The information you need to know about making a visa application for New Zealand. From explanations of common immigration concepts to explanations of the application process.
4 Tips to help you prepare for your English test
If there’s one part of the immigration process that many people underestimate, it’s the English language test.
“But I can speak English, it won’t be a problem”, we hear you say.
This may be the case, but can you speak English to the level Immigration New Zealand requires? How’s your spelling and grammar? And when was the last time you were subjected to the nail-biting anxiety of having to complete a test in a certain time?
Your English language test score is an important part of your visa application. It could even mean the difference between being able to submit a visa application or not. Won’t you want to be as prepared as can be?
Tip 1: Understand the test format
The most common English language tests are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic).
Both of these tests consist of four parts:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
In turn, each part consists of a set of questions and tasks. Familiarising yourself with all the parts, questions and tasks will prepare you for what’s coming on test day. Going in blind is setting yourself up for failure!
Let’s give you the Reading section of the IELTS as an example:
The Reading section consists of 40 questions and you have 60 minutes to answer them. You’ll get tested on a wide range of reading skills which include:
- Reading for gist, main ideas and detail
- Skimming
- Understanding logical argument
- Recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose
The reading material will come from materials you are likely to encounter on daily basis in an English-speaking environment such as extracts from books, magazines, company handbooks, and advertisements.
When it comes to the questions, you can expect a variety of questions ranging from multiple choice to summary completion and matching features.
And while this may be the reading part of your English language test, you’ll be penalized for poor spelling and grammar!
Can you already see why it’s important to prepare for your English test?
Tip 2: Practice with sample tests
Completing sample test materials will help to prepare you for the test in a big way! You’ll be able to:
- Familiarise yourself with the test format
- Experience the types of tasks you’ll be asked to do
- Test yourself under timed conditions
- Review your answers and compare them with model answers
This is like the tests that came before the big end-of-year exams at school. Do you think you would’ve done half as good in the exam if you didn’t write the tests beforehand?
Both IELTS and Pearson have sample tests available on their websites, and you download it here and here.
Tip 3: Consider working with an English language teacher
You don’t have to prepare for this important test on your own! You are allowed to work with an English language test teacher.
Most teachers work with you over Skype but there also teachers who’ll meet up face-to-face. The content of the session and the support provided also range from one teacher to the next.
In general though you can expect English language teachers to introduce you to the test format, take you through sample tests, give feedback, and focus on your developmental areas. Some teachers also provide you with learning materials and ebooks.
Intergate has a list of English language teachers we recommend and you can access this list if you’re a client of ours. If you haven’t asked us for this list yet, do so today.
Tip 4: Know what to expect on test day
Cast your mind back to those important end-of-year exams at school. Remember how you had to be seated at a certain time? Remember that you had have at least two pens, a ruler and a pencil?
The English language test environment is similar. You’ll obviously have to be on time, but there are in fact also items to bring to the exam. One such item is a means of identification.
If you’re an Intergate Emigration client, your advisor will be able to advise you on exactly what to expect on test day. Alternatively, you can chat to your English language teacher who’ll also be able to guide you.
In summary…
This is not ‘just’ an English test.
Your English language test score counts towards your overall points score which determine whether or not you can live and work in New Zealand. Scoring well is thus important if you want to boost your chances of immigrating.
If you don’t prepare you’re potentially setting yourself up for failure – and we’re sure that’s not what you want to do.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice, Your Visa Application
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.
This is the only way to get an accurate immigration points score…
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 advisor, you are welcome to book a consultation call.. Our licensed advisor can assess your eligibility, advise on your visa options, and guide you through your visa application.
- Published in Working in New Zealand, Your Visa Application
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 other visa options that allow you to work in New Zealand.
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) 21 202 8200 or book a consultation call.
- Published in Working in New Zealand, Your Visa Application
Yes, you might need to do an English language test
It’s natural to ask friends who’s already gone through the immigration process for advice. But just because your friend didn’t do an English language test when applying for a skilled migrant visa, doesn’t mean you won’t have to.
Here’s why we say this…
Of course immigration happens according to set rules and regulations, but you and your friend enter the process as individuals.
Let’s take your individual points scores as an example – you might have a recognized level 7 to 8 qualification while your friend has a recognized level 4 to 6 qualification. This means you’ll have different points scores.
