Expression of Interest

Applicants who have scored at least 100 points against selected factors such as offer of employment in New Zealand, Age, Qualifications, Work experience and Spouse’s qualification can lodge an Expression of Interest to Immigration New Zealand.

An applicant qualifies for points on Expression of Interest based on how well he  scores on assessment against selected factors mentioned above. The points system is designed to identify those people with the most to offer New Zealand so that invitations to apply for residence can be extended to them. When the applicant has greater number of points, the chances of gaining an invitation to apply for residence. An applicant has to score at least 100 points to have a chance of entering the Expressions of Interest Pool.

EOI’s are pooled over time and every two weeks applications are selected from the EOI pool and are invited to apply for residence, if they meet the requirements such as Points system, New Zealand Qualifications Assessment and submission of all supporting documents. Submissions are pooled over time. Every two weeks we select people from the Pool and invite them to apply for residence, if the claims they have made in their Expression of Interest are credible.

Bonus points can be claimed  for employment, work experience and qualifications in identified areas of 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 qualifications or skilled employment in New Zealand.

When an application is submitted for Expression of Interest to Immigration New Zealand (INZ),  the applicant has to meet the following requirements:

1. Age
2. Health
3. Character
4. English language
5. Minimum threshold of 100 points for employability and capacity-building factors.

The EOI’s with lower scores are pooled by Immigration New Zealand and then ranked aaccording to specific selection criteria,  the applications that meet the selected criteria will be selected in sufficient numbers to meet the places available and will be invited to lodge an Application
for Residence in New Zealand.  The selection is made according to the specific criteria and not on a first in, first served basis. Applicants will then need to send all the necessary documents to support the claims made in their Expression of Interest.

The key to success under this class is meeting the prerequisites as outlined above AND arranging a relevant, valid skilled job offer in New Zealand. Recent changes to the SMC (Skilled Migrant Category) policy now mean that applicants with skilled jobs in New Zealand or an offer of skilled employment prior to applying have a greater likelihood of being selected and invited to apply for residence.  


REQUIREMENTS -  When an application is submitted for Expression of Interest to Immigration New Zealand (INZ),  the applicant has to meet the following requirements:

1. The applicant must be aged between 20 and 55 years old at the time of the application.
2. The applicant must meet health and character checks.
3. Applicant must meet the English language proficiency.
4. The applicant should  need to meet the minimum threshold of 100 points to be able to lodge an Expression of Interest.

POINTS SYSTEM - New Zealand Skilled Migrant visa class operates on a point system basis and it is necessary for the applicant to obtain a job offer from New Zealand employer in order to be successful applicant to obtain Residence permit. To gain Residence permit applicant can be successful in meeting the requirements by obtaining a work permit or resident permit. Points are awarded for an offer of employment in New Zealand, work experience, qualifications and age. Points are also given for the spouse’s qualification. Additional points also been allocated to an applicant who has a New Zealand job offer outside of Auckland or having a close family member who is a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand.

JOB OFFERS AND SKILLED TRADES OR PROFESSIONS - New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) looks favorably on those who already have a job offer in New Zealand in a skilled profession though it is not a requirement to qualify for migration under this category.  Nurses, Social Workers, Engineers, Motor Mechanics, Electricians, Welders, Fabricators and Metal Workers are some of the professionals who are particularly high demand in New Zealand and also these workers may be able to qualify quickly without a job offer.