New Zealand’s Skilled Migration Category (SMC) allows people with the skills
and qualifications that New Zealand needs to get residence. Applicants are scored against a points-based system and entered into a pool of potential migrants. An Expression of Interest (EOI) can be submitted to enter the selection pool. Applicants are chosen from a pool every two weeks and selected for an invitation to apply for migration. The points system is based on factors such as age, work experience, qualifications, and an offer of skilled employment. The applicant must also be aged 55 or under, and meet English language, health, and character requirements. Points system Applicants with an EOI of 140 points or over will be selected automatically for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Applicants with 100-135 points are able to submit an EOI to enter the pool but it may not be selected. In this range, the required number of points to qualify for migration varies each fortnightly selection depending on demand. Applicants are more likely to be successful if they have:
• A job or job offer for skilled employment, or
• Work experience in an area of absolute skill shortage.
The skills and qualifications of a partner/spouse can also add to the points acquired.