In the same way, your individual circumstances means the difference between sitting an English language test or not.
Here’s how to know if you should sit an English language test
Unless you, as the principal applicant, can provide evidence of any of the below, you’ll have to sit an English language test.
- Citizenship of Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, provided you have spent at least five years in working or studying in one or more of these countries or Australia or New Zealand; or
- A recognized qualification comparable to a New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree and gained in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America as a result of study undertaken for at least two academic years in one or more of these countries; or
- A recognized qualification comparable to a New Zealand qualification at level 8 or above and gained in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America as a result of study undertaken for at least one academic year in one or more of these countries.
Call us if you want to find out more
If the requirements above have shown that you may have to do an English language test, please feel free to book a consultation call to discuss it in more detail.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice, Your Visa Application
Application for a skilled migrant Visa for New Zealand
Are you considering whether to make an Application for a skilled migrant Visa for New Zealand?
If so you might be wondering where to start?
What type of application for a skilled migrant visa for New Zealand you would qualify for?
What the process is?
and many more questions……
Below take a look at making an application for a skilled migrant visa for New Zealand and answer some of the questions that you may have. If you prefer to speak to a human being about your situation:
- Call us on +27 (0) 21 202 8200 (SA).
- Contact us via email.
Who can make an application for a skilled migrant Visa for New Zealand?
In order to be eligible for residence under the skilled migrant’s category, you should meet the following basic criteria:
- Be under 55 year of age.
- Meet the health requirements.
- Be of good character.
- Prove acceptable English language standards.
- Have an occupation that is in demand.
If you can meet the basic criteria then we proceed to the next step which is a points based assessment.
The Points Based Assessment
The most important thing to understand in the process is that it all starts with an assessment. This will show you the points score you can achieve. Most importantly it will lead you to make decisions on what application for a skilled migrant visa for New Zealand suits your circumstances. It is often the case that an application for a skilled migrant visa for New Zealand cannot be made straight away and another visa is required first.
In terms of the points system there will be two inevitable outcomes:
- You won’t qualify for a skills migrant visa (under 100 points)
- You will qualify to submit an EOI- expression of interest for a skilled migrant’s visa
Expression of Interest(EOI)
An EOI refers to an expression of interest and it is your second step in making an application for a skilled migrant Visa for New Zealand. It is submitted together with your points score to the authorities in New Zealand.
Should you score within their chosen parameters then you may be selected to receive an invitation to apply.
Invitation to apply
If you receive an invitation to apply it does not guarantee you a visa. It invites you to make a formal application which in essence confirms your assessment and expression of interest as being correct. Hence why the assessment is so important.
How do you assess if you should make an application for a skilled migrant visa for New Zealand?
The good news is that New Zealand is unique in that it needs to attract skilled migrants. In fact the GDP of New Zealand would suffer severely should it not have sufficient skilled migrants to join in the work force. The three year target which New Zealand needs to attract is currently on 150,000.
The statistics as it currently stands is that one out of four people living in New Zealand are actually immigrants. There is no reason that one of these immigrants couldn’t be you.
……So moving forward
One of the best ways to see if you should apply for a skilled migrant visa is to take an assessment first. It is going to be within your best interests to first gain an indication of whether you will qualify, or not, prior to investing your time and money.
One of our licensed immigration advisors will be able to assist you in the assessment process. And provide you with a written, formal comprehensive report as to your options.
…….Important
Always bear in mind: According to the law, anybody who provides advice with regard to immigration to New Zealand is required to be licensed by the Immigration Advisor’s Authority, unless they are exempt.
Find if you qualify for a Skilled Migrant Visa of New Zealand
Book a consultation call to find out if you meet the requirements to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
You’ll also discover how the application process works and what the costs and timelines are.
Our licensed advisors are registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand, so you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.
- Published in Working in New Zealand, Your Visa Application
How to apply for a New Zealand Work Visa
By far the most popular category of immigration to New Zealand is the work visa. If you are interested in migrating to New Zealand the below article is all about how to apply for a New Zealand Work Visa.
We look at some of the basic steps you will need to take and how to start your journey to obtaining a work visa for New Zealand.
So what is the starting point in applying for a New Zealand Work visa?
