfect for: Enjoying that holiday feeling all year round.
Tauranga is a stunning waterfront city and one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations. The city has stunning beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and it’s within driving distance of places such as Taupo, Rotorua, and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Tauranga is also a busy port city, creating plenty of job opportunities. Despite the thriving economy, Tauranga is still reasonably affordable to live in.
8. New Plymouth
- North Island
- Population: ±58,300 (June 2018)
- Climate: Moist, temperate climate; Mild winters.
- Perfect for: Art and culture lovers.
New Plymouth, in New Zealand’s Taranaki region, has one of New Zealand’s best art scenes. There are lots of magnificent galleries and the city has a bohemian feel to it.
Many residents choose to walk or cycle to work, as commutes tend to be short. As a happy consequence, you’re unlikely to encounter the dread of being stuck in traffic in New Plymouth. This alone is enough to convince some to make their home here!
It should also be mentioned that Lonely Planet voted Mount Taranaki as one of their ‘Must Visit’ destinations of 2017. The region has breathtaking views, world-class surfing conditions, black sand beaches, and – of course – the majestic Mount Taranaki.
9. Dunedin
- South Island
- Population: ±122,000 (June 2018)
- Climate: Temperate climate; Mild summers and cool winters; Snowfall is common; relatively low rainfall in comparison to many of New Zealand’s cities.
- Perfect for: Music lovers and creatives.
Dunedin has Scottish heritage and Scottish influences are easily spotted in the city’s architecture. It’s fitting that Dunedin is home New Zealand’s only castle. Look up at the misty hills and you might even think you are in Scotland.
Dunedin is also distinctly New Zealand though with a vibrant music scene and a creative vibe. Venture a bit further out to the peninsula and you’ll find rare and unique wildlife.
Here’s something you might know about Dunedin – the city is extremely hilly, so much so that you’ll find the steepest street in the world in Dunedin (pictured above)!
10. Hamilton
- North Island
- Population: ±203,100 (June 2018)
- Weather: Highly moderate temperatures; very high humidity. Warm summers; cool and wet winters.
- Perfect for: Being close to all the best parts of New Zealand.
Hamilton is set on the banks of the Waikato River and only 90 minutes from Auckland. However, the cost of living in Hamilton is much more affordable than in Auckland. Just like Rotorua,
Hamilton is centrally located, which means you’re never too far from somewhere to go or something to see. In fact, the two cities are close to each other. Also within driving distance of Hamilton are Raglan, New Zealand’s surfing capital, Taupo, and the world-famous Waitomo Caves.
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- Published in About New Zealand, Our very latest posts
4 Uncomfortable truths about emigrating – Plus the good news
It’s no secret that emigrating is a massive undertaking. Even more so if you’re a family doing it!
However, most people entering the emigration process do not fully realise what lies ahead.
Is it worth it? Of course! You’re opening doors to new opportunities and a better life for your family.
But how do you prepare yourself for the emigration journey ahead? A good way to start is by reading the below.
There’s going to be a lot of admin
Many applicants are surprised by the amount of admin that’s involved in their application.
You have to gather the required documents, complete the necessary paperwork, do the applicable tests, and apply for professional registrations if your occupation asks for it.
Everything has to happen at the right time too and it also has to happen in a way or format that meets Immigration New Zealand’s requirements.
The good news
Our immigration advisers guide you every step of the way. You’ll know exactly what’s required of you and when it is required. Our team even go as far as booking English tests for you, leaving you with more time to focus on the other parts of your emigration.
You might not be able to emigrate as quickly as you’d like
If you’re like the average person who wants to emigrate, you basically want to do it immediately. You can’t wait to pack your bags and get on that aeroplane. And who can blame you? New Zealand is a dream destination.
Unfortunately your emigration might not always happen as quickly as you’d hope. Sometimes, for instance, Immigration New Zealand could take a bit longer to process a visa because there has been a high volume of applications.
