INZ 1101

Expression of Interest
Guide
A guide to help you understand and fill out an Expression of Interest form

Overview of the Skilled migrant

Information about this guide Category
You should read this guide before you
complete the application form. The guide How does the Skilled Migrant Category work?
OFFICE USE ONLY Client no.: Date received: /
gives you information about:
/ Application no.:

INZ 1100

Expression of Interest • how to decide which visa or New Zealand offers many opportunities for skilled migrants,
Form
Skilled Migrant Category
permit you need to apply for particularly in industries and regions experiencing growth and
INZ 1101
Use the guide to help you complete the application form
skill shortages. The Skilled Migrant Category has been designed
• what evidence you need
Expression of Interest
Guide
A guide to help you understand and fill out an Expression of Interest form
For help completing this form, refer to the Expression of Interest Guide (INZ 1101).
OVERVIEW OF THE SKILLED MIGRANT
Information about this guide CATEGORY

When you submit this Expression of Interest to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), we
You should read this guide before you
complete the application form. The guide How does the Skilled Migrant Category work?

to give priority to meeting those needs and opportunities.

OFFICE USE ONLY Client no.: Date received: /
gives you information about:
/ Application no.:

INZ 1100

Expression of • how to decide which visa or New Zealand offers many opportunities for skilled migrants,
Interest Form
permit you need to apply for particularly in industries andregions experiencing growth

will consider offering you an Invitation to Apply for residence in New Zealand only if you meet
Skilled Migrant Category

Residence Visa/Permit
Guide
INZ 1002

INZ 1002
Use the guide to help you complete the application form

and skill shortages. The Skilled Migrant Category has been

• what evidence you need
under Residence From Work Category, Family Category, and Special Policies

For help completing this form, please refer to the Expression of Interest Guide
About this guide
Who is this guide for?

This guide is intended to help you complete

your Residence Visa/Permit Application (INZ
1000) correctly. It explains
the evidence you must
For use by applicants applying for residence under the
Residence From Work, Family, Refugee Family Support
Category, Pacific Access and Samoan Quota categories.
If you wish to submit an Expression of Interest under the
(INZ 1101).
provide when applying for Skilled Migrant Category, you can either fill in a paper form
residence. (available from an Immigration New Zealand (INZ) office or
our website) or you can complete and submit an Expression
You should read this of Interest form online at www.immigration.govt.nz.

When you submit this Expression of Interest, you may be considered for an Invitation to Apply

designed to give priority to meeting those needs and

guide along with the Self-
Assessment Guide for
If you want to apply for residence under the Migrant
Residence in New Zealand
Investment Policy, see our Investor Plus (Investor 1 Category)
(INZ 1003), which sets out
(INZ 1162), or the Investor (Investor 2 Category) Guide (INZ
the policy requirements

for residence in New Zealand only if you meet the following requirements:
1164).
for people applying for If you want to apply for residence under the Entrepreneur
residence in New Zealand. or Employee of a Relocating Business categories, see

Please take time to read

our Guide to Applying for Residence in New Zealand Under

this guide carefully, and

the Entrepreneur or Employee of a Relocating Business

refer to it when completing your application form.

Categories (NZIS 1057).

Numbered boxes like this B9 refer to questions in the

application form. Please make sure you answer all the
relevant questions and provide all the documents we
ask you to, otherwise we may not be able to accept your
Migrant levy
If your application for residence is successful then you may
need to pay a migrant levy before your residence is granted.
• character
application. If you are applying for residence while you You can find details of which categories of applicants are
are in New Zealand on a visitor, work or student permit, required to pay the migrant levy and the amount you will need

• health

to provide with your

you need to make sure your permit is valid when you to pay in our Fees Guide (INZ 1028).
apply for residence.

Help us to decide your application quickly by: More information

• reading this guide carefully; and
• providing all the required documents with your
application form.
For more information and application forms visit our
You can get more information and advice from:
• New Zealand diplomatic and consular offices
• Any of our INZ branch offices overseas. We have overseas
offices in Apia, Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London,
• English language
website at www.immigration.govt.nz. Moscow, New Delhi, Nuku’alofa, Shanghai, Singapore, Suva,
Sydney and Taipei
• Any of our INZ branch offices in New Zealand, which are
located in Auckland, Henderson, Manukau, Hamilton,
Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin
• age
• meet the minimum threshold of 100 points for employability and capacity building factors

opportunities.
All INZ forms, leaflets and fee information can be downloaded
from our website www.immigration.govt.nz.

For further information on immigration

visit www.immigration.govt.nz The criteria for each of these requirements are explained in this form as per the Government’s
Residence Policy (Skilled Migrant Category).

application form
If you are unsure about whether you meet the prerequisites, use the Skilled Migrant Quick Check and the Points Indicator
at www.immigration.govt.nz to get an idea of whether it’s worth completing an Expression of Interest.
You must complete all the questions in the form, unless the form specifically directs you straight to another question or
section further on. If a question does not apply to you, mark it N/A or Not Applicable.
If you leave questions that qualify for the award of points blank, this will be interpreted as a ’no‘ answer. If you fail to

If you are interested in migrating to New Zealand as a skilled

answer any questions or to clearly mark them as ‘N/A’ or ‘not applicable’, we may send the incomplete form back to you and
it will not be submitted into the Expression of Interest Pool until all the necessary information is provided.
Expressions of Interest must be accompanied by the correct Expression of Interest fee.
Do not send supporting documentation with your Expression of Interest form. Include only any additional sheets required
to complete questions in the form. • what a visitor’s visa/permit
migrant, and if you have the skills we need, then we are ready

the following requirements:

Detailed explanations to assist you to fill out this form can be found in the Expression of Interest Guide (INZ 1101) or on

allows you to do.

our website at www.immigration.govt.nz.
If you are found to have provided false information or to have omitted any relevant information in your Expression of Interest,
any subsequent application may be declined and you will lose the right to appeal any decision to decline your application.

to work with you to meet our mutual goals.

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007
Under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, anyone giving immigration advice will have to be licensed (unless they
are exempt). From 4 May 2009, all immigration advisers working in New Zealand must be licensed. From 4 May 2010, all
immigration advisers, whether working onshore or offshore, must be licensed. It is an offence to provide immigration
advice without holding a licence from these dates.

Purpose of this guide

If your immigration adviser is not licensed when they should be, Immigration New Zealand will return your application.
For more information and to view the Register of licensed advisers, go to the Immigration Advisers Authority website
www.iaa.govt.nz, email [email protected], or write to them at PO Box 6222, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141, New Zealand.

For further information on immigration

visit www.immigration.govt.nz
November 2009
The prerequisites
This guide relates specifically
to step two of the process To be considered under this category you need to be of
outlined on page 3. It provides information to help good health, good character, have a reasonable standard
of English** and be under 56 years of age. You will also need

• character
you understand the terms and requirements of the
Expression of Interest form. to meet the threshold of 100 points for employability and
capacity building factors to have an Expression of Interest
Skilled Migrant Category Policy (EOI) accepted.

to provide with your

This booklet is only a guide to help you understand the The points system
terms as you complete your Expression of Interest
form. The authoritative details of the Skilled Migrant The points system is designed to reflect which applicants

• health
Category are contained in the INZ Operational Manual have the most to offer New Zealand so that Immigration New
under Skilled Migrant Category Policy. You can read Zealand (INZ) can extend invitations to apply for residence
this online at www.immigration.govt.nz. to them. The points you can qualify for are set out on page
6. Points are available for skilled employment in New Zealand,
work experience, qualifications, age and close family in
New Zealand. Bonus points are available for employment

• English language
in identified areas of future growth and/or absolute skill
shortage. Bonus points are also available for employment
outside Auckland, studying full-time in New Zealand for
at least two years towards a recognised New Zealand
qualification, gaining recognised New Zealand qualification(s),
and for a partner’s recognised qualification or offer of skilled
employment in New Zealand.

* Principal applicants (and their partners, if that person is claiming

points for a job, job offer or qualification) must have an English-
speaking background, or have reached an ove rall IELTS band
• age
score of 6.5. Other secondary applicants 16 years and over must

• the minimum threshold of 100 points for employability and capacity-building factors.
have an English-speaking background, have reached an overall
IELTS band score of 5 or pre-purchase a specified amount of
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tuition.

For further information on immigration

November 2009
visit www.immigration.govt.nz

If you are interested in migrating to New Zealand as a skilled

The criteria for each of these requirements are explained in this form as per the Government’s

application form
Residence Policy (Skilled Migrant Category).
If you are unsure about whether you meet the prerequisites, use the Skilled Migrant Quick Check and the Points Indicator
at www.immigration.govt.nz to get an idea of whether it’s worth completing an Expression of Interest.
You must complete all the questions in the form, unless the form specifically directs you straight to another question or
section further on. If a question does not apply to you, mark it ‘N/A’ or ‘not applicable’.
If you leave questions that qualify for the award of points blank, this will be interpreted as a ’no‘ answer. If you fail to
answer any questions or to mark them clearly as ‘N/A’ or ‘not applicable’, we may send the incomplete form back to you and
it will not be submitted into the Expression of Interest Pool until all the necessary information is provided.
Expressions of Interest must be accompanied by the correct Expression of Interest fee.
• what a visitor’s visa/permit migrant, and if you have the skills we need, then we are ready
to work with you to meet our mutual goals.
Do not send supporting documentation with your Expression of Interest form. Include only any additional sheets required
to complete questions in the form.

allows you to do.

Detailed explanations to assist you to fill out this form can be found in the Expression of Interest Guide (INZ 1101) or on
our website at www.immigration.govt.nz.
If you are found to have provided false information or to have omitted any relevant information in your Expression of Interest,
any subsequent application may be declined and you will lose the right to appeal any decision to decline your application.

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, anyone giving immigration advice will have to be licensed (unless they
are exempt). From 4 May 2009, all immigration advisers working in New Zealand must be licensed. From 4 May 2010, all

The prerequisites
immigration advisers, whether working onshore or offshore, must be licensed. It is an offence to provide immigration
advice without holding a licence from these dates.

Purpose of this guide

If your immigration adviser is not licensed when they should be, INZ will return your application.
For more information and to view the Register of licensed advisers, go to the Immigration Advisers Authority website
www.iaa.govt.nz, email [email protected], or write to them at PO Box 6222, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141, New Zealand.

To be considered under this category you need to be of

For further information on immigration November 2009
visit www.immigration.govt.nz

This guide relates specifically

to step two of the process good health, good character, have a reasonable standard
outlined on page 3. It provides information to help of English* and be under 56 years of age. You will also need
you understand the terms and requirements of the to meet the threshold of 100 points for employability
Expression of Interest Form (INZ 1100). and capacity-building factors to have an Expression of
Interest (EOI) accepted.
Skilled Migrant Category Policy
The points system
This booklet is only a guide to help you understand the
terms as you complete your Expression of Interest The points system is designed to reflect which applicants
form. The authoritative details of the Skilled Migrant have the most to offer New Zealand so that Immigration
Category are contained in the INZ Operational Manual New Zealand (INZ) can extend invitations to apply for
under Skilled Migrant Category Policy. You can read residence to them. The points you can qualify for are set
this online at www.immigration.govt.nz. out on page 6. Points are available for skilled employment
in New Zealand, work experience, qualifications, age and
close family in New Zealand. Bonus points are available
for employment in identified areas of future growth and/
or absolute skill shortage. Bonus points are also available
for employment outside Auckland, studying full-time in
New Zealand for at least two years towards a recognised
New Zealand qualification, gaining recognised New Zealand
qualification(s), and for a partner’s recognised qualification
or offer of skilled employment in New Zealand.

* Principal applicants (and their partners, if that person is claiming

points for a job, job offer or qualification) must have an English-
speaking background, or have reached an overall IELTS band score
of 6.5. Other secondary applicants 16 years and over must have
an English-speaking background, have reached an overall IELTS
band score of 5 or pre-purchase a specified amount of English
for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tuition.