There some very basic criteria that you need to meet in order to make an application for a New Zealand work visa.
Can you answer “yes” to the below questions:
- Are you under the age of 55?
- Is your English language ability good?
- Are you healthy and of good character?
If you can say “yes” to all of these then move on to the next step – Are you on the New Zealand Skilled Occupation lists?
The skilled occupations lists
When issuing work visas to New Zealand, as in most countries, balances the need to attract skilled migrants with occupations that are difficult to fill from the local labor force. To this end they publish skilled occupation lists.
To see if your occupation is on the New Zealand Skilled Shortage list you can visit a here.
If it is then it’s on to the next step in how to apply for your New Zealand Work Visa.
Getting assessed prior to making an application for a New Zealand Work Visa
Perhaps the most important step in your work visa application for New Zealand. Getting correctly assessed means:
- Not missing any opportunity that may qualify you for a work visa;
- Not wasting time and money when it unlikely that any expression of interest will result in an invitation to apply.
What is an assessment?
General skilled migration is based upon a points system. Applicants are judged against certain criteria such as qualifications and experience those results in a points score.
It is this point’s score that will dictate whether you qualify to make an expression of interest.
How many points must you get to apply for an expression of interest?
You need to obtain a score of at least 100 points. That said, scores at this level are rarely selected from the expression of interest pool and invited to apply for a work visa unless they have a job offer.
140 points scored means you will be selected.
What happens if you score between 100 and 140 points?
In this instance a conversation is needed as to the merits of submitting an expression of interest or whether to not. At Intergate Emigration we view each case on its merits and give you the information you require to make an informed decision.
If you score 140 points?
You will receive an invitation to apply.
This application will be time bound and in essence it is proving everything you submitted with your expression of interest and assessment. Deviations from the application and expression of interest assessment could well result in you being turned down.
Find if you qualify for a work visa of New Zealand
Book a consultation call with Sarah Hewitt, our licensed advisor, and you’ll find out if you meet the requirements to apply for a work visa
You’ll also discover how the application process works and what the costs and timelines are.
Our licensed advisor is registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand, so you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.
- Published in Working in New Zealand, Your Visa Application
New Zealand Migration Points
Many of the visa options for emigration to New Zealand require you to be assessed against point’s criteria to ascertain if you qualify. A good example of where New Zealand migration points are used for such an assessment is the skilled migrant category.
The below article is a must read for those seeking emigration to New Zealand as we unpack the need to knows with regards to the New Zealand migration points.
Top 10 things you need to know about New Zealand Migration Points
1. Check your age
Depending on the visa category that you will be applying for New Zealand has imposed age limits as to the whom may apply. A typical example of this is the skilled migration category for those who wish to secure a work for New Zealand.
In this case you need to be under the age of 55.
2. How is your English?
Your English language needs to be of a sufficient standard.
The sufficient standard does vary according again to the visa category you are applying for. As example General skilled migration requires you to have an average IELTS score of 6.5 and a business visa less with either a 3 or 4 (depending on the investor class).
3. How is your health?
Generally, any application will not be approved where applicants for residence in New Zealand have or need the following:
• dialysis treatment
• tuberculosis (TB)
• severe haemophilia
• A physical, intellectual, cognitive and/or sensory incapacity that requires full-time care, including care in the community.
You can read more on the health requirements here.
4. Are you of good character?
All residency applications are judged against good character criteria, in essence looking at a history you may have of crimes and offences. Read more on this here.
5. We are back to age
You can be awarded many New Zealand Migration Points simply be being the right age. The most you can be awarded is 30 points for being between 20 and 29. Thereafter there is a sliding scale down to as little as 5 points if you are between 50 and 55.
6. Close family
Should you have close family in New Zealand you can be awarded an extra 10 points. Your New Zealand family member must be your or your partner’s adult brother or sister, adult child, or parent living in New Zealand. They must be a resident or citizen of New Zealand and New Zealand must be their primary place of residence.
7. Skilled employment
Having a job offer makes a huge difference and you be awarded 50 points. If you are already in employment in New Zealand you are also awarded either 50 or 60 points depending on how long you have been in employ.
8. Work experience
The more experience you have in your nominated occupation the more points you get awarded. You can receive up to 30 New Zealand Migration Points if you have 10 years experience. Points are thereafter warded on a sliding scale down to10 points where the applicant has just 2 years experience.
