Everything You Need to Know About the Skilled Migrant Visa

New Zealand has a rapidly growing economy with tons of opportunities for skilled professionals. The great work-life balance and a safe environment to live makes it the perfect place for people looking to work in the country. New Zealand Skilled migrant visa is a type of work visa that individuals with relevant skills require if they wish to reside there. However, you don’t directly apply for this visa, instead you need to submit an Expression of Interest stating your qualifications, work experience and employment details in New Zealand.

What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

An Expression of Interest is an opportunity for you wherein you can showcase your interests and skills. This should be provided to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) by filling up the EOI form. An EOI is valid for 6 months from the date of submission.

After you submit the EOI NZ form for the skilled worker visa, you will be given points based on your expression. Your EOI will be selected if you score at least 160 points. When selected, you will receive “Application for residence under the skilled migrant category form”.

New Zealand Immigration will then evaluate your application and decide if they will give you a visa. You can track your application on the website however this process can take up to 6 months.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Migrant Work Visa:

• Your age cannot be more than 55 years.

• You must know English.

• Your qualifications must be recognized.

• Your current employment or offer of employment must be skilled.

• Your work ex must be skilled.

• You must take care of the health & character requirements.

• You must provide an Expression of Interest before applying for the visa.

• You cannot apply for this visa if you are self-employed.
  

Jobs in demand in New Zealand

• There are a lot of jobs for which New Zealand has been actively seeking participants. Let us know them below:

• Registered nurses

• General practitioners

• Teachers and educators

• ICT, electronics, and communications professionals

• Electricians and plumbers

• Surveyors

• Civil engineers

• Psychology, counselling, and social work

Conclusion

Once you’ve obtained the visa to do Skilled Work in New Zealand, you must take up the job within three months of your arrival in the country. You are also required to do that job for a minimum of three months till up to one year in some cases. If you wish to travel in and out of New Zealand, then you must apply for a permanent resident visa.