Immigration to New Zealand

New Zealand has incessantly attracted tourists and settlers, since its discovery. The unique geography and topography and location on the globe, has made New Zealand quite a target immigration option for many. The earlier system was replaced in the year 2004 and the Skilled Migration Scheme was put into force for New Zealand immigration. The new system is referred to as the Skilled Migrant Category or the General Skills system. The overall approach is to ensure the immigration of the highly-skilled into the land. This is directly to target those industrial regions of New Zealand that are currently experiencing the shortage of such skill.
The Skilled Migrant Category or the General Skills system scheme works in two distinct categories. These are:
• Initiating an Expression of Interest in migration
• Invitation to apply for residency

You now need to score 100 points to be able to initiate or lodge an Expression of Interest, the first part of the immigration procedure to New Zealand. Once you are guaranteed selection for application of residence, that too only on scoring a minimum of 140 points or in custody of a job offer from within New Zealand, can you expect the rest of the procedure to follow uneventful.
To be considered as a skilled immigrant, you need to be in good mental and physical health, of sound character, with a reasonable standard of English understanding and well under 56 years of age – and all this after meeting the minimum target of 100 points to be able to lodge an Expression of Interest. There is a calculator for the points that make it easy for you to check if you meet the pre-requisites and minimum point requirement.

The points system is designed to be ranked in order to sift those invitations that offer the most to New Zealand. The point test and values are based on the following criterion:
• Holding an existent offer of skilled employment in New Zealand
• Employment possibilities in the areas of desired growth
• Employment possibilities within the skills shortage areas
• Employment possibilities within certain pre defined clusters
• Employment possibilities outside Auckland
• Work experience and qualifications
• New Zealand based qualifications earned after at least two years of course study
• Age
When you register an expression of interest, you should ideally specify documented details on the well being of your health, character, age and English language ability on the form.
Expressions of Interest are selected periodically on the basis of the following criteria:
• Those with at least 140 points are automatically selected
• Those that have at least 100 points, but less than 140 points and a job offer for skilled employment are selected to meet New Zealand's Immigration Program requirement
If your application is selected, you are invited to apply for residence, to once again determine your ability to settle in New Zealand permanently and successfully. Your qualifications and work experience are fully verified and then your application is approved with the desired Residence Visa or Permit.

About New Zealand Immigration ...

Immigration to New Zealand