9. Qualifications
Under qualifications a massive 60 New Zealand Migration Points are awarded to those with a recognised level 9 or 10 post-graduate qualification (master’s degree, doctorate).
The least New Zealand Migration Points awarded is 40 points for applicants with a recognised level 4-6 qualification (e.g. trade qualification, diploma).
10. Bonus points
Crucial to many applicants reaching the desired level of points to make an expression of interest (100 plus) is the correct claiming of bonus points.
As an example, bonus points under skilled employment can be awarded under the following situations:
• 10 points: for being employed in work that has been identified as a future growth area
• 10 points: for being employed in work in an area of absolute skills shortage
• 10 points: if you are employed in work in a region outside Auckland
• 20 points: if your partner also has a skilled job or job offer
Further bonus points can be claimed under qualifications, work experience and areas identified as future growth areas.
New Zealand Migration Points – Summary
The New Zealand Migration Points system can be confusing, or perhaps worse still look deceivingly simple. What cannot be argued is that it is the foundation stone of any planned migration to New Zealand. Put simply it needs to be done correctly and preferably by a licensed immigration agent. Mistakes can result in missed opportunity and subsequent rejections of applications.
Don’t miss out on your chance to emigrate to New Zealand by not getting your New Zealand Migration Points correct.
Find if you qualify for to immigrate to New Zealand
Book a consultation call with Sarah Hewitt, our licensed advisor, and you’ll find out if you meet the requirements to move to New Zealand.
You’ll also discover how the application process works and what the costs and timelines are.
Our licensed advisor is registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand, so you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.
- Published in Working in New Zealand, Your Visa Application
Immigration New Zealand Student Visa
Choosing to study in New Zealand is an excellent decision to make. New Zealand is home to some of the top universities in the world. In order to study in New Zealand you will need to meet specific visa requirements.
If your main purpose for coming to New Zealand is to study then an Immigration New Zealand student visa is the route to go. Unless you are a citizen of Australia, a holder of a New Zealand residence class visa or a holder of a current Australian permanent resident, you will need to apply for a student visa.
What do I do if I want to study in New Zealand?
Before you apply to study in New Zealand, it is important to understand that in order to obtain a student visa, the education provider which you intend to study with, needs to be fully registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
You will need to apply to study here.
Is applying for a New Zealand student visa right for me?
If you want to study in New Zealand, for a set period of time at a certain university then choosing to apply for a student visa may be the right move for you.
Once you obtain your student visa for New Zealand, you will be able to study as a full time student. It is important to understand from the “get go” that as a full time student studying in New Zealand, on a student visa, you will only be allowed to work for up to twenty hours a week.
Although you will be allowed to work full time during holiday times. If you are a PhD or masters research student, there will be no restrictions.
Additional information
• You will be entitled to stay in New Zealand for a period of up to four years on a student visa.
• There are currently three methods used by Immigration New Zealand, in order to determine the length of your particular stay.
• There are certain requirements you will need to meet, in order to obtain a student visa for New Zealand.
• You will need to have current medical and travel insurance for the duration of time you will be studying in New Zealand.
I want to study in New Zealand
If you want to study in New Zealand and explore the option of obtaining a student visa, then please book a consultation call. Our licensed advisor can determine if you meet the student visa requirements and advise on the best way forward.
- Published in Your Visa Application
The New Zealand Immigration Process
If your dream is to start a new life in New Zealand with your family and pets, here is some good news – this is possible!
Many people just like you have successfully immigrated to New Zealand and are now enjoying a wonderful life.
In order to be successful is it going to be worth your while to learn more about the New Zealand immigration process.
The New Zealand immigration process
The truth of the matter is that applications for New Zealand can be rejected. The application process is extremely strict. Not only can applications get delayed but they can also get refused based on tiny technicalities.
This is why it is important to understand the New Zealand immigration process fully before impulsively trying to rush through things.
The first step in the New Zealand immigration process
Too many people end up spending vast amounts of time, energy and money, only to discover that they do not even qualify for New Zealand immigration. One of the reasons that this occurs is because they did not start at the beginning of the process.
The first step in the New Zealand immigration process should always be to obtain a comprehensive assessment by a reputable and licensed immigration agent for New Zealand immigration. This will be able to help you determine if you do or do not qualify and you can take it from there.