For further information on immigration

July 2010
visit www.immigration.govt.nz
 Contents
Information about this guide 1

Overview of the Skilled migrant Category 1

How does the Skilled Migrant Category work? 1
The process 3
Important things you need to know 4
The Expression of Interest form 5
The Skilled Migrant Category points system 6
Next steps 7

Summary of terms 9

2 – Expression of Interest Guide

 If you are completing a paper form you need to
The Skilled Migrant Category
send this to:
You will see from the prerequisites and points
Expressions of Interest Team
system that the Skilled Migrant Category is
Immigration New Zealand
designed to minimise the risk of a mismatch
DX SR57164
between the skills migrants bring and the skills
PO Box 3705
New Zealand needs. The highest points will
Wellington
be available to qualified, skilled migrants who
NEW ZEALAND
are already working in skilled employment in
New Zealand. Research has confirmed that such You can complete and submit an Expression of
migrants settle more quickly and are able to Interest form online, which is easier to complete
match their New Zealand counterparts in salary and less expensive than submitting a paper form.
levels and standards of living.
Step three: We select Expressions of
Although a skilled job offer is not a prerequisite, you
can see how important it is to consider ensuring
Interest
that your skills are needed in New Zealand before Expressions of Interest are submitted into a
you sell your home, leave your job and move to Pool. Periodically, Expressions of Interest are
New Zealand. Be wary of anyone who offers to selected from the Pool as follows:
guarantee you residence or to sell you a job offer • Expressions of Interest that have total points
– it may be a fraudulent practice and could result of 140 or more will be selected automatically
in your Expression of Interest or application being from the Pool;
declined. If anyone attempts to bribe an INZ officer
the application will be declined and charges may • Expressions of Interest that have a points total
be laid. If you have any doubts, check with INZ – and of 100 or more but less than 140, and include
check the INZ fees before paying any money to an points for an offer of skilled employment or
agent, adviser or representative. current skilled employment in New Zealand, are
selected (according to their points ranking) in
sufficient numbers to meet New Zealand’s
The process Immigration Programme requirements.
If, following the selection process set out
This is an overview of how the process operates.
above, further places are available, additional
Expressions of Interest may be selected from the
Step one: You can complete an initial
Pool on the basis of criteria set from time to time
self-assessment by the Minister of Immigration. These additional
A Skilled Migrant Quick Check is available at selection criteria can be viewed on our website at
www.immigration.govt.nz and in the Self- www.immigration.govt.nz/skilledmigrant.
Assessment Guide for Residence (INZ 1003). This Once your Expression of Interest has been
will help you decide whether or not it is worth selected from the Pool, following some checking,
submitting an Expression of Interest. you may be invited to lodge an application for
residence. Checking will generally involve assessing
Step two: You submit an Expression of the credibility of the points that you have claimed.
Interest
An Expression of Interest is current for a period
You complete and send us an Expression of of six months from the date of submission to the
Interest form. You can get the form from either Pool. If selection(s) of Expressions of Interest
the INZ website www.immigration.govt.nz or an occur within the six-month period and yours
INZ office. In this you will tell us about your health, is not selected, we will automatically withdraw
character, age, English language ability, as well as your Expression of Interest at the end of the
the factors that will earn you points. When it is six-month period. If your Expression of Interest
completed, submit it to INZ with the applicable is selected from the Pool but later returned to
fees, where it will be checked to ensure that all the Pool by an immigration or visa officer (for
relevant information has been supplied, and that it example if you are not awarded some of the
meets the requirements for entry to the Pool. points you claimed, but still have at least 100
points), your Expression of Interest will also
be automatically withdrawn from the Pool, six
months from the date it was first submitted.

Expression of Interest Guide – 3

 If your Expression of Interest is withdrawn, you Important things you need to know
can submit another one if you wish.
If, during the time that your Expression of Interest is Providing correct and complete
in the Pool, there is a change in your circumstances, information
or in the information that you have provided to INZ,
you must inform INZ. If any information is found to be When filling out your Expression of Interest, it is
false or misleading we may choose not to invite you essential that you provide correct and complete
to apply for residence. information and that you do not withhold any
relevant information.
Step four: We invite you to apply for Any information you give us may be checked and
residence verified by immigration officers if your Expression
If you have been successful, we send you an official of Interest is selected from the Pool. If any
Invitation to Apply for residence and an application information is found to be false or misleading, we
form that already contains your personal may choose to not invite you to apply.
details provided in your Expression of Interest. You will also need to advise INZ if there are any
At this stage you will need to send us the signed changes to the details you have supplied in your
form, the applicable fees and all the necessary Expression of Interest.
documentation to support the claims you made
in your Expression of Interest, such as passports, Completing all sections of the form
qualifications and relevant certificates.
You must complete all questions on the
Step five: Decision-making Expression of Interest form. If the question does
not apply to you, you must write either ‘N/A’ or
We assess your application for residence ‘not applicable’ in the space provided. This will
against Government Residence Policy and look enable us to know that you have answered all
at your ability to settle successfully and make questions relevant to you.
a real contribution to New Zealand’s social and
economic development. We also fully verify Advance Passenger Screening
everything you have told us in your Expression
New Zealand has implemented a system designed
of Interest. Depending on how you are able to
to enhance the security of New Zealand’s borders.
demonstrate your ability to settle in New Zealand
You may be refused permission to board your
successfully, you may be issued or granted a
flight to come to, or return to, New Zealand if:
residence visa or permit or you may be issued
with a work visa or permit which enables you to • you do not have an appropriate visa to enter
move from work to residence. New Zealand; or
• your visa has expired; or
Step six: Welcome to New Zealand – we • your visa has not been transferred to your
want to stay in touch with you current/new passport or the passport being
We will send you a Welcome to New Zealand used to enter New Zealand.
settlement information booklet which contains To minimise any disruption to your travel plans
details of local Settlement Support New Zealand ensure your travel documents are up-to-date
(SSNZ) organisations which have dedicated and that you have the appropriate and current
local settlement support coordinators. These visa. If you have any questions check
settlement support coordinators will be your www.immigration.govt.nz.
point of contact for settlement information.
Importing your car, boat, and
Want to know more? household items
Visit www.immigration.govt.nz – the most up- You may be able to bring your car, boat, and/or
to-date information can be found there. There’s household items to New Zealand. For detailed
information about all immigration policies, information on restrictions, and to find out if you
including the other categories in the New Zealand must pay Customs charges, see the New Zealand
Immigration Programme eg family sponsored Customs Service website www.customs.govt.nz.
migration, business migration or work-to- For enquiries telephone 0800 428 786 (within
residence policies. You can access other websites New Zealand) or +64 9 300 5399 (outside
that provide general information about living and New Zealand), or email [email protected].
working in New Zealand through the INZ website.

4 – Expression of Interest Guide

The Expression of Interest form INZ deals with agents, advisers or
representatives in the following ways.
If you are interested in migrating to New Zealand as • You may give your own address, or the address
a skilled migrant and if you have the skills we need, of your agent, adviser or representative, as a
you need to complete an Expression of Interest. point of contact for INZ. If you choose to give
your agent’s, adviser’s or representative’s
How do I know whether it’s worthwhile address, all correspondence from INZ will be
submitting an Expression of Interest sent to your agent, adviser or representative.
form? • If you stop using the services of your agent,
A Skilled Migrant Quick Check is available at adviser or representative, you must cancel your
www.immigration.govt.nz and in the Self- authorisation to INZ in writing, or INZ will
Assessment Guide for Residence (INZ 1003). This continue to deal with them. If you hire an agent,
will help you decide whether or not it is worth adviser or representative, you will have to
submitting an Expression of Interest. provide a new authorisation to INZ.
You need to be aware that you are responsible
As you work your way through the Expression
for any documents or information that you
of Interest you will find points working spaces
submit to INZ, or that your agent, adviser or
alongside key questions. Write your points in these
representative submits on your behalf.
boxes and when you have completed the form,
total your points. You must have at least 100 points If any person helps you to complete the form –
before you send us the form. If you want to be more for example by interpreting or translating it, or
certain of your points, we recommend you complete by completing it for you – they should also sign
an online Expression of Interest. the form. If you are changing your immigration
adviser, please use the form Immigration Adviser
Who can be included on my Expression of Details (INZ 1160).
Interest form?
Declaration section
The following people can be included on your
Expression of Interest form. These are the Make sure you read and understand all the
people (non-principal applicants) you will want to declarations before you sign the declaration
come to New Zealand with you: section of your Expression of Interest form.
Please contact your nearest INZ branch if you
• partners
have any questions about the declaration. Our
• dependent children. contact details are at the back of this guide.
As the principal applicant, you will need to supply
evidence of your relationship to all the people you Declaration for person assisting
include on your Expression of Interest form. A applicant to complete an Expression of
summary description of what we mean when we use Interest form
these terms can be found at the back of this guide.
If any person has helped you to fill out your
Who can help me fill out the form? Expression of Interest form by explaining,
translating or completing it for you, they must
If you are submitting an Expression of Interest sign the declaration. Make sure they read and
form, you may ask another person to help understand the declaration before they sign it.
you. Anyone can act as your agent, adviser
or representative. An agent, adviser or Payment details section
representative may be:
To help us process your Expression of Interest
• a lawyer as quickly as possible, make sure you complete
• a consultant the payment details section of the Expression of
• any other person (including a friend) whom you Interest form.
hire or ask to help you express interest.
Privacy Act section
INZ treats all applicants equally. We do not
give preferential service to applicants’ agents, Make sure you read and understand this section
advisers or representatives. before you sign your Expression of Interest form.

Expression of Interest Guide – 5

 The Skilled Migrant Category points system
This table outlines the points system we use for Expressions of Interest. We have provided a column
for you to work out your own points.

Your
Factors Points
points
Skilled employment
Current skilled employment in New Zealand for 12 months or more 60
Offer of skilled employment in New Zealand or current employment in New Zealand for less than 12 months 50
Bonus points for employment or offer of employment
In an identified future growth area 10
In an area of absolute skills shortage 10
In a region outside Auckland 10
Partner employment or offer of employment 20
Relevant work experience
Two years 10
Four years 15
Six years 20
Eight years 25
Ten years 30
Additional bonus points if work experience in New Zealand
One year 5
Two years 10
Three years or more 15
Additional bonus points for work experience in an identified future growth area
Two to five years 10
Six years or more 15
Additional bonus points for work experience in an area of absolute skills shortage
Two to five years 10
Six years or more 15
Additional bonus points for work experience in an identified future growth area
Recognised basic qualification (eg trade qualification, diploma, bachelor degree with honours) 50
Recognised post-graduate qualification (masters degree or doctorate) 55
Bonus points for qualifications
Two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised qualification 5
Recognised basic New Zealand qualification (eg trade qualification, diploma, bachelors degree with
5
honours)
Recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification (masters or doctorate) 10
Qualification in an identified future growth area 10
Qualification in an area of absolute skills shortage 10
Spouse/partner qualifications 20
Bonus points for family
Close family in New Zealand 10
Bonus points for age
20 to 29 30
30 to 39 25
40 to 44 20
45 to 49 10
50 to 55 5

6 – Expression of Interest Guide

Next steps appear credible and legitimate. As part of
this process, we may contact the people and
organisations you list in your Expression of
What happens next? Interest. You may be contacted and requested to
You must meet the health, character, English provide additional information or documentation
language and age prerequisites, including attaining during this period if necessary.
at least 100 points for employability and capacity- If it is determined that your claims are not credible
building factors. (You might need to refer to the or legitimate, you will receive notification that your
summary of terms in the next section of this guide Expression of Interest will not proceed any further.
to understand the terms we use below.)
If it is determined that your claims appear
If you meet all these requirements, and you have paid credible and legitimate, you will receive an
the applicable fee, your Expression of Interest will be Invitation to Apply for residence. The Invitation
accepted into the Expression of Interest Pool. to Apply will specify a time frame of four months
Expressions of Interest are submitted into a within which you may lodge an application under
Pool. Periodically, Expressions of Interest are the Skilled Migrant Category. The Invitation to
selected from the Pool as follows: Apply will also specify the documentation that
you will need to provide at the time that your
• Expressions of Interest that have total points
application is lodged and the applicable fees. You
of 140 or more will be selected automatically
will also be sent further information to assist you
from the Pool
to lodge your application for residence correctly.
• Expressions of Interest that have a points total
of 100 or more but less than 140, and include How do I lodge an application for
points for an offer of skilled employment or
residence if I am invited to apply?
current skilled employment in New Zealand, are
selected (according to their points ranking) in You will need to sign and submit a short application
sufficient numbers to meet New Zealand’s form, attach passport photos, the documentation
Immigration Programme requirements. requested in the Invitation to Apply and the
applicable fees. This application should be sent to
If, following the selection process set out above,
the address specified in your Invitation to Apply.
further places are available, additional Expressions
of Interest may be selected from the Pool on Documentation required to enable INZ to validate
the basis of criteria set from time to time by the the claims you have made in your Expression of
Minister of Immigration. These additional selection Interest is likely to include the following items.
criteria can be viewed on our website at • Passport(s) (for all applicants, if available).
www.immigration.govt.nz/skilledmigrant.
• Birth certificate(s) (for all applicants).
Once your Expression of Interest has been selected • Marriage certificate(s) (if applicable).
from the Pool, following some checking, you may be
invited to lodge an application for residence. • Custody documentation (for any children,
where applicable).
If your Expression of Interest is not selected from • Police certificates (for all applicants aged 17
the Pool, it will remain in the Pool for six months. and over, which are no more than six months
If after the six-month period your Expression of old when lodged).
Interest has not been selected from the Pool, we
will withdraw your Expression of Interest from the • Medical and X-ray certificates (for all
Pool and you will receive notification that this has applicants, which are no more than
happened. You can submit another Expression of three months old when lodged).
Interest if you wish. • Evidence of English language ability (for all
applicants aged 16 and over).
If we have not selected any Expressions of
Interest during the six-month period that your • Evidence of a recognised qualification (for you
Expression of Interest is in the Pool, it will remain and/or your partner, if applicable).
in the Pool until a selection has been made. • Evidence of skilled work experience (for you, if
applicable).
What happens if I am selected? • Evidence of a skilled job offer (for you and/or
If your Expression of Interest has been selected your partner, if applicable).
it will undergo a preliminary checking and • Evidence of current skilled employment.
verification process, to determine whether • Other documentation as specified by INZ in
the claims made in your Expression of Interest your Invitation to Apply.

