Type: New Zealand

Skilled Migration to New Zealand

Migration to a new country opens up exciting opportunities for individuals seeking personal growth and professional development. One such destination that has gained popularity among skilled professionals is New Zealand. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and a strong economy, New Zealand offers a promising environment for those looking to enhance their careers and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. In this article, we will explore the process and benefits of skilled migration to New Zealand.

Benefits of Skilled Migration to New Zealand

Skilled migration to New Zealand brings numerous benefits, both for individuals and the country as a whole. Firstly, it contributes to the economic growth of New Zealand. Skilled migrants fill gaps in the local labor market, addressing skill shortages in sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and construction. By attracting talent from around the world, New Zealand can foster innovation and competitiveness, boosting productivity and creating job opportunities for its residents.

Additionally, skilled migration enhances cultural diversity in New Zealand. The influx of professionals from various backgrounds enriches the country’s social fabric, promoting cultural understanding and tolerance. This diversity creates a vibrant and inclusive society that values different perspectives and experiences, ultimately strengthening the nation’s identity.

Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Migration

To be eligible for skilled migration to New Zealand, individuals must meet certain criteria. The country operates on a points-based system, where applicants accumulate points based on factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, and job offers. The higher the points, the more likely an applicant will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a resident visa.

Moreover, the New Zealand government maintains a skill shortages list, which highlights occupations in high demand. Having skills and qualifications aligned with the shortages list increases an individual’s chances of successfully immigrating to New Zealand. Additionally, proficiency in the English language is essential, as it demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively in the workplace and the community.

Steps to Apply for Skilled Migration to New Zealand

The application process for skilled migration involves several key steps. First, individuals must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the official New Zealand immigration system. The EOI provides information about the applicant’s skills, qualifications, work experience, and other relevant details. Based on the points accumulated, eligible candidates may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a resident visa.

Once an ITA is received, applicants need to gather all the required documents and submit a complete application. This includes evidence of qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and health and character assessments. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

Skilled Occupation List and Shortage Areas in New Zealand

New Zealand maintains a Skilled Occupation List that outlines occupations experiencing shortages within the country. The list is periodically updated to reflect the changing demands of the labor market. Occupations such as healthcare professionals, IT specialists, engineers, tradespeople, and teachers are often in high demand. Additionally, certain regions within New Zealand may have specific skill shortages, offering unique opportunities for migrants with relevant expertise.

Recognized Qualifications and Work Experience

When applying for skilled migration to New Zealand, overseas qualifications and work experience must be assessed to ensure their relevance and compatibility with local standards. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) evaluates overseas qualifications, providing an equivalent level on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). Similarly, work experience is evaluated to determine its relevance and alignment with local industry requirements.

Integration and Settlement Support for Skilled Migrants

New Zealand recognizes the importance of supporting skilled migrants in their integration and settlement process. Various settlement services are available to assist newcomers in adapting to their new environment. These services may include language courses, employment support, information on housing and healthcare, and guidance on accessing community networks. Such support aims to facilitate a smooth transition and enable migrants to establish a fulfilling life in New Zealand.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Skilled migrants who meet the eligibility criteria can pursue permanent residency in New Zealand. Permanent residency grants individuals the right to live, work, and study indefinitely in the country. After living in New Zealand for a certain period and fulfilling additional requirements, migrants can also apply for New Zealand citizenship. Becoming a citizen offers additional benefits, including the ability to participate in elections and access a wider range of social services.

Challenges and Considerations for Skilled Migrants

While skilled migration to New Zealand presents exciting opportunities, it is essential to consider the challenges that may arise. Cultural adaptation can be a significant aspect to navigate, as migrants adjust to a new way of life, social norms, and customs. Additionally, the cost of living and housing market dynamics should be carefully evaluated, particularly in high-demand areas such as Auckland and Wellington. Adequate research and planning can help migrants overcome these challenges and make informed decisions.

BUSINESS MIGRATION NZ

Are you a business person wanting to live and work in New Zealand? This pathway allows you and your family members to come to New Zealand and ultimately apply for citizenship.

Entrepreneur Visa

Business Migration to New Zealand – Entrepreneur Visa

If you are an experienced business person looking to migrate to New Zealand, you should consider the Entrepreneur visa as your pathway to the country. With this visa, you can bring your business skills and operations over to New Zealand, and obtain permanent residency in the country!

What is an Entrepreneur Visa?

New Zealand’s Entrepreneur visa is a 36-month business migration visa which lets experienced business people and entrepreneurs work in their own business in the country. With this visa, you can move to New Zealand to buy or establish your business, and obtaining the Entrepreneur visa is your first step towards permanent residency in New Zealand!

This visa is structured in two stages: Start-up stage and Balance stage.

Start-up stage

In this stage, you will be given an initial 12-month visa to buy or establish your business in New Zealand.

Balance stage

This stage is for you to show the New Zealand government that you have taken the necessary steps to establish your business in New Zealand. Once you’ve done this, you will be granted the remaining 24 months of your Entrepreneur visa.

What are the eligibility factors?

To qualify for the Entrepreneur visa, you must:

• Provide a detailed business plan;
• Be able to invest at least NZ $100,000 in your business (excluding working capital);
• Score at least 120 points on the New Zealand points scale (based on factors such as the likelihood of the business being successful);
• Have a clean recent history of business failure, bankruptcy and fraud;
• Meet the health, character and English Language requirements.

