Policy Changes

NZIS Policy Changes

The New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) is constantly updating policies and proceedures in line with the NZ Government requirements.

It is important if you are considering moving to New Zealand, to keep up to date with the changes that affect you. To follow are the latest changes. For further information please contact us.

Skilled Migrant Category selection process changes Wednesday, December 21, 2005

The Minister of Immigration today announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category selection process that will give priority to highly skilled migrants and those with jobs or job offers in New Zealand.

Applicants will continue to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for residence and gain points for their skills, qualifications, experience and other indicators of their ability to settle successfully in New Zealand.

Previously, the EOIs were then ranked and applicants meeting the set selection point were selected from the Pool. Since September 2004, the set selection point has remained at 100.

Under the new selection process, highly talented migrants who score 140 points and above on their EOI for residence will automatically be selected from the pool.

Applicants who score between 100 and 140 points and have a New Zealand job or job offer will be ranked and selected in sufficient numbers to meet the New Zealand Immigration Programme numbers for skilled and business migrants.

If enough places are available, other EOIs may be selected on the basis of specific criteria which the Minister of Immigration will set every six months.

Change to period that EOIs remain in the Pool

The period that EOIs remain in the Pool will increase from three months to six months.

Change to work to residence permit period

The period that applicants are granted a work to residence permit has been reduced from two years to six months. A provision has also been included to allow for the grant of a further work permit for a maximum additional period of three months, where the principal applicant has an offer of skilled employment but requires a further work permit to meet the three month requirement.

Additional places for skilled migrants with job offers

Due to high demand for places under the SMC, an additional 3000 places will be available over the next two financial years for skilled migrants with offers of skilled employment. A further 1000 places will be made available to skilled migrants, taken from other immigration categories.