1. How does a qualified person apply to live and work in New Zealand?
2. Will having family in New Zealand help me to emigrate?
3. I've heard about the points system. How does that work and how many points can I score?
4. Is there an age limit to applying for immigration?
5. If I apply to immigrate to New Zealand what is the status of my spouse? If we both qualify who should apply?
6. How do I know if my qualifications are acceptable in New Zealand?
7. I don't achieve enough points to qualify under the Skilled Migrant category, but I do run my own business.
1. How does a qualified person apply to live and work in New Zealand?
The first step to take is to consider exactly what you are looking for. Do you intend to relocate to New Zealand permanently or temporarily?
The answer will determine which visa class or classes will apply to you.
Applicants for permanent residence can apply under the following catergories:
| Family Category: |
For those with close family ties to New Zealand |
| Skilled Migrant Category: |
For qualified trades people and professionals |
| Business Skilled Category: |
For Investors, Entrepreneurs and self-employed applicants |
| Humanitarian Category |
For those with unique and compassionate circumstances |
In addition there are a number of temporary visa classes.
2. Will having family in New Zealand help me to emigrate?
The New Zealand Immigration Regulations set out strict criteria that you have to meet to qualify for immigration. Family sponsorship can assist you in making an application; but in many cases, it is not the only relevant issue.
New Zealand has many different types of visa classes.
There are Family Migration visa classes where the relationship and sponsorship will be the deciding factor.
For example, if you have a New Zealand spouse, child or parent who is able to sponsor you there is potential for you to successfully apply for immigration.
3. I've heard about the points system. How does that work and how many points can I score?
If you are looking to relcoate permanently to New Zealand, you may be able to achieve enough points to qualify under the Skilled Migrant category points system.
The following factors will be assessed:
Age
Qualifications
Occupation and work experience
There is a points test involved and you need to reach at least 100 points in order to apply for residence in New Zealand.
Applicants may also be required to achieve recognition or licensing by a relevant professional body in New Zealand (e.g. Nurses, Teachers, Electricians etc.). The criteria is complex and constantly under review.
4. Is there an age limit to applying for immigration?
There are maximum age limits set and they vary depending on which visa class you apply under.
5. If I apply to immigrate to New Zealand what is the status of my spouse? If we both qualify who should apply?
The person who best meets the immigration criteria should be the principal applicant. If you are successful in obtaining permanent residence, your partner will have exactly the same rights and obligations as you do. For example, they may take up employment and have access to the medicare system. Note, that this is not necessarily the case for people working in New Zealand on temporary work permits.
6. How do I know if my qualifications are acceptable in New Zealand?
WBC can assist you in obtaining a complete qualifications assessment with the relevant authority in New Zealand. In most cases, a 3 year degree, diploma or apprenticeship will be required.
There are exceptions to this and a preliminary eligibility assessment by WBC will let you know if it is worth applying for a qualifications assessment and ultimately, emigration.
7. I don't achieve enough points to qualify under the Skilled Migrant category, but I do run my own business.
Entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to choose New Zealand as their new home and business base. The policy does not specify the exact amount of capital you require to apply as an entrepreneur, but as a guide you would normally need over NZ $200,000. You would be expected to have a background in business and a well researched business plan for New Zealand. There is also a category for investors, although more capital is required.
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