The good news
You can rest assured that we always compile your application as quickly as possible. And while we cannot influence Immigration New Zealand’s process or decision in any way, we do undertake to ensure that you’re never left in the dark about what’s happening with your application.
Emigration is not cheap
There are a lot of costs to consider when emigrating, from paying the movers to putting down a deposit on a place to stay or importing your pet. You’ll also have to pay government fees and you might need to pay for English tests and registrations too.
The good news
Here’s what you don’t want to do – part with any money without knowing if you’re eligible for emigration. This is why we offer a free initial assessment. This assessment tells you whether or not you do qualify for emigration, which means you only proceed if you are eligible. You won’t spend money on parts of an emigration that’s unlikely to succeed.
Emigration is not for the faint-hearted
It is almost guaranteed that your stress and anxiety levels will rise during the application process. Mostly because it’s an unfamiliar process and because it’s such an important step in your life.
The good news
Our advisers will see to it that don’t have to go through it alone. Our team will always ensure that your stress and anxiety is kept to a minimum by seeing to it that all requirements are met and by giving you realistic timelines and expectations.
Here’s what some of our recent clients had to say:
Hey Sarah,
Just a quick thank you for the work you’ve done behind the scenes to help Antoinette. I’m sure that it took a considerable amount of time and effort and I’m glad she has safely arrived in NZ before she was due to start.
Thank you!
~ Ana
Hi Sarah
Just a note to say thank you for seeing me this morning on a personal level. I would just like to compliment you on your stunning friendly and polite disposition and the manner in which you conducted our meeting – you really made me feel welcome and your product knowledge is incredible. Thank you for the valuable information you gave me and I will definitely be in touch to chat again to finalize a few things. Your patience level is outstanding.
I will have no problem with recommending you wherever I go.
Thanks again so much.
~ Seb
Dear Sarah & Robyn,
I just would like to thank you for all your assistance and support with the process of getting our visas approved.
I recommend your work to anyone with great praise and respect. Without your assistance Lizanne and I would have been stranded and would not have known where to start.
You are the most enthusiastic and driven team I have come across in a long time with your passion, dedication and the willingness to assist where possible.
My wife and I cannot thank you enough.
~ Barend Swanepoel
Ready to make your emigration easier?
If you are, please book an initial assessment with us. This initial assessment is free and non-obligatory. Following the outcome, you’ll know if you’re eligible to immigrate to New Zealand.
From this point, our immigration advisers will guide you through the application process, providing support and knowledge every step of the way.
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- Published in Immigration Advice, Our very latest posts
What is the New Zealand Expression of Interest?
There are many parts to 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.
What is the Expression of Interest?
The Expression of Interest is the manner in which an applicant indicates their interest in applying for a Skilled Migrant visa.
What is the New Zealand Expression of Interest made up of?
Your EOI’s purpose is to indicate your suitability for a Skilled Migrant visa to INZ. For this reason, your EOI will include information relating to your:
- Health
- Character
- Age
- English language ability
Your EOI will also include information on the factors that’ll earn you points on your assessment.
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 a points-based assessment. You’ll have to score 100 points or more to move ahead with the application process.
Step 3:
If you’ve scored enough points, you’ll now submit your Expression of Interest.
Step 4:
Invitation to Apply, if you’re EOI was successful.
What happens after the EOI is submitted?
One of two things can happen once you’ve submitted your EOI:
- Your score is 160 or more: Your EOI is accepted and you receive an Invitation to Apply for a Skilled Migrant visa.
- Your score between 100 and 159 points: Your EOI is accepted, but you’ll have secure a job offer in order to receive an Invitation to Apply.
Of course, if your EOI does not meet the criteria, it won’t be accepted and you won’t receive an Invitation to Apply. In this case, you’ll have to consider an Essential Skills Work Visa.
Are there fees involved in the EOI?
Submitting an Expression of Interest does incur a fee from Immigration New Zealand. You can view the tariffs here. Keep in mind also that registered immigration advisors may charge you an additional fee to submit your EOI.
