New Zealand has in recent years pursued a policy that encourages migrants to join the Kiwi society. The immigration service is pursuing this course of action in order to attract skilled workers. It is hoped that by focussing on bringing the most vital workers to New Zealand the economy and the skills base would be enlarged to such a point until it is self sufficient. So for those considering immigration, it is worth noting the skilled migrant categories to assess whether any are applicable.



The immigration service has the information on the types of skills that will speed up the immigration process. These are skills that are required by the New Zealand economy and fall into a number of different career sectors. It is not just your job however that can make you a good candidate, there are other factors involved in the assessment of your application. Ideally you will be between the ages of twenty and fifty and in good health. Additionally, your character will be investigated, for instance if you have any outstanding criminal charges, it is unlikely that your application will be accepted.

The immigration service uses a points system to evaluate applicants. The first step is to send a submission of interest to the service, while you are filling this in you will be able to deduce how you score on the points scale. These points are based upon your profession, age and health. Those applicants that total more than 140 points will be automatically selected for the application process while those of a score of 100 will be submitted into a draw. Once you have completed this stage you will be invited to apply by the service, normally you will receive an official ITA.

The application stage is when your skills and character will be examined in detail. This may include a phone interview, further paperwork and in some cases an interview at the embassy. The service are simply trying to determine which qualities you will be able to bring to New Zealand, obviously as the process is designed to enlarge the population of the country, they wish to build up the population from carefully vetted applicants.

As previously stated there are certain professions that you can be in that will speed up your application process. Of these it is clearly the medical profession that holds most sway when applying for migration. Especially needed are doctors and nurses although specialists such as radiographers are also in high demand. Jobs in the tertiary industries are needed the most, as well as medics; teachers are in demand, as are university lecturers.

You do not necessarily need to be in a profession however; those with trade qualifications are also required in New Zealand. Of the trades, electricians and plumbers are most likely to have their applications accepted. With a large agricultural and wine making industry, there are also opportunities for farming staff to find work in New Zealand. Those who work in IT