Expression of Interest Guide – 7

 In some cases, we will conduct an interview with
you covering your employment prospects, your
familiarity with New Zealand and the support you
are likely to have here.

When should I start gathering the

documents I will need if I’m invited to
apply for residence?
The documentation required to lodge an application
can take some weeks or even months to gather.
Documents that can take the longest to obtain
are items such as police certificates, qualification
assessments from the New Zealand Qualifications
Authority (NZQA) and International English
Language Testing System (IELTS) certificates.
It is therefore vital that you begin the process of
obtaining these documents as soon as possible.
You must use official INZ forms to obtain
medical certificates. To find out about our health
requirements, see the leaflet Health Requirements
(INZ 1121) available on our website at www.
immigration.govt.nz, or from your local branch.
For information on how to obtain a police
certificate from a particular country visit
www.immigration.govt.nz/policecertificate.
Accessing the website is the quickest means of
obtaining this information, however if you do not
have access to the internet you can either:
• call us on 0508 55 88 55 if you are in New Zealand
or (09) 914 4100 if you are in Auckland
• contact your nearest Immigration New Zealand
branch.
If, between the time you are sent an Invitation
to Apply and the time you submit your residence
application, there has been a change in your
circumstances, or in the information you have
provided to INZ, you must inform INZ.

8 – Expression of Interest Guide

Summary of terms
This section of the guide will help you understand the terms we have used in the form and in the
explanations in the guide. We have also included key extracts from New Zealand Immigration policy,
which you may find helpful in clarifying our specific requirements.

Acceptable standard of health

We consider you to have an acceptable standard of health if you are unlikely to be a danger to public
health, unlikely to be a burden on health services and are fit for the purpose of entry to New Zealand.
Please refer to the leaflet Health Requirements (INZ 1121) for more information.

Areas of absolute skills shortage

These areas are occupations in which New Zealand has an ongoing and sustained shortage of skilled
workers. These are listed on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. You can earn points if you can prove
that your current employment or offer of employment meets the specifications of the list and that
you are suitably qualified or experienced for the occupation. You can also qualify for bonus points if
your work experience and/or qualification are in an area of absolute skills shortage.

SM8.20 Employment in an area of absolute skills shortage

a. A principal applicant is assessed as having employment in an area of absolute skills shortage if:
i. they are employed in an occupation included on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (refer Appendix 6) or that was
on the Long Term Skill Shortage List at the time their Expression of Interest was selected; and
ii. the current employment or offer of employment meets the specifications for that occupation; and
iii. they are suitably qualified by training and/or experience to undertake the employment or offer of employment
(including any specific requirements set out on the Long Term Skill Shortage List).
b. Skilled employment in an area of absolute skills shortage only qualifies for points if a principal applicant provides
evidence that their employment or offer of employment meets the requirements of (a) above.

SM13.20 Work experience in an area of absolute skills shortage

a. Recognised work experience is assessed as being in an area of absolute skills shortage if:
i. it was undertaken in an occupation included on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (refer Appendix 6) or that was
on the Long Term Skill Shortage List at the time their Expression of Interest was selected; and
ii. it meets the specifications for that occupation; and
iii. the principal applicant is suitably qualified by training and/or experience to undertake that work (including any
specific requirements set out on the Long Term Skill Shortage List).
b. Where the Long Term Skill Shortage List specifies that occupational registration is required for a listed occupation,
principal applicants must demonstrate that they held occupational registration while undertaking the work
experience, if occupational registration is required in the country in which the work occurred.

SM13.20.1 Evidence
Recognised work experience in an area of absolute skills shortage only qualifies for points if the principal applicant
provides evidence that satisfies a visa or immigration officer that their work experience meets the requirements of
SM13.20 above.

SM16.20 Qualifications in an area of absolute skills shortage

a. If a principal applicant does not have skilled employment in New Zealand in an area of absolute skills shortage (see
SM8.20), their recognised qualification will be assessed as being in an area of absolute skills shortage if it is listed as
a qualification (or is assessed as comparable to a qualification) in Column 4 of the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
b. If a principal applicant does have skilled employment in New Zealand in an area of absolute skills shortage (see SM8.20)
their recognised qualification will be assessed as being in an area of absolute skills shortage if the specialist, technical
or managerial expertise required for that employment was obtained through the completion of that qualification.
c. Recognised qualifications in an area of absolute skills shortage only qualify for points if any occupational registration
requirements relating to those qualifications are met (see SM19.15 on page 18).

SM16.25 Removal of an occupation from the Long Term Skill Shortage List
If an occupation is removed from the Long Term Skill Shortage List, Expressions of Interest that have been selected
before the removal, which include points for meeting the requirements under SM16.20, will be assessed in the subsequent
SMC application for residence as if the occupation was not removed.

Expression of Interest Guide – 9

 Basic New Zealand qualification
A basic New Zealand qualification is a recognised qualification that is on the New Zealand
Qualifications Framework at level 4 (New Zealand National Certificate), up to and including level 8.
See ‘New Zealand Qualifications Framework’.

Bonus points
Bonus points are available for employment, work experience and qualifications in identified areas
of future growth or absolute skill shortage. Bonus points are also available for employment outside
Auckland, studying full-time in New Zealand for at least two years towards a recognised New Zealand
qualification, gaining recognised New Zealand qualification(s) and for a partner’s recognised
qualification or skilled employment in New Zealand. See ‘Identified future growth area’, ‘Area of
absolute skills shortage’, ‘Employment outside Auckland’.

Character requirements
For your Expression of Interest to be considered for the Pool we need to be assured that you are of good
character. We have set a number of requirements that help us determine this. See ‘Good character’.

Citizenship
You are usually automatically a citizen of the country in which you were born, but you may also hold
citizenship in another country. Your citizenship(s) will be listed in your passport(s).

Close Family in New Zealand

You can earn points if you have a close family member in New Zealand who is a resident or citizen
of New Zealand and whose primary place of established residence is New Zealand. This provision
recognises that the presence of close family in New Zealand enhances prospects for employability
and settlement.

SM17.5.5 Close Family in New Zealand

a. A principal applicant* qualifies for 10 points for a close family member in New Zealand if that close family member:
i. is the adult sibling or adult child, or parent, of a principal applicant*, or of the principal applicant’s partner*
included in the application; and
ii. is in New Zealand; and
iii. is a New Zealand or Australian citizen or the holder of a current residence permit that is not subject to
requirements under s18A of the Immigration Act 1987.
b. In all cases, a visa or immigration officer must be satisfied that New Zealand is the primary place of established
residence of the close family member at the time the application under the Skilled Migrant Category is made.

SM17.5.15 Evidence of relationship to close family member

To obtain points for having a close family member in New Zealand, a principal applicant* must provide:
a. birth certificates, which establish the relationship of the close family member in New Zealand to the principal
applicant* or their partner* included in the application, or
b. evidence of adoption (see R3) which establishes the relationship of the close family member in New Zealand to the
principal applicant* or their partner* included in the application.

SM17.5.20 Evidence that New Zealand is the primary place of established residence
a. Where required by a visa or immigration officer, applicants must provide evidence that New Zealand is the close family
member’s primary place of established residence. Evidence may include an original or certified copy of one of the following:
• employment records
• records of benefit payments from the Ministry of Social Development
• banking records
• rates demands
• Inland Revenue Department records
• mortgage documents
• tenancy and utility supply agreements
b. Each case will be decided on the basis of the evidence provided.

10 – Expression of Interest Guide

Comparable labour market
A labour market is the commercial environment in which people exchange their work for income
and where employers and workers ‘trade’ on the demand for, and supply of, skills. If you do not have
skilled employment in New Zealand or an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand, or if your work
experience is not in an area of absolute skills shortage, you can only qualify for points for your work
experience if it is in a labour market that is comparable to New Zealand.

SM11.10.1 Definition: Comparable labour market

a. Work experience is assessed as being a comparable labour market if it was undertaken in one of the following countries by:
i. a citizen or permanent resident of that country; or
ii. a person who had the lawful authority to work in that country.

Australia Iceland Portugal

Austria Ireland Republic of South Korea
Belgium–Luxemburg Israel Singapore
Canada Italy South Africa
Cyprus Japan Spain
Denmark Malaysia Sweden
Finland New Zealand Switzerland
France Netherlands United Kingdom
Germany Norway United States
Greece Phillippines
b. Work experience undertaken in a country not listed at (a) above will be assessed as being in a comparable labour market
only if it was undertaken for a multinational commercial entity (including a wholly or majority owned subsidiary of such an
entity that bears the same core name as the parent company) domiciled in one of the countries listed in (a) above.

Custody of children
If you are separated or divorced and bringing a child under 16 years with you to New Zealand we
will need to see proof of their right to leave their home country and your right to remove them.
Section R2.1.45 of the INZ Operational Policy Manual (available online at www.immigration.govt.nz)
contains comprehensive policy on child custody.

Customary adoption
In some countries and cultures parents may adopt children without going through a formal legal
adoption process. If this applies to your family situation we will require evidence of this adoption.

R3.5.1 Evidence of adoption

b. Evidence of a customary adoption is a written declaration by the adoptive parents stating:
i. that the person has been adopted by them, and
ii. the date of adoption, and
iii. the country in which the adoption took place.

Dependent children
Dependent children of a principal applicant are children aged up to 24 years who are unmarried and
who have not had their own children (unless your child is under 16 years). They need not live with you
but must at least rely mainly on an adult for financial support.

Deported
A person has been deported if they leave a country (including voluntarily) while a lawful order for
their departure is in force.

Domiciled
A company is domiciled in the country where it is permanently located and legally registered.
Multinational companies are domiciled in the country where the head office or parent company

Expression of Interest Guide – 11

 is registered. For example, if company A has branches in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji, but the
head office is in the United Kingdom, it is considered to be domiciled in the United Kingdom. See
‘Comparable labour market’.

Drug trafficking
This means having any involvement in the international trading of illegal drugs.

Employability and capacity-building factors

We have determined a number of factors against which you will be assessed. These factors include
current, or an offer of, skilled employment in New Zealand, work experience, age and qualifications.
We have allocated points to each of these factors and the total score you gain when rated against
them determines whether your Expression of Interest can go into the Pool.

Employment outside Auckland

A place of work that is outside the Auckland region attracts bonus points as we want to ensure all of
New Zealand can benefit from the skills of people moving here. To earn points, you will need to prove
that your employment is outside the six local government areas that make up the Auckland region.