How long does my EOI stay in the pool?
An EOI is valid for 6 months. If you have not been selected from the pool of applicants in this time then you will need to reapply.
Do you have more questions?
Please feel free to contact us should you have any other questions about the New Zealand Expression of Interest. You can either call us on +27 (0) 11 123 4274 or +27 (0) 21 424 2460 or email us.
- Published in Our very latest posts, Skilled Migrant Visa
The benefits of emigration to New Zealand
When naming the benefits of emigration to New Zealand, you quickly have a long list!
There almost seems to be no downside to living in the Land of the Long Cloud. It’s safe, it’s friendly and it’s beautiful.
That’s just the start though. Let’s explore the reasons that would motivate any family to immigrate to New Zealand:
Better work-life balance
New Zealanders believe that ‘life is for living’. The proof of this can be found in the fact that New Zealand ranked at the number 2 spot for work-life balance in the 2018 Expat Explorer Survey.
What this means for you is a more relaxed lifestyle with less unnecessary stress. You’ll have time to explore all that New Zealand has to offer and have the opportunity to spend quality time with your family on a daily basis.
Stunning scenery everywhere you look
It’s impossible to discuss the benefits of emigration to New Zealand without mentioning the natural scenery. In New Zealand you can find lush forests, towering mountains, unspoilt beaches, and crystal-clear lakes. The scenes are straight from a postcard!
Friendly people
New Zealanders are renowned for being outgoing and friendly. Many expats are surprised to still find people greeting you on the street, which is a delightful change from just about anywhere else in the world.
One of the safest places in the world
In fact, New Zealand is the second safest country in the world. New Zealand ranked at number 2 in the 2018 Global Peace Index. This spot puts it ahead of countries such as Austria, Portugal and Denmark, which came in at numbers 3 to 5. The number one spot went to Iceland for the 10th year running.
The least corrupt country in the world
New Zealand was ranked first on the 2017 Corruption Perceptions Index. This index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and business people. A scale of 0 to 100 is used, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. New Zealand managed to achieve a score of 89.
World-class education for children
Your children will receive a fantastic education in New Zealand. Here students enjoy focused, personal attention from teachers, with learning being a balance of practical and theoretical learning.
Classrooms are equipped with computers, internet and other technology. Schools also have plenty of room for outdoor play and sport. Cultural activities are also catered for.
In 2015, the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reviewed the reading ability, maths skills and science levels of school children from around the world. The average student in New Zealand scored 506 in reading literacy, maths and sciences, which was above the OECD average of 486.
Superior standards of living
New Zealand cities consistently scores high in Mercer’s annual Quality of Living Survey. In 2018, Auckland and Wellington were the 3rd and 15th best cities in the worlds for quality of living.
New Zealand’s performance is attributed mainly to its natural environment and great climate, stable political and social environment, and good medical and health services.
Second-best global destination for expats
New Zealand continues to rank high on global indexes. This time it’s the 2018 Expat Explorer Survey where New Zealand achieved the second spot on the league table. This means New Zealand is the second best country in the world for expats – as voted by expats.
Expats are quizzed on their experiences in their new country using three themes – experience, economics and family. Experience includes criteria such as healthcare and integration, while economics and family respectively includes criteria such as personal finances and job security, and social life and school quality.
Children have the freedom to be children
Children can enjoy the great outdoors, explore to their heart’s content and walk to school in New Zealand. This is one of the greatest benefits about emigration to New Zealand!
Here’s is Sam and Katy Smith’s story, who chose to raise their children in New Zealand:
Ready to experience the benefits of emigration to New Zealand for yourself?
The best place to start is an immigration assessment. Our initial assessment is free and non-obligatory. You can book it online right now.
Once this assessment is done you’ll know if any migration pathways are open to you. Our consultants will discuss your options and the best way forward.
You have nothing to lose, so what are you waiting for?
- Published in About New Zealand, Our very latest posts