🇳🇿New Zealand

Skilled Migrant Visa (New Zealand)

Points-Based NZ Permanent Residence

Hard~60 minSkilled WorkerImmigrationNew ZealandPermanent Residence

/ What is this form?

New Zealand's main skilled migration pathway uses a points-based system. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with your points claim. If selected (160+ points), you are invited to apply for residence. Points come from skilled employment in NZ, qualifications, age, and work experience.

/ Who needs this form?

Skilled workers aged 55 or under
Must have a skilled job or job offer in New Zealand
Must score 160+ points on the points scale

/ What you need before you start

Expression of Interest submitted through Immigration NZ portal

Overseas qualifications assessment

Job offer from a NZ employer (or evidence of current NZ employment)

English language evidence (IELTS 6.5+ overall or equivalent)

Police certificates and medical examination

/ Step-by-step guide

1Calculate Your Points

Use Immigration NZ's points calculator. Key sources: skilled employment in NZ (50 points), bonus for working outside Auckland (30 points), qualifications (varies), age (varies).

2Get Qualifications Assessed

Have your overseas qualifications assessed by the relevant New Zealand authority before submitting your EOI. Unassessed qualifications cannot be counted for points.

3Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submit your EOI online through the Immigration NZ portal. If you score 160+ points, you will be selected from the pool and invited to apply for residence.

4Receive Invitation to Apply

After selection, you have 4 months to submit a full residence application with all required documents.

5Submit Residence Application

Submit your full application with evidence supporting every points claim. Officers verify each claim carefully.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Points claim	Select each factor you qualify for: age, qualifications, work experience, current NZ employment, bonus regional points	Points are verified by Immigration NZ — only claim points you can substantiate with documentation

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not having qualifications assessed before submitting the EOI

Not meeting the English language requirement (IELTS 6.5+ overall)

Claiming points for a job not on the skilled occupation list

/ Frequently asked questions

How many points do I need?

160 points to be selected from the EOI pool. Key sources: skilled employment in NZ (50), bonus outside Auckland (30), qualifications (50-70), age (varies).

What is an EOI?

Expression of Interest — you enter a pool and Immigration NZ selects candidates with 160+ points and invites them to apply for residence.