SM9.10 Definition: Employment outside the Auckland region

Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 s2
a. Employment is outside the Auckland region if the principal applicant’s entire or principal place of work (as defined in
s2 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992) is not within one of the following Territorial Authorities:
• Rodney District Council;
• North Shore City Council;
• Waitakere City Council;
• Auckland City Council;
• Manukau City Council;
• Papakura District Council;
• Franklin District Council.
Note: The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 defines a ‘place of work’ as meaning a place (whether or not within or
forming part of a building, structure, or vehicle) where any person is to work, for the time being works, or customarily works,
for gain or reward; and, in relation to an employee, includes a place, or part of a place, (not being domestic accommodation
provided for the employee):
• Where the employee comes or may come to eat, rest or get first aid or pay; or
• Where the employee comes or may come as part of the employee’s duties to report in or out, get instructions, or
deliver goods or vehicles; or
• Through which the employee may or must pass to reach a place of work.

SM9.15 Evidence
If requested by a visa or immigration officer, principal applicants must provide evidence that their place of work is
entirely or principally outside the Auckland region.

12 – Expression of Interest Guide

English language requirements
We require people to have a reasonable standard of English to ensure they have the best opportunity
to settle readily into work and life in New Zealand.

SM5.5 Minimum standard of English language for principal applicants

a. Applications under the Skilled Migrant Category must be declined if the principal applicant* has not met the minimum
standard of English.
b. Principal applicants* under the Skilled Migrant Category meet the minimum standard of English if they provide a Test
Report Form (no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged*) from the International English
Language Testing System (IELTS), showing they achieved an overall band score of at least 6.5 in the IELTS General or
Academic Module.
c. Notwithstanding (b) above, a visa or immigration officer may, on a case by case basis, consider the following as
evidence of the principal applicant meeting the minimum standard of English if:
i. they provide evidence that their recognised qualification(s):
• was gained as a result of a course or courses of study in which English was the only medium of instruction; and
• (if that qualification was gained in New Zealand) the qualification had a minimum completion time of at least
two years or it is a post-graduate qualification and the applicant has an undergraduate qualification that
qualifies for points; or
ii. they have current skilled employment in New Zealand for a period of at least 12 months that qualifies for points
(see SM7); or
iii. they provide other evidence which satisfies a visa or immigration officer that, taking account of that evidence
and all the circumstances of the application, they are a competent user of English. These circumstances may
include but are not limited to:
• the country in which the applicant currently resides;
• the country(ies) in which the applicant has previously resided;
• the duration of residence in each country;
• whether the applicant speaks any language other than English;
• whether members of the applicant’s family speak English;
• whether members of the applicant’s family speak any language other than English;
• the nature of the applicant’s current or previous employment (if any) and whether that is or was likely to
require skill in English language;
• the nature of the applicant’s qualifications (if any) and whether the obtaining of those qualifications was
likely to require skill in the English language.
d. In any case, a visa or immigration officer may require an applicant to provide an IELTS certificate in terms of
paragraph (b). In such cases, the IELTS certificate will be used to determine whether the principal applicant* meets
the minimum standard of English.
Note: Full consideration must be given to all evidence of English language ability provided before a decision to request an
IELTS certificate under SM5.5 (d) is made. If an IELTS certificate is requested the reason(s) behind the decision must be
clearly documented and conveyed to the applicant.

SM5.10 English language requirements for non-principal applicants

a. Unless SM 5.15 below applies, partners and dependent children aged 16 and older, who are included in Skilled Migrant
Category applications, must:
i. show that they meet a minimum standard of English to enable successful settlement in New Zealand, or
ii. pre-purchase ESOL training, or
iii. provide other evidence which satisfies a visa or immigration officer that, taking account of that evidence and all
the circumstances of the application, they are a competent user of English (see SM 5.5 (b)(iv) above).
b. Non-principal applicants meet the minimum standard of English if:
i. they provide a Test Report Form (no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged) from IELTS,
showing they achieved an overall band score of at least 5 in the IELTS General or Academic Module, or
ii. (if they are the partner of a principal applicant), they have current skilled employment in New Zealand for a
period of at least 12 months that qualifies for points; or
iii. they provide evidence of one of the following:
• completion of all primary education and at least 3 years of secondary education (that is, the equivalent of
New Zealand Forms 3 to 5 or years 9 to 11) at schools using English as the language of instruction,
• completion of at least 5 years of secondary education (that is, the equivalent of New Zealand Forms 3 to 7
or years 9 to 13) at schools using English as the language of instruction,
• completion of a course of at least 3 years duration leading to the award of a tertiary qualification at
• institutions using English as the language of instruction,
• that the applicant holds General Certificate of Education (GCE) “A” Levels from Britain or Singapore with a
minimum C pass (the passes must specifically include the subjects English Language or Literature, or Use
of English),
• that the applicant holds International Baccalaureate – full Diploma in English Medium,
• that the applicant holds Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English – minimum C pass,

Expression of Interest Guide – 13

 • that the applicant holds Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations (HKALE) including a minimum C pass in Use
of English,
• that the applicant holds STPM 920 (Malaysia) – A or B pass in English Literature,
• that the applicant holds University of Cambridge in collaboration with University of Malaya, General
Certificate of English (GCE) “A” levels with a minimum C pass. The passes must specifically include the
subjects English or General Paper,
• that the applicant holds South African Matriculation Certificate, including a minimum D pass in English
(Higher Grade),
• that the applicant holds South African Senior Certificate, including a minimum D pass in English (Higher
Grade), endorsed with the words ‘matriculation exempt’,
• that the applicant holds a New Zealand Tertiary Entrance Qualification gained on completing the seventh form.
c. In any case, a visa or immigration officer may require an applicant to provide an IELTS certificate in terms of
paragraph (b)(i). In such cases, the IELTS certificate will be used to determine whether the applicant meets the
minimum standard of English.

SM5.15 English language requirements for partners where bonus points are claimed for the
partner’s skilled employment or recognised qualifications
A partner’s skilled employment in New Zealand or recognised qualifications, only qualify for points if the partner meets
the English language requirements for principal applicants (see SM5.5 above).

SM5.20 Pre-purchase of ESOL tuition

a. Instead of meeting the minimum standard of English, non-principal applicants may pre-purchase ESOL tuition. ESOL
tuition must be pre-purchased from TEC (Tertiary Education Commission) by paying the required charge to INZ
(which collects this charge on behalf of TEC).
b. Applicants must pay any ESOL charge due, sign the ESOL Agreement and return it to INZ within the time specified by
INZ before a residence visa is issued or a residence permit is granted.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) training

This is English language training. If a partner or a child does not meet the minimum standards of
English, they will need to purchase ESOL training in New Zealand. You need to pay the tuition charge
before an application for residence can be granted.

Evidence
Evidence is something you can show us that proves what you are claiming. It may be your birth
certificate to prove who you are, it may be a certificate to prove your English language skills, or it
may be an X-ray certificate to prove you are in good health.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

The form you are now completing is an expression of your interest in coming to New Zealand to live
and work. Completing this form lets you see whether you may be eligible for an Invitation to Apply for
residence in New Zealand. It is also your opportunity to present all the information we will need to
make an informed decision on whether we invite you to apply for residence.

Expression of Interest Pool

The Expression of Interest Pool is the collection of Expressions of Interest of people who have claimed
at least 100 points for our employability and capacity-building factors. Expressions of Interest are
entered into a Pool and are ranked from highest to lowest on the basis of their points. It is from this
Pool that we select people and invite them to apply for residence. See ‘Points’, ‘Bonus points’.

Expunged criminal records

Expungement of a criminal record is a legal process that can clear criminal convictions from a
person’s record.

Full-time employment
Employment is full time if it averages at least 30 hours a week. You can only gain points for skilled
employment that is full-time.

14 – Expression of Interest Guide

Genuine and stable relationship
We need to be satisfied that you and your partner entered your relationship intending to remain in
it long-term and to be exclusive to each other. We also need to be satisfied that your relationship is
likely to last. See ‘Partner’.

Good character
We consider that a person of good character does not pose a potential security risk and is unlikely
to have served time in prison, been deported from any country, or involved in any criminal or
dangerous activities.

Health requirements
For your Expression of Interest to be considered for the Pool we need to be assured that you are healthy.
We make this requirement to safeguard the well-being of New Zealanders and the operation of the
country’s health services. Please read the leaflet Health Requirements (INZ 1121) for further details.

Identified future growth area

This is an industry area that offers New Zealand considerable opportunity to increase its prosperity.
Currently we recognise three broad areas — biotechnology, information communications technology,
and creative industries. You can gain points if you can prove your employment in New Zealand is in one
of these areas.

SM8.10 Employment in an identified future growth area

a. As future growth areas are identified they will be listed in this provision. For the purposes of this policy, currently
identified future growth areas are as follows:
• Biotechnology
• Information Communications Technology
• Creative industries (Advertising, Software & Computing Services, Publishing, TV and Radio, Film and Video,
Architecture, Design, Designer Fashion, Music and Performing Arts, Visual Arts).
b. Skilled employment in one of the identified future growth areas set out above will only qualify for points if the
principal applicant provides confirmation from their employer, and an immigration or visa officer is satisfied, that
their current employment or offer of employment is in one of those identified future growth areas.

SM13.10 Work experience in an identified future growth area

Recognised work experience in an identified future growth area qualifies for points if:
a. the principal applicant has points for current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment in an identified
future growth area; and
b. the experience is relevant to that employment (see SM7.10.10 on page 25).

SM13.10.1 Evidence
Recognised work experience in an identified future growth area only qualifies for bonus points if the principal applicant
provides evidence that satisfies a visa or immigration officer that their work experience meets the requirements of
SM13.10 above.

SM16.10 Qualifications in an identified future growth area

Recognised qualification(s) in an identified future growth area only qualify for points if:
a. the principal applicant has points for current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment in an identified
future growth area; and
b. the qualification is relevant to that employment (see SM16.10.1).

SM16.10.1 Relevance of qualification(s) to skilled employment in an identified future growth area

A recognised qualification is relevant to skilled employment in an area of identified future growth if a visa or immigration
officer is satisfied that:
a. the major subject area of the recognised qualification is directly applicable to skilled employment in an identified
future growth area that qualifies for points; and
b. the skilled employment is in an occupation for which that qualification is a core requirement.

Expression of Interest Guide – 15

 SM16.10.5 Evidence
Recognised qualification(s) in an identified future growth area only qualify for points if the principal applicant provides
evidence that satisfies a visa or immigration officer that the qualification(s) meets the requirements of SM16.10 and
SM16.10.1 above.

IELTS certificate
A recent test from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) can be used as proof
that you meet our English language requirements. As principal applicant, you need to have an overall
band score of 6.5 or over in the IELTS General or Academic Module. See ‘Minimum standard of English’.

International Qualification Assessment (IQA) (formerly Qualifications Assessment

Report (QAR))
This report produced by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) assesses the level of your
qualification and includes a full verification of the qualification. We will use this report to help decide
if you qualify for points. See ‘New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)’.

SM14.35 NZQA Pre-Assessment Results (PARs), International Qualification Assessments (IQAs)

and Qualifications Assessment Reports (QARs)
a. The NZQA will provide Pre-Assessment Results (PARs), and International Qualification Assessments (IQAs) (formerly
a Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR)).
b. A Pre-Assessment Result is a report that compares an applicant’s nominated qualification to a Level on the
New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications. It is made on the understanding that:
i. a pre-assessment result is based solely on unverified information provided by the applicant on the application
form; and
ii. no documentation is sighted; and
iii. only one overseas qualification is compared; and
iv. when an application for residence is made*, a full assessment (a IQA or QAR) will be required to determine
whether a qualification (or group of qualifications) will qualify for points.
c. An International Qualification Assessment (IQA) (formerly a Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR)):
i. assesses an overseas qualification (or group of qualifications) by stating the learning outcomes of the closest
New Zealand equivalent qualification; and
ii. states the Register of New Zealand Quality Assured Qualifications level of that equivalent qualifications; and
iii. refers to any verification of the applicant’s qualifications undertaken by the NZQA.
Note: From 27 June 2008 the Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR) has been renamed ‘International Qualification
Assessment’ (IQA). Both IQAs and QARs are acceptable as evidence to determine whether a qualification will qualify for points.

Issuing authority
This is the government agency of the country or region that issued your document (eg passport or
birth certificate).

Legal adoption
We need to see proof of adoption. If you have adopted your child through legal means we need to see
the original adoption papers — or a certified copy — from the country in which you adopted the child.

Long Term Skill Shortage List

This is a list of the occupations in which New Zealand has a sustained and ongoing shortage of
skilled workers.

Minimum standard of English

There are a number of ways you can show you meet our minimum standard of English requirements,
including an IELTS certificate, recognised qualifications taught entirely in English and working in skilled
employment in New Zealand. We may also consider other factors such as other countries in which you
have lived, other languages you speak and your family’s English skills. See ‘English language requirements’.

16 – Expression of Interest Guide

New Zealand Qualifications Framework
This register provides the different levels of qualifications in New Zealand and is available at
www.nzqf.govt.nz. See ‘Recognised Qualification’.

Non-principal applicant
If you are including other people in your Expression of Interest we consider them to be the non-
principal applicants. This includes partners and dependent children.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the government agency responsible for quality
assurance of qualifications.

Occupational registration
People working in some occupations in New Zealand are required by law to be registered with the
professional body of their occupation. Most often registration is required in medical and health
occupations but it also applies to a range of business and trade occupations. You will only gain points
for qualifications required for these occupations or employment in these occupations if you can
prove you have either full or provisional registration or if you are a medical or dental professional
and hold written confirmation from the New Zealand Dental or Medical Council that you are eligible
for registration subject only to attending an interview with a Council representative on arrival
in New Zealand. (You should enter the reference number of the letter stating you are eligible for
registration in the Expression of Interest question asking for your occupational registration number.)
Note: For medical practitioners, registration within a ‘special scope of practice’ is not full or provisional
registration for the purpose of a residence application.

SM19.5 Occupations requiring registration

In New Zealand registration is required by law in order to undertake employment as one of the following:
Architect Electrician (see note below) Optometrist
Barrister or solicitor Electrical service technician Osteopath
Chiropractor Enrolled nurse Pharmacist
Clinical dental technician Immigration Adviser Physiotherapist
Clinical dental therapist Line mechanic Plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer
Dental hygienist Medical laboratory scientist/technologist Podiatrist
Dental technician Medical laboratory technician Psychologist
Dental therapist Medical practitioner Real estate agent
Dentist Medical radiation technologist Cadastral (Land Title) Surveyor
Dietitian Nurses and midwives Teacher
Dispensing optician Occupational therapist Veterinarian
Note: Electrician — where a current ‘Employer Licence’ is held, an electrician working for that employer does not require
individual occupational registration.

SM19.10 Effect of occupational registration on eligibility for points

The requirement for occupational registration to undertake the occupations listed above in New Zealand can affect
eligibility for points for qualifications and offers of employment.

Expression of Interest Guide – 17

 SM19.15 Effect on points for qualifications
a. This section applies to principal applicants whose recognised qualification is required for employment in one of the
occupations listed in SM19.5 above.
b. Such qualifications only qualify for points if the principal applicant:
i. provides evidence of full registration in that occupation in New Zealand (if full registration is required to
practise in New Zealand), or provisional registration (if only provisional registration is required to practise in
New Zealand); or
ii. has current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment in an occupation that does not require
registration; or
iii. has post-qualification work experience in an occupation for which registration is not required in New Zealand,
and were employed in that occupation for the same or a greater period of time than in an occupation for which
registration is required by law in New Zealand.
Note: For teachers, ‘provisional’ registration includes both ‘provisional’ and ‘subject to confirmation’ registration.
Note: For medical practitioners, registration within a ‘special purpose scope of practice’ is not full or provisional
registration for the purpose of a residence application or a work to residence application.

SM19.20 Effect on points for skilled employment

If a principal applicant’s qualifications are affected by registration requirements, the principal applicant’s current skilled
employment or offer of skilled employment in New Zealand will only qualify for points if the principal applicant:
a. provides evidence of full or provisional registration in New Zealand, if full or provisional registration is required by law
in New Zealand to undertake that employment; or
b. has current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand (see SM7.10 on page 24) in an
occupation that does not require registration.

New Zealand Occupational Registration Bodies

1. Architects Education and Registration Board 9. Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand
2. Dental Technicians Board 10. Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand
3. Dental Council of New Zealand 11. Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
4. Electrical Workers Registration Board 12. Real Estate Agents Licensing Board
5. Engineers Registration Board 13. Registration Boards Secretariat
6. Medical Council of New Zealand 14. The Survey Board of New Zealand Office of the
Surveyor-General Land Information New Zealand
7. Nursing Council of New Zealand 15. New Zealand Teachers Council
8. New Zealand Law Society 16. Veterinary Council of New Zealand.

Occupations treated as exceptions

Some occupations are treated as an exception under the Skilled Migrant Category. An offer of
employment or current employment in New Zealand that is in an occupation listed below is eligible for
points for skilled employment. See ‘Skilled employment’.
• 442111 Prison officer

Offer of employment
This is a job offer from a New Zealand employer made specifically to you.

Ongoing employment
We will consider your employment to be ongoing if you are a permanent employee who is employed
either indefinitely or for at least 12 months and with the option for your employment to be extended.
Employment is also ongoing if it is on a contract basis and you have consistent history of contract
work and such contract work is likely to be sustained. See ‘Skilled employment’.

Partner
A partner of a principal applicant is someone who is legally married, or joined in a civil union, to the
applicant or who is living in a partnership that is like a marriage.

18 – Expression of Interest Guide

The partnership can be between people of the opposite or same sex. The partnership must be
genuine and stable.
We recognise partnerships where both partners:
• are aged 18 years or over (or have parental/guardian or other consent if aged 16 or 17 years)
• met each other before any residence application was submitted
• aren’t close relatives.
A partner will only be granted residence if both people in the partnership have been living together
for at least 12 months.

Partnership
A partnership exists where you are in a genuine and stable relationship with another person. See
‘Partner’, ‘Genuine and stable relationship’.

People trafficking
Any involvement in moving people illegally into or out of a country.

Permanent place of residence

This is your main residential address. If your permanent place of residence is in New Zealand you will
be charged New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12.5% on your fees.

Place of work
A place of work is where you sometimes or ordinarily go to work. It may or may not be part of a
building. See ‘Employment outside Auckland’.

Points
You may qualify for points for employability and capacity-building factors. The points system is
designed for ranking Expressions of Interest so that we can extend Invitations to Apply for residence
to those who have the most to offer New Zealand. The greater the number of points you qualify for,
the greater your chance of gaining an Invitation to Apply for residence. You need to qualify for at
least 100 points to have a chance of entering the Expressions of Interest Pool.

Police certificates
Certificates you obtain from the police to prove you are of good character. You must obtain these
from your country of citizenship or any country in which you have lived for over 12 months in the
past 10 years. Anyone 17 years or older included in the Expression of Interest will require a police
certificate if you are invited to apply for residence.

Pool
See ‘Expression of Interest Pool’.

Postgraduate New Zealand qualification

A postgraduate New Zealand qualification is a recognised qualification that is on the New Zealand
Register of Quality Assured Qualifications at level 9 or level 10. See ‘New Zealand Register of Quality
Assured Qualifications’.

Pre-Assessment Result (PAR)

This report is available online from the NZQA and assesses your qualification based only on
information supplied by you and without seeing the original documents. If you are invited to apply
for residence your qualification will then have to be fully assessed by the NZQA. See ‘International
Qualification Assessment (IQA)’.

Expression of Interest Guide – 19

 Principal applicant
You are the principal applicant if you are the primary person making the application for residence. It
is you and your skills that we will assess.

Recognised qualification
You can gain points for qualifications such as trade certificates, diplomas, bachelor degrees and
postgraduate qualifications.

Points
The points you can earn will depend on what level your qualification occupies on the New Zealand
Qualifications Framework (NZQF) (providing it is not an excluded qualification). The policy SM14.10
shows how points are awarded for recognised qualifications at various levels of the NZQF. See ‘New
Zealand Qualifications Framework’, ‘New Zealand Qualifications Authority’, ‘Pre-Assessment Result’,
‘International Qualification Assessment’, ‘Occupational Registration’.

SM14.5 Recognition of qualifications

Subject to SM14.10.5 and SM14.10.10, a recognised qualification is a qualification that a visa or immigration officer is
satisfied occupies a level on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) which qualifies it for points by reference
to:
a. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the Register as assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
(NZQA); or
b. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the Register as set out in the List of Qualifications Recognised as an
Exception (see Appendix 13); or
c. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the Register as set out in the List of Qualifications Exempt from
Assessment (see Appendix 5); or
d. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the Register having regard to the full or provisional registration of the
principal applicant by a New Zealand organisation authorised by law to give occupational registration, if that
registration involves an assessment that the principal applicant’s overseas qualification(s) is comparable with a
New Zealand qualification that is included in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.
Note: For medical practitioners, registration within a ‘special purpose scope of practice’ is not full or provisional
registration for the purpose of a residence application or a work to residence application.
Note: For teachers, ‘provisional’ registration includes both ‘provisional’ and ‘subject to confirmation’ registration.
Note: The New Zealand Qualifications Framework is available at www.nzqf.govt.nz.

SM14.10 Points for recognised qualifications

Qualifications are recognised and qualify for points as follows:
a. Qualifications assessed as occupying levels nine and ten on the NZQF qualify for 55 points.
b. Qualifications assessed as occupying levels five, six, seven, or eight on the NZQF qualify for 50 points.
c. Qualifications assessed as occupying level four on the NZQF qualify for 50 points by inclusion in the List of
Qualifications Exempt from Assessment if they meet the requirements specified in that list.
d. Qualifications assessed as occupying level four on the NZQF qualify for 50 points if they are assessed by the NZQA
and are:
i. relevant to an occupation listed at part B or part C of the List of Skilled Occupations (see Appendix 11) and
ii. not included on the list of Excluded Qualifications (see SM14.10.5).
e. Qualifications assessed as occupying level three on the NZQF that are included on the List of Qualifications
Recognised as an Exception (see SM14.10.10), and meet the requirements specified in that list, qualify for 50 points.
f. Points are provided for:
i. one qualification only; or
ii. two or more qualifications assessed in combination.
Note: Points for recognised qualifications are not cumulative. A principal applicant may qualify for either 55 points or 50 points.
Note: A qualification will not be recognised if gained while in a country where the principal applicant was either an unlawful
resident or required authority to study, but did not have such authority.

20 – Expression of Interest Guide

SM14.10.1 New Zealand qualifications
Despite SM14.10, SM14.10.5, and SM14.10.10, New Zealand qualifications at level three or four of the Register are
recognised and qualify for 50 points if:
a. the qualification would have been recognised for the award of points under Skilled Migrant Category policy that was
in effect on 3 February 2008; and
b. the principal applicant gained the qualification before 4 February 2008; or
c. the principal applicant was enrolled in a course of study, resulting in the qualification for which they are claiming
points, on 3 February 2008.

SM14.10.5 Excluded qualifications

The qualifications listed below are excluded from recognition under the Skilled Migrant Category and do not qualify for
points. This list may be amended by the deletion or addition of qualifications from time to time, as approved by the
Minister of Immigration.
• Level four qualifications that are not a New Zealand National Certificate (or compared to a New Zealand National
Certificate by the NZQA).
Note: Visa and Immigration officers must ensure that the qualification is a National Certificate or comparable to a National
Certificate and may refer to the following for confirmation:
• the www.nzqf.govt.nz website,
• written confirmation provided by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to the Tertiary Education Provider
confirming the qualification is a National Certificate,
• a NZQA International Qualification Assessment (IQA), or
• a NZQA Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR).

SM14.10.10 Qualifications recognised as an exception

The qualifications included in the list held at Appendix 13 are recognised for the award of points as an exception under
the Skilled Migrant Category.
Qualifications in this list, awarded by an institution included in this list, do not require assessment by the New Zealand
Qualifications Authority.

SM14.20 Evidence
a. Principal applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category must submit their qualifications and provide a NZQA
assessment (Pre Assessment Result (PAR), International Qualification Assessment (IQA) or Qualifications
Assessment Report (QAR) (see SM14.35)) unless:
i. their qualification(s) are included in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment; or
ii. their qualification(s) are included in the List of Qualifications Recognised as an Exception; or
iii. they have been awarded full or provisional registration by a New Zealand organisation authorised by law to give
occupational registration, and registration involves an assessment that their overseas qualification(s) is
comparable with a New Zealand qualification that is included in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.
Note: From 27 June 2008 the Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR) has been renamed ‘International Qualification
Assessment’ (IQA). Both IQAs and QARs are acceptable as evidence to determine whether a qualification will qualify for points.
b. If an NZQA assessment is required for an overseas qualification, a PAR is suitable for lodgement of an application
under the Skilled Migrant Category, but a QAR or IQA will be required to determine whether a qualification (or group
of qualifications) will qualify for points.
c. Applicants with New Zealand qualifications should provide evidence of the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured
Qualifications level of that qualification by submitting a ‘Qualification Overview’ report with their qualification. This
report can be obtained from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website (www.nzqf.govt.nz).
d. In the case of a New Zealand qualification that is not included on the NZQF, a letter from the NZQA will be required
to determine whether the qualification will qualify for points.
e. In order for a qualification to qualify for points on the basis of full or provisional registration, the certificate of
registration, or evidence of eligibility for registration subject only to an interview with a representative of the New
Zealand Medical or Dental Council on arrival must also be provided (see SM19.15).
Note: For medical practitioners, registration within a ‘special purpose scope of practice’ is not full or provisional
registration for the purpose of a residence application or a work to residence application.
f. If a principal applicant is claiming points for a qualification on the basis of their occupational registration, the
qualification(s) qualifies for the points identified for the comparable New Zealand qualification in the List of
Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.
g. Despite the fact that the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment or the List of Qualifications Recognised as
an Exception provides that a specified qualification qualifies for certain points, an applicant or a visa or immigration
officer (by requesting the applicant to do so) may seek a IQA or QAR of any particular qualification. Where this
occurs, the most recent NZQA assessment will prevail.

Expression of Interest Guide – 21

 SM14.25 List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment
The List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment is a list of qualifications which may qualify for points without the need
for a NZQA assessment (unless SM14.20 (d) above applies).
To view the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment see www.immigration.govt.nz/LQEA.

Recognised work experience

You can gain points for work experience if it is relevant to your recognised qualification or relates
to your current or offered skilled employment in New Zealand. You can gain additional bonus points
if you have work experience lawfully gained in New Zealand or that was in an identified future growth
area or area of absolute skills shortage. If you do not have current or offered skilled employment
in New Zealand, or if your work experience is not in an area of absolute skills shortage, your work
experience must have been in a comparable labour market in order for you to claim points. If you are
claiming points for skilled employment in New Zealand you must also qualify for points for either a
recognised qualification or recognised work experience. See ‘Identified future growth area’, ‘Area of
absolute skills shortage’, ‘Comparable labour market’.

SM11.10 Requirements for recognition

Work experience is recognised and qualifies for points if it meets the requirements set out at (a) and (b) below:
a. A visa or immigration officer must be satisfied that work experience is:
i. relevant to the principal applicant’s* current skilled employment in New Zealand or offer of skilled employment in
New Zealand (see SM7); or
ii. relevant to the principal applicant’s* recognised qualification (see SM14); or
iii. skilled, because it required, or enabled the principal applicant* to gain specialist, technical, or management skills and
experience relevant to an occupation that is included in the lists of occupations held at Appendix 11 or Appendix 12.
b. Work experience must also have been gained in a labour market that is comparable to the New Zealand labour
market unless:
i. the work experience meets the requirements set out at SM13.20 for work experience in an area of absolute
skills shortage; or
ii. the principal applicant* has current skilled employment in New Zealand or an offer of skilled employment in
New Zealand (see SM7).

SM11.10.5 Relevance of work experience to qualifications

Work experience is relevant to a principal applicant’s* recognised qualification if a visa or immigration officer is satisfied
that the qualification was:
a. an important factor in the principal applicant* being able to obtain work or continue or advance in the position or
field of work in which they have experience; or
b. an important factor in a career path that has advanced progressively from the principal applicant’s* prequalification
work experience.

SM11.10.10 Relevance of work experience to an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand

Work experience is relevant to a principal applicant’s* offer of skilled employment in New Zealand if an employer considers,
and a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that:
a. the work experience is directly applicable to the employment offered; and/or
b. the offer of employment could not reasonably have been made if the principal applicant* did not have that work experience.

SM11.15 Additional requirements for recognition of work experience

a. Work experience only qualifies for points if a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that the principal applicant’s*
work experience is lawfully obtained.
b. Work experience will not be recognised if it was gained while in a country where the principal applicant* was either an
unlawful resident or required authority to undertake employment, but did not have such authority.

22 – Expression of Interest Guide

 SM11.15.1 Part-time work
a. Calculation of levels of work experience must be for complete weeks based on a 30-hour week.
b. Credit is given for 30-hour weeks only, even though a principal applicant* has worked more than 30 hours in any week.
Example: Fifty-two 60-hour weeks are equal to one year’s work experience.
c. Credit for part-time work experience may be given on a proportional basis.
Example: Four years’ work experience for 15 hours per week is equal to 2 years’ work experience for a 30-hour week,
and therefore qualifies for 10 points.

SM11.20 Evidence
Principal applicants* must provide evidence and information that satisfies a visa or immigration officer that their work
experience meets the requirements for recognition.

Removal order
A legal document that requires you to leave New Zealand and not return for at least five years from
the date you depart. Removal orders are served on people found to be unlawfully in New Zealand or
where people have their residence or citizenship revoked.

Selection
We make regular selections from the Pool. Periodically, Expressions of Interest are selected from the
Pool as follows:
• Expressions of Interest that have total points of 140 or more will be selected automatically from
the Pool;
• Expressions of Interest that have a points total of 100 or more but less than 140, and include
points for an offer of skilled employment or current skilled employment in New Zealand, are
selected (according to their points ranking) in sufficient numbers to meet New Zealand’s
Immigration Programme requirements.
If, following the selection process set out above, further places are available, additional Expressions
of Interest may be selected from the Pool on the basis of criteria set from time to time by the
Minister of Immigration. These additional selection criteria can be viewed on our website at
www.immigration.govt.nz/skilledmigrant.

Settlement and contribution requirements

You need to show you have the potential to settle in New Zealand and make a contribution socially
and economically. In some cases we will assess this by conducting an interview with you covering your
employment prospects, your familiarity with New Zealand and the support you are likely to have here.

Skilled employment
Skilled employment is work that requires specialist, technical or management expertise obtained
through completing a recognised qualification and/or through work experience.
Points are provided for skilled employment for a third party, not for self-employment in your
own business. If you wish to obtain residence by establishing and operating your own business in
New Zealand, you should consider the Business categories.

SM7.10 Skilled employment

a. Skilled employment is employment that requires specialist, technical or management expertise:
i. obtained through the completion of recognised relevant qualifications; or
ii. obtained through recognised relevant work experience; or
iii. obtained through the completion of recognised relevant qualifications and work experience.
b. Assessment of whether an occupation is skilled for the purposes of Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) policy is primarily
based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) which associates skill
levels with each occupation.
Note: The ANZSCO is available at www.immigration.govt.nz/ANZSCO.

Expression of Interest Guide – 23

 SM7.10.1 Assessment of whether employment is skilled
An offer of employment or current employment in New Zealand will be assessed as skilled if it meets the requirements of
(a), (b) or (c) below.
a. The occupation is included in part A of the List of Skilled Occupations and the principal applicant* can demonstrate
that their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation
(including core tasks) as set out in the ANZSCO and:
i. the applicant holds a relevant recognised qualification which is at, or above, the qualification level on the
Register (see SM14.5) that corresponds to the indicative skill level described for that occupation in the
ANZSCO; or
ii. the applicant has the relevant work experience that the ANZSCO indicates may substitute the required
qualification; or
iii. the employment is in an occupation included on the Long Term Skill Shortage List and the applicant meets the
relevant requirements specified in column three of the Long Term Skill Shortage List for that occupation.
iv. Notwithstanding a.ii, applicants with Skill Level One Occupations can substitute the required qualification with
five years of relevant work experience.
b. The occupation is included in part B of the List of Skilled Occupations and the principal applicant* can demonstrate
that their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation
(including core tasks) as set out in the ANZSCO and:
i. the applicant holds a relevant recognised qualification which is at, or above, level four on the Register (see
SM14.5) (a qualification at level four on the Register must be a National Certificate); or
ii. has the relevant work experience that the ANZSCO indicates may substitute the required qualification; or
iii. the employment is in an occupation included on the Long Term Skill Shortage List and the applicant meets the
relevant requirements specified in column three of the Long Term Skill Shortage List for that occupation.
c. The occupation is included in part C of the List of Skilled Occupations and the principal applicant* can demonstrate
that their offer of employment or current employment substantially matches the description for that occupation
(including core tasks) as set out in the ANZSCO and has either:
i. at least three years of relevant recognised work experience and a relevant recognised qualification which is at,
or above, level four on the Register (see SM14.5) (a qualification at level four on the Register must be a National
Certificate); or
ii. at least three years of relevant recognised work experience and that current employment or the position in
which the employment is offered, has an annual base salary of at least NZ$45,000.
d. Where a principal applicant’s* offer of employment or current employment in New Zealand does not meet the
requirements of (a), (b), or (c) above they may nevertheless qualify for points for skilled employment if:
i. their employment in the occupation will enhance the quality of New Zealand’s accomplishments and participation
in that occupational area because the principal applicant has an international reputation and record of
excellence in that field; and
ii. the required expertise for the occupation has been gained through relevant recognised qualifications or
work experience.

SM7.10.3 Occupations awarded points for skilled employment as an exception

A principal applicant’s* offer of employment or current employment in New Zealand also qualifies for skilled employment points if:
a. it is in an occupation included in the list of occupations held at Appendix 12 (Occupations Treated as Exceptions); and
b. the principal applicant* can demonstrate that their offer of employment or current employment substantially
matches the description for that occupation (including core tasks) as set out in the ANZSCO and has either:
i. a relevant qualification which is at, or above, the qualification level on the Register (see SM14.5) that
corresponds to the indicative skill level described for that occupation in the ANZSCO; or
ii. the relevant work experience that the ANZSCO indicates may substitute the required qualification.

SM7.10.5 Relevance of qualification(s) to employment

Qualifications are relevant to employment if:
a. the major subject area of the principal applicant’s* recognised qualification is directly applicable to the employment;
and/or
b. a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that the qualification was a key factor in the employer’s decision to employ
the principal applicant* in that position.
Note: For the purposes of this provision, ‘qualifications’ must meet the requirements for recognition set out in SM14.5
(except where SM7.10.3 applies) but are not required to be the same qualification(s) that qualifies for points under the
Qualifications part of this policy (see SM14).

24 – Expression of Interest Guide

 SM7.10.10 Relevance of work experience to employment
Work experience is relevant to employment if the employer considers, and a visa or immigration officer is satisfied that:
a. the work experience is directly applicable to the employment; and/or
b. the offer of employment could not reasonably have been made or the employment could not reasonably have been
undertaken if the applicant did not have that work experience.

SM7.15 Additional requirements for skilled employment

a. Skilled employment only qualifies for points if the employment is:
i. full time (employment is full-time if it amounts to, on average, at least 30 hours per week); and
ii. genuine; and
iii. for a position that is paid by salary or wages or in terms of a contract for service (payment by commission and/
or retainer are not acceptable), and
iv. accompanied by evidence of full or provisional registration, or evidence of eligibility for registration by the
New Zealand Medical or Dental Council subject only to an interview with the relevant registration authority on
arrival, if full or provisional registration is required by law to undertake the employment (see SM19.20); and
Note: For medical practitioners, registration within a ‘special purpose scope of practice’ is not full or provisional
registration for the purpose of a residence application or a work to residence application
v. the employment was not offered as a result of payment made by the applicant (or their agent) to the employer
(or their agent) in exchange for securing that offer of employment. Such practices are contrary to the
principles of the Wages Protection Act 1983, as well as to immigration policy.
b. Employment must be ongoing and sustainable. Ongoing and sustainable employment is:
i. an offer of employment or current employment with a single employer and permanent, or indefinite, or for a
stated term of at least twelve months with an option for the employee of further terms, and of which the
employer is in a position to meet the terms specified; or
ii. employment on a contract basis where the applicant:
• has a consistent history of contract work, and
• has a current contract for services, and
• the NZIS is satisfied that such contract work is likely to be sustained.
Note: When assessing whether employment is sustainable, officers may consider, but are not limited to, such factors
as the residence status of the employer, the period for which the employing organisation has been established as a
going concern, and the financial sustainability of the employing organisation.
c. In the case of independent midwife practitioners a letter of authority to claim under the Maternity Notice pursuant
to Section 88 of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 as well as evidence of admission to the
New Zealand Register of Midwives will satisfy the requirements of SM7.5 (b), SM7.15 (a)(i),(ii) and (iii), SM7.15 (b), and
can be used to satisfy the requirements of SM4.30.10 (a)(i).

SM7.20 Requirements for employers

a. All employers wishing to employ non-New Zealand citizens or residents must comply with all relevant employment and
immigration law in force in New Zealand. Compliance with relevant New Zealand employment and immigration law
includes, but is not limited to:
i. paying employees no less than the appropriate adult or youth minimum wage or other contracted industry
standard; and
ii. meeting holiday and special leave requirements or other minimum statutory criteria, eg occupational safety and
health obligations; and
iii. only employing people who have authority to work in New Zealand.
b. To qualify for points, skilled employment must be with an employer who has good workplace practices, including a
history of compliance with all immigration and employment laws such as the Immigration Act, the Injury Prevention,
Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, the Minimum Wage Act, the Health and Safety in Employment Act, the
Employment Relations Act and the Holidays Act.
c. Current employment or an offer of employment does not qualify for points if it is not compliant with all relevant
immigration and employment laws in force in New Zealand or if the NZIS considers that the employment of the
applicant creates unacceptable risks to the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration or employment laws or policies.

See ‘Occupations treated as exceptions’ and ‘Qualifications recognised as an exception’.

Expression of Interest Guide – 25

 Appendix 11 - List of Skilled Occupations
Part A
Skill Level One Occupations
The occupations listed below under part A, part B, and part C may be considered skilled employment providing the
requirements at SM7.10.1 (a), (b), or (c) are met.

221111 Accountant (General) 272611 Community Arts Worker

211111 Actor 221211 Company Secretary
211199 Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers nec 252299 Complementary Health Therapists nec
224111 Actuary 211211 Composer
252211 Acupuncturist 263111 Computer Network and Systems Engineer
131113 Advertising Manager 234311 Conservation Officer
225111 Advertising Specialist 234911 Conservator
233911 Aeronautical Engineer 133111 Construction Project Manager
231111 Aeroplane Pilot 212411 Copywriter
234111 Agricultural Consultant 111211 Corporate General Manager
233912 Agricultural Engineer 132111 Corporate Services Manager
234112 Agricultural Scientist 221212 Corporate Treasurer
231112 Air Traffic Controller 121211 Cotton Grower
231199 Air Transport Professionals nec 272199 Counsellors nec
253211 Anaesthetist 121299 Crop Farmers nec
261311 Analyst Programmer 121313 Dairy Cattle Farmer
234512 Anatomist or Physiologist 249212 Dance Teacher (Private Tuition)
121311 Apiarist 211112 Dancer or Choreographer
121111 Aquaculture Farmer 262111 Database Administrator
232111 Architect 121314 Deer Farmer
224211 Archivist 111212 Defence Force Senior Officer
212311 Art Director (Film, Television or Stage) 252311 Dental Specialist
249211 Art Teacher (Private Tuition) 252312 Dentist
212111 Artistic Director 253911 Dermatologist
139911 Arts Administrator or Manager 261312 Developer Programmer
252711 Audiologist 253917 Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist
212211 Author 251111 Dietitian
271111 Barrister 212312 Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage)
121312 Beef Cattle Farmer 212313 Director of Photography
234513 Biochemist 249213 Drama Teacher (Private Tuition)
233913 Biomedical Engineer 272112 Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
234514 Biotechnologist 241111 Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
212212 Book or Script Editor 224311 Economist
234515 Botanist 249111 Education Adviser
253312 Cardiologist 134499 Education Managers nec
253512 Cardiothoracic Surgeon 249112 Education Reviewer
272111 Careers Counsellor 272312 Educational Psychologist
232213 Cartographer 224911 Electorate Officer
233111 Chemical Engineer 233311 Electrical Engineer
234211 Chemist 233411 Electronics Engineer
111111 Chief Executive or Managing Director 253912 Emergency Medicine Specialist
135111 Chief Information Officer 253315 Endocrinologist
134111 Child Care Centre Manager 133211 Engineering Manager
252111 Chiropractor 233999 Engineering Professionals nec
233211 Civil Engineer 233914 Engineering Technologist
253313 Clinical Haematologist 211113 Entertainer or Variety Artist
272311 Clinical Psychologist 234312 Environmental Consultant
139111 Commissioned Defence Force Officer 233915 Environmental Engineer
139112 Commissioned Fire Officer 251311 Environmental Health Officer
139113 Commissioned Police Officer 139912 Environmental Manager

26 – Expression of Interest Guide

234313 Environmental Research Scientist 233511 Industrial Engineer
234399 Environmental Scientists nec 251512 Industrial Pharmacist
221213 External Auditor 224999 Information and Organisation Professionals nec
134411 Faculty Head 224411 Intelligence Officer
272113 Family and Marriage Counsellor 253317 Intensive Care Specialist
232311 Fashion Designer 232511 Interior Designer
121214 Field Crop Grower 241311 Intermediate School Teacher
212314 Film and Video Editor 221214 Internal Auditor
212399 Film, Television, Radio and Stage Directors nec 272412 Interpreter
132211 Finance Manager 232313 Jewellery Designer
222299 Financial Dealers nec 212499 Journalists and Other Writers nec
222311 Financial Investment Adviser 271211 Judge
222312 Financial Investment Manager 271299 Judicial and Other Legal Professionals nec
222211 Financial Market Dealer 241112 Kaiako Kohanga Reo (Maori Language Nest Teacher)
121212 Flower Grower 241211 Kaiako Kura Kaupapa Maori (Maorimedium
231113 Flying Instructor Primary School Teacher)
234212 Food Technologist 139913 Laboratory Manager
234113 Forest Scientist 224511 Land Economist
121213 Fruit or Nut Grower 232112 Landscape Architect
222212 Futures Trader 111399 Legislators nec
224212 Gallery or Museum Curator 224912 Liaison Officer
253316 Gastroenterologist 224611 Librarian
253111 General Medical Practitioner 234511 Life Scientist (General)
234411 Geologist 234599 Life Scientists nec
234412 Geophysicist 121399 Livestock Farmers nec
233212 Geotechnical Engineer 111311 Local Government Legislator
121315 Goat Farmer 271212 Magistrate
121215 Grape Grower 221112 Management Accountant
232411 Graphic Designer 224711 Management Consultant
134299 Health and Welfare Services Managers nec 133411 Manufacturer
251999 Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals nec 234516 Marine Biologist
224213 Health Information Manager 233916 Marine Designer
251911 Health Promotion Officer 231299 Marine Transport Professionals nec
231114 Helicopter Pilot 121221 Market Gardener
272411 Historian 225112 Market Research Analyst
252212 Homoeopath 225113 Marketing Specialist
121316 Horse Breeder 231211 Master Fisher
251511 Hospital Pharmacist 233112 Materials Engineer
223111 Human Resource Adviser 224112 Mathematician
132311 Human Resource Manager 233512 Mechanical Engineer
225211 ICT Account Manager 212112 Media Producer (excluding Video)
261111 ICT Business Analyst 251211 Medical Diagnostic Radiographer
225212 ICT Business Development Manager 234611 Medical Laboratory Scientist
135199 ICT Managers nec 253314 Medical Oncologist
135112 ICT Project Manager 253999 Medical Practitioners nec
263211 ICT Quality Assurance Engineer 251212 Medical Radiation Therapist
225213 ICT Sales Representative 134211 Medical Superintendent
262112 ICT Security Specialist 111312 Member of Parliament
263299 ICT Support and Test Engineers nec 234912 Metallurgist
263212 ICT Support Engineer 234913 Meteorologist
263213 ICT Systems Test Engineer 234517 Microbiologist
223211 ICT Trainer 254111 Midwife
232412 Illustrator 233611 Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)
224913 Immigration Consultant 272211 Minister of Religion
133311 Importer or Exporter 121411 Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer
232312 Industrial Designer 121216 Mixed Crop Farmer
121317 Mixed Livestock Farmer

Expression of Interest Guide – 27

 232413 Multimedia Designer 133513 Production Manager (Mining)
261211 Multimedia Specialist 233513 Production or Plant Engineer
211212 Music Director 212315 Program Director (Television or Radio)
211299 Music Professionals nec 133112 Project Builder
249214 Music Teacher (Private Tuition) 253411 Psychiatrist
211213 Musician (Instrumental) 272399 Psychologists nec
234999 Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec 272314 Psychotherapist
252213 Naturopath 131114 Public Relations Manager
263112 Network Administrator 225311 Public Relations Professional
263113 Network Analyst 139914 Quality Assurance Manager
253318 Neurologist 233213 Quantity Surveyor
253513 Neurosurgeon 253918 Radiation Oncologist
212412 Newspaper or Periodical Editor 212414 Radio Journalist
251213 Nuclear Medicine Technologist 212113 Radio Presenter
254211 Nurse Educator 224214 Records Manager
254311 Nurse Manager 272612 Recreation Coordinator
254411 Nurse Practitioner 223112 Recruitment Consultant
254212 Nurse Researcher 134412 Regional Education Manager
134212 Nursing Clinical Director 254412 Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
253913 Obstetrician and Gynaecologist 254413 Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
251312 Occupational Health and Safety Adviser 254414 Registered Nurse (Community Health)
252411 Occupational Therapist 254415 Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)
253914 Ophthalmologist 254416 Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)
251411 Optometrist 254417 Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)
224712 Organisation and Methods Analyst 254421 Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)
272313 Organisational Psychologist 254418 Registered Nurse (Medical)
253514 Orthopaedic Surgeon 254422 Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
251412 Orthoptist 254423 Registered Nurse (Perioperative)
251912 Orthotist or Prosthetist 254424 Registered Nurse (Surgical)
252112 Osteopath 254499 Registered Nurses nec
253515 Otorhinolaryngologist 272114 Rehabilitation Counsellor
253516 Paediatric Surgeon 253322 Renal Medicine Specialist
253321 Paediatrician 132511 Research and Development Manager
211411 Painter (Visual Arts) 253112 Resident Medical Officer
234314 Park Ranger 251513 Retail Pharmacist
224914 Patents Examiner 253323 Rheumatologist
253915 Pathologist 131112 Sales and Marketing Manager
233612 Petroleum Engineer 225411 Sales Representative (Industrial Products)
211311 Photographer 225412 Sales Representative (Medical and
234914 Physicist Pharmaceutical Products)
252511 Physiotherapist 134311 School Principal
121318 Pig Farmer 211413 Sculptor
253517 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon 241411 Secondary School Teacher
252611 Podiatrist 139211 Senior Non-commissioned Defence Force
Member
224412 Policy Analyst
121322 Sheep Farmer
132411 Policy and Planning Manager
231212 Ship’s Engineer
242211 Polytechnic Teacher
231213 Ship’s Master
211412 Potter or Ceramic Artist
231214 Ship’s Officer
241212 Pouako Kura Kaupapa Maori (Maorimedium
Primary School Senior Teacher) 231215 Ship’s Surveyor
121321 Poultry Farmer 211214 Singer
134213 Primary Health Organisation Manager 272499 Social Professionals nec
241213 Primary School Teacher 272511 Social Worker
212413 Print Journalist 261399 Software and Applications Programmers nec
249299 Private Tutors and Teachers nec 261313 Software Engineer
133511 Production Manager (Forestry) 261314 Software Tester
133512 Production Manager (Manufacturing) 271311 Solicitor

28 – Expression of Interest Guide

251214 Sonographer Skill Level Two Occupations
232214 Spatial Scientist (Other) 411511 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
241599 Special Education Teachers nec Worker
241511 Special Needs Teacher 141999 Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec
139999 Specialist Managers nec 311111 Agricultural Technician
253311 Specialist Physician (General Medicine) 411111 Ambulance Officer
253399 Specialist Physicians nec 411112 Ambulance Paramedic
252712 Speech Language Therapist 149111 Amusement Centre Manager
139915 Sports Administrator 311211 Anaesthetic Technician
212316 Stage Manager 142112 Antique Dealer
224113 Statistician 312199 Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians
222213 Stockbroking Dealer nec
233214 Structural Engineer 312111 Architectural Draftsperson
272115 Student Counsellor 141911 Bed and Breakfast Operator
121217 Sugar Cane Grower 142113 Betting Agency Manager
133611 Supply and Distribution Manager 149911 Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator
253511 Surgeon (General) 312999 Building and Engineering Technicians nec
232212 Surveyor 312112 Building Associate
262113 Systems Administrator 312113 Building Inspector
261112 Systems Analyst 141111 Cafe or Restaurant Manager
221113 Taxation Accountant 149211 Call or Contact Centre Manager
249311 Teacher of English to Speakers of Other 141211 Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager
Languages 311212 Cardiac Technician
241512 Teacher of the Hearing Impaired 351311 Chef
241513 Teacher of the Sight Impaired 311411 Chemistry Technician
212317 Technical Director 149912 Cinema or Theatre Manager
225499 Technical Sales Representatives nec 312211 Civil Engineering Draftsperson
212415 Technical Writer 312212 Civil Engineering Technician
263311 Telecommunications Engineer 222111 Commodities Trader
263312 Telecommunications Network Engineer 411711 Community Worker
212416 Television Journalist 149311 Conference and Event Organiser
212114 Television Presenter 312114 Construction Estimator
253324 Thoracic Medicine Specialist 511111 Contract Administrator
252214 Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner 599111 Conveyancer
252215 Traditional Maori Health Practitioner 149212 Customer Service Manager
223311 Training and Development Professional 411211 Dental Hygienist
272413 Translator 411212 Dental Prosthetist
233215 Transport Engineer 411213 Dental Technician
271213 Tribunal Member 411214 Dental Therapist
121218 Turf Grower 441311 Detective
242111 University Lecturer 411712 Disabilities Services Officer
242112 University Tutor 311412 Earth Science Technician
232611 Urban and Regional Planner 312311 Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
253518 Urologist 312312 Electrical Engineering Technician
224512 Valuer 312411 Electronic Engineering Draftsperson
253521 Vascular Surgeon 312412 Electronic Engineering Technician
234711 Veterinarian 411411 Enrolled Nurse
212318 Video Producer 149915 Equipment Hire Manager
211499 Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals nec 149913 Facilities Manager
232414 Web Designer 411713 Family Support Worker
261212 Web Developer 222112 Finance Broker
134214 Welfare Centre Manager 222199 Financial Brokers nec
272613 Welfare Worker 149914 Financial Institution Branch Manager
133312 Wholesaler 311311 Fisheries Officer
234213 Wine Maker 149112 Fitness Centre Manager
223113 Workplace Relations Adviser 149411 Fleet Manager
234518 Zoologist 451311 Funeral Director

Expression of Interest Guide – 29

 399311 Gallery or Museum Technician Part B
142114 Hair or Beauty Salon Manager 334112 Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
313111 Hardware Technician 342111 Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
512211 Health Practice Manager 323111 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)
149999 Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers nec 323112 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)
141311 Hotel or Motel Manager 323113 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)
313112 ICT Customer Support Officer 393211 Apparel Cutter
313199 ICT Support Technicians nec 321111 Automotive Electrician
222113 Insurance Broker 351111 Baker
399912 Interior Decorator 322111 Blacksmith
411512 Kaiawhina (Hauora) (Maori Health Assistant) 399111 Boat Builder and Repairer
599112 Legal Executive 331111 Bricklayer
399312 Library Technician 399511 Broadcast Transmitter Operator
141411 Licensed Club Manager 342311 Business Machine Mechanic
311413 Life Science Technician 351211 Butcher or Smallgoods Maker
312911 Maintenance Planner 394111 Cabinetmaker
411611 Massage Therapist 342411 Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
311312 Meat Inspector 399512 Camera Operator (Film, Television or Video)
312511 Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson 393111 Canvas Goods Fabricator
312512 Mechanical Engineering Technician 331212 Carpenter
311213 Medical Laboratory Technician 331211 Carpenter and Joiner
311299 Medical Technicians nec 399211 Chemical Plant Operator
312912 Metallurgical or Materials Technician 393212 Clothing Patternmaker
312913 Mine Deputy 342312 Communications Operator
411412 Mothercraft Nurse 441111 Defence Force Member - Other Ranks
512111 Office Manager 321212 Diesel Motor Mechanic
311214 Operating Theatre Technician 399911 Diver
411714 Parole or Probation Officer 334113 Drainlayer
311215 Pharmacy Technician 393213 Dressmaker or Tailor
312115 Plumbing Inspector 342211 Electrical Line Mechanic
441312 Police Officer 341111 Electrician (General)
142115 Post Office Manager 341112 Electrician (Special Class)
512299 Practice Managers nec 342313 Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
311399 Primary Products Inspectors nec 342314 Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General)
511112 Program or Project Administrator 342315 Electronic Instrument Trades Worker
311313 Quarantine Officer (Special Class)
313211 Radiocommunications Technician 322112 Electroplater
149412 Railway Station Manager 441211 Emergency Service Worker
612113 Real Estate Agency Licensee 323411 Engineering Patternmaker
411715 Residential Care Officer 323311 Engraver
142111 Retail Manager (General) 322113 Farrier
141912 Retirement Village Manager 333211 Fibrous Plasterer
312611 Safety Inspector 441212 Fire Fighter
311414 School Laboratory Technician 399918 Fire Protection Equipment Technician
311499 Science Technicians nec 323211 Fitter (General)
149113 Sports Centre Manager 323212 Fitter and Turner
452321 Sports Development Officer 323213 Fitter-Welder
312116 Surveying or Spatial Science Technician 332111 Floor Finisher
313212 Telecommunications Field Engineer 394211 Furniture Finisher
313213 Telecommunications Network Planner 399212 Gas or Petroleum Operator
313214 Telecommunications Technical Officer or 334114 Gasfitter
Technologist 333111 Glazier
149413 Transport Company Manager 392211 Graphic Pre-press Trades Worker
142116 Travel Agency Manager 323312 Gunsmith
313113 Web Administrator 391111 Hairdresser
411716 Youth Worker 399411 Jeweller

30 – Expression of Interest Guide

331213 Joiner 394299 Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades
393112 Leather Goods Maker Workers nec
341113 Lift Mechanic 394214 Wood Turner
399513 Light Technician Part C
323313 Locksmith 361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers nec
322114 Metal Casting Trades Worker 362212 Arborist
322311 Metal Fabricator 611111 Auctioneer
323299 Metal Fitters and Machinists nec 612111 Business Broker
323214 Metal Machinist (First Class) 541111 Call or Contact Centre Team Leader
322115 Metal Polisher 599211 Clerk of Court
321211 Motor Mechanic (General) 599915 Clinical Coder
321213 Motorcycle Mechanic 393299 Clothing Trades Workers nec
399515 Musical Instrument Maker or Repairer 351411 Cook
399914 Optical Mechanic 599212 Court Collections Officer
332211 Painting Trades Worker 599213 Court Registry Officer
324111 Panelbeater 399913 Dispensing Optician
351112 Pastrycook 411311 Diversional Therapist
399599 Performing Arts Technicians nec 452311 Diving Instructor (Open Water)
394212 Picture Framer 361111 Dog Handler or Trainer
399916 Plastics Technician 452318 Dog or Horse Racing Official
334111 Plumber (General) 451211 Driving Instructor
399213 Power Generation Plant Operator 451815 First Aid Trainer
323314 Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer 451711 Flight Attendant
322312 Pressure Welder 362111 Florist
392111 Print Finisher 452411 Footballer
392311 Printing Machinist 451399 Funeral Workers nec
334115 Roof Plumber 362211 Gardener (General)
333311 Roof Tiler 452412 Golfer
393113 Sail Maker 362311 Greenkeeper
323315 Saw Maker and Repairer 452312 Gymnastics Coach or Instructor
392112 Screen Printer 452313 Horse Riding Coach or Instructor
322211 Sheetmetal Trades Worker 361112 Horse Trainer
399112 Shipwright 431411 Hotel Service Manager
393114 Shoemaker 611211 Insurance Agent
399611 Signwriter 599611 Insurance Investigator
321214 Small Engine Mechanic 599612 Insurance Loss Adjuster
392312 Small Offset Printer 599613 Insurance Risk Surveyor
333212 Solid Plasterer 452413 Jockey
399516 Sound Technician 599214 Law Clerk
331112 Stonemason 521212 Legal Secretary
342212 Technical Cable Jointer 452414 Lifeguard
399999 Technicians and Trades Workers nec 399514 Make Up Artist
342412 Telecommunications Cable Jointer 362411 Nurseryperson
342413 Telecommunications Line Mechanic 452317 Other Sports Coach or Instructor
342414 Telecommunications Technician 452323 Other Sports Official
399517 Television Equipment Operator 521111 Personal Assistant
323215 Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic 361113 Pet Groomer
323412 Toolmaker 311216 Phlebotomist
393311 Upholsterer 399915 Photographer’s Assistant
324211 Vehicle Body Builder 612112 Property Manager
324311 Vehicle Painter 612114 Real Estate Agent
324212 Vehicle Trimmer 612115 Real Estate Representative
333411 Wall and Floor Tiler 639211 Retail Buyer
323316 Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer 521211 Secretary (General)
322313 Welder 442216 Security Consultant
394213 Wood Machinist 361211 Shearer

Expression of Interest Guide – 31

 452314 Snowsport Instructor
452322 Sports Umpire
452499 Sportspersons nec
611112 Stock and Station Agent
452315 Swimming Coach or Instructor
452316 Tennis Coach
451799 Travel Attendants nec
599215 Trust Officer
361311 Veterinary Nurse
639212 Wool Buyer
399917 Wool Classer
361114 Zookeeper
Note: nec is the abbreviation of ‘not elsewhere classified’.

Skilled migrant
We consider a skilled migrant to be a person who wants to come and live and work in New Zealand, and
who has the skills that New Zealand needs to help it prosper nationally and internationally.

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)

The Tertiary Education Commission. The Commission is responsible for co-ordinating ESOL tuition of
non-principal applicants choosing to use the tuition option to meet the English requirement. See ESOL.

Two years’ study

Two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised New Zealand qualification must be
completed in no less than four semesters during a period of at least 16 months to gain points.

SM15.5.1 Definition of ‘full-time study’ for the purpose of the Skilled Migrant Category
For the purposes of awarding bonus points for two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised New
Zealand qualification under the SMC, study undertaken in New Zealand is defined as full-time where:
a. an undergraduate student at a tertiary education institution was enrolled in at least three papers per semester; or
b. a post-graduate student at a tertiary education institution was enrolled in either a course of study:
i. that resulted in at least 100 credits per calendar year; or
ii. with a workload of at least 20 hours per week; or
c. a student at a private training establishment was enrolled in a course of study that required attendance for a minimum
of 20 hours per week.

Work experience in New Zealand

You can gain additional bonus points if you can show evidence of lawful recognised work experience in
New Zealand.

Work to residence (WR)

Principal applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category who do not meet the requirements to be
granted residence, but who are assessed as having potential to settle successfully in New Zealand, can
be issued a permit to work in New Zealand for up to nine months. The purpose of the work permit is to
enable applicants to establish themselves in ongoing skilled employment in New Zealand. Work visas and/
or permits issued and/or granted under this policy will allow work for any employer in New Zealand. At
the end of the nine-month period, if you have become established in full-time employment, residence
can be granted.

32 – Expression of Interest Guide

List of terms
Acceptable standard of health 9
Areas of absolute skills shortage 9
Basic New Zealand qualification 10
Bonus points 10
Character requirements 10
Citizenship 10
Close Family in New Zealand 10
Comparable labour market 11
Custody of children 11
Customary adoption 11
Dependent children 11
Deported 11
Domiciled 11
Drug trafficking 12
Employability and capacity-building factors 12
Employment outside Auckland 12
English language requirements 13
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) training 14
Evidence 14
Expression of Interest (EOI) 14
Expression of Interest Pool 14
Expunged criminal records 14
Full-time employment 14
Genuine and stable relationship 15
Good character 15
Health requirements 15
Identified future growth area 15
IELTS certificate 16
International Qualification Assessment (IQA) (formerly Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR)) 16
Issuing authority 16
Legal adoption 16
Long Term Skill Shortage List 16
Minimum standard of English 16
New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications 17
Non-principal applicant 17
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) 17
Occupational registration 17
Occupations treated as exceptions 18

Expression of Interest Guide – 33

 Offer of employment 18
Ongoing employment 18
Partner 18
Partnership 19
People trafficking 19
Permanent place of residence 19
Place of work 19
Points 19
Police certificates 19
Pool 19
Postgraduate New Zealand qualification 19
Pre-Assessment Result (PAR) 19
Principal applicant 20
Recognised qualification 20
Recognised work experience  22
Removal order 23
Selection 23
Settlement and contribution requirements 23
Skilled employment 23
Skilled migrant 32
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) 32
Two years’ study 32
Work experience in New Zealand 32
Work to residence (WR) 32

34 – Expression of Interest Guide

Expression of Interest Guide – 35
36 – Expression of Interest Guide