You should also note that if your business is in the science or ICT sectors and shows admirable innovation or export potential, the NZ $100,000 capital investment requirement might be waived!

What happens after I obtain the Entrepreneur visa?

Once your visa application gets the green light, you will be granted a 12-month residence in the start-up stage of your Entrepreneur visa. During this time, you can come to New Zealand – along with your partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger – and buy or establish your business in the country.

Once you have set up your business, you will be granted the remaining 24 months of the Entrepreneur visa in the balance stage.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

Based on the progress of your business, you can go on to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand!

There are two pathways to permanent residency in New Zealand:

Entrepreneur Residence Category (2 years)

You can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand if you are self-employed in your purchased or established business in the country for at least two years. Your business must also have significantly benefitted New Zealand.

Entrepreneur Residence Category (6 monssths)

This is essentially a fast-track to permanent residency in New Zealand. You can apply under this category if you invest at least NZ $500,000 in your business, and create at least three new full-time jobs for New Zealand citizens or residents.

Who can help me with applying for the Entrepreneur visa?

For professional immigration services regarding business migration to New Zealand, get in touch with eduaid! Our friendly and dedicated immigration consultants are licensed by the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority and are officially recognised by the New Zealand government! We will guide you through the entire Entrepreneur visa application process, and bring you one step closer to permanently immigrating to New Zealand!

Visit our offices, or call our immigration consultants for more information!

 

Skilled Visa

In a country growing as quickly as New Zealand, there is an ongoing need for highly skilled and educated workers. As a way of encouraging skilled migrants to make New Zealand their new long term home and place of employment, New Zealand has streamlined the application and acceptance procedures for individuals and families that meet the criteria of the Skilled Migrant Category.

To be eligible under the Skilled Migrant Category, you must be between 20 and 55 years of age, meet all health and character requirements, and be proficient in the English language. The process takes four steps, outlined here:

 

Submit an Expression of Interest

 

The first step in applying for a Skilled Migrant visa is submitting what is called an Expression of Interest (EOI). This form determines your suitability in two main areas – general background information and the Skilled Migrant point system – and you will claim points for skills, work experience and other factors.

It is recommended that candidates submit their applications online – it’s cheaper, credit card payments can be made securely, and you will be notified as soon as your EOI has been entered into the pool.

The first section requires standard immigration information designed to help Immigration New Zealand ensure that you (and any members of your family who may accompany you) are in good health, of good character and that you don’t present a security risk.

The EOI pool draw

When you send in your EOI it will only be entered into the selection pool if you have a job offer or your points total 100 or more. Applicants with 140 or more points are selected automatically to apply. If there are places remaining, Immigration New Zealand will select as many additional applicants with points of 100 or more as possible during the fortnightly selection.

Your partner and children may be included on your EOI form. All information on your Expression of Interest will be verified at this stage; any deliberate omission or misinformation will result in a denial, so be sure the information you provide is accurate.

The more training and qualifications you can prove, the more points you will be awarded, including on-the-job experience. If you are a qualified worker in one of New Zealand’s areas of skill shortage, and if you have a job offer or are already working in New Zealand, more points will be added to your score.

If you are considered a suitable candidate for a visa based on the EOI criteria, you will be sent an invitation to apply, at which stage you will be required to provide evidence of the claims made in your EOI.

Your invitation to apply

If you are selected from the EOI pool, you will be sent an official invitation to apply (ITA). At this stage you will have to show proof of all claims made in your EOI, including medical and police checks, proof of English language proficiency, and documentation regarding your skills, education and experience.

The application package you receive will include the information you provided it your EOI. It is your responsibility at this stage to verify the accuracy of the information and provide supporting documentation.

NB: The date that you make your SMC residence application with Immigration New Zealand determines the policy that your application will be assessed against. Therefore, the policy that was current when you submitted your EOI, or current when your EOI was selected from the pool, is not necessarily the policy that your SMC residence application will be assessed against.

Assessment and Approval

Once your application has been received, you will be assessed for New Zealand residence. In addition to verifying that you meet all requirements, you will also be assessed on your anticipated ability to settle successfully in New Zealand. At this stage, some candidates may be required to undergo an interview.

If you meet the criteria, and you are believed to have the characteristics to settle in and contribute to New Zealand, you will be offered a residence visa or permit. Some candidates will receive a work to residence permit, instead, which will give them nine months to obtain employment, at which time their ability to contribute will have been verified and residence will be approved.

NZ Citizen Family Relationship Visa

The New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) visa (subclass 461) allows a non-New Zealand citizen to stay in Australia with a family member who is a New Zealand citizen.

How do I get this visa?

To be granted this visa, you must:

• Not be a New Zealand citizen.
• Be a family member of a New Zealand citizen.
• Meet the Australian government’s health and character requirements.
• Not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government, and have arranged to repay any debts you might have.

Are there any other conditions?

The family member you will live with must be a citizen of New Zealand, but not an Eligible New Zealand citizen. They must also live with – or be eligible to accompany you with – a Special Category visa (subclass 444) in Australia.

How do I apply for this visa?

To apply for this visa, you are required to complete Form 147 – Application for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa. You should attach all necessary documents along with the visa form, and lodge your application to the Department of Home Affairs by post or courier.

Contact eduaid for more information on how to prepare and successfully lodge a visa application for migrating to Australia!

What are the features and benefits of this visa?

With this visa, you can:

• Work in Australia.
• Study in Australia.
• Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.

You can also include your or your partner’s child/step-child in your visa application, who will be given the same benefits as you if granted the visa.