Which visa should I apply for?
There are different visa options for New Zealand immigration. The option which is best for you is dependent upon your unique situation and circumstances.
The visa options which may be best for you and your family may be different to that of other people that you know who have successfully immigrated to New Zealand.
Many factors need to be taken into account. This is one of the many reasons why it is highly recommendable that you make use of a fully licensed immigration agent for New Zealand.
A licensed immigration agent will explain everything to you and will be able to assist you thoroughly through the process.
I want to start the New Zealand immigration process
Should you wish to begin your journey to New Zealand, then the best place to start is by booking a consultation call.
You’ll find out if you meet the requirements to move to New Zealand, discover how the application process works, and see what the costs and timelines are.
Our licensed advisor is registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand, so you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice, Your Visa Application
Recent Changes to the New Zealand Emigration Process
There has been a lot of press, Facebook talk and, to be honest, misinformation regarding the recent changes to the New Zealand emigration process.
So below we give you the lowdown on what exactly this could mean for you and your plans:
The Expression of Interest
The 100 points required to make an Expression of Interest application has not changed. In reality, even if a person scored between 100 and 140 points, their Expression of Interest was not going to get selected unless they had a job offer.
Automatic selection of your Expression of Interest
From a level of 140 points, even without a job offer, applicants would previously have been selected and issued with an invitation to apply. Those scoring between 100 and 139 points with a job offer would also have been selected.
This has changed – applicants will now need 160 points to receive an invitation to apply. This applies whether you have a job offer or not.
Proof of English
All applicants apart from the below will now need an English language test:
- Citizenship of Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, provided the applicant has spent at least five years in work or education in one or more of these countries or Australia or New Zealand; or
- A recognised qualification comparable to a New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree, gained in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America as a result of study undertaken for at least two academic years in one or more of those countries; or
- A recognised qualification comparable to a New Zealand qualification at level 8 or above, gained in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America as a result of study undertaken for at least one academic year in one or more of those countries.
Background
Without lurching into politics, the reality is that INZ want to keep a hold on the number of migrants that are obtaining residency via the skilled migrant scheme. One can also ascertain that INZ want to ensure that those who do obtain residency have a suitable position in place in which to work (and of course then pay taxes and contribute to the New Zealand economy).
This pressure has been brought about by the number of migrants securing residency in New Zealand. Further pressure is being applied by the labour government for work visas. When Minister of Immigration, Michael Woodhouse, was asked how many of the 209,000 work visas issued last year were for occupations on the Essential Skills in Demand list, the answer was around 8% only.
What difference has this made to your approach for New Zealand migration?
New Zealand need migrants and have many areas with skill shortages. This means New Zealand still need to attract foreigners to fill certain positions – and it still wants to.
As we have said time and again though, New Zealand want to attract the right sort of foreigners. Primarily this would be those on the Essential Skills in Demand list. This is the long term skilled shortage list and immediate skilled shortage list.
We have always advocated a step-by-step approach in our migration advice – one that gives you the facts, a clear way forward if one exists, one that explains the risks you may encounter and minimizes your financial risk. We are also very aware of the fact that our role is to remove as many obstacles as possible for you to secure employment in New Zealand.
Hopping on a plane to New Zealand and hoping for the best is not the way to go – it’s expensive and a bit like making a cake for the first time with no recipe to follow!
Sending out your CV to all and sundry rarely works either.
Immigrating to New Zealand is a process and as such you need to enter into it determined and with your eyes wide open.
In summary you should always follow the below steps:
- Get formally assessed by a licensed immigration agent. This will include your points score and migration pathway. It’s the least expensive and most important part of the migration process.
- Look at what formalities need to be taken care of, such as NZQA’s, professional or trade registrations and English language tests.
- Get a job support and migration pack from your licensed agent.
- Be prepared to go to New Zealand to job hunt for a few weeks at least – on the correct Look, Search and Decide visa (not a tourist one).
Find if you qualify for to immigrate to New Zealand
Book a consultation call to find out if you meet the requirements to move to New Zealand.
You’ll also discover how the application process works and what the costs and timelines are.
Our licensed advisors are registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand, so you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice, News, Your Visa Application
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