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Enhancements to the Skilled Migrant Category

Skilled and talented potential migrants will have a greater chance of their skills being recognised as a result of upcoming enhancements to the Skilled Migrant Category. Also, applicants with close family members in New Zealand will be able to gain bonus points. This recognises that family support enhances prospects for employability and settlement.

Immigration Minister, Hon Paul Swain, announced a number of key changes to the policy, which will take effect in December. These changes are designed to make the Skilled Migrant Category more responsive to the needs of the labour market:

  • The points allocated to qualifications, work experience and skilled employment in the areas of absolute skill shortage, such as radiologists and automotive mechanics, will increase by five points.
  • The definition of skilled employment has been clarified. There is greater recognition of the expertise that individuals have gained through relevant qualifications or previous relevant work experience.
  • Employment can now be regarded as skilled if it requires considerable specialist, technical or managerial expertise and it is relevant to the applicant's recognised qualification, without the need for that job to be listed on the NZSCO. Also, the list of occupations generally regarded as skilled has been expanded.
  • Applicants without a job or a job offer but who have high potential to readily gain skilled employment can be granted permanent residence up front.
  • A wider range of trade qualifications is being recognised, where they meet industry needs. More level four qualifications that meet industry requirements are being recognised. Also, some level three qualifications that meet industry standards in certain occupations, such as bricklaying and electrical servicing, will be recognised and awarded points.
  • Applicants can now gain 10 bonus points if they have a close family member who is in New Zealand and is a New Zealand resident, as long as that close family member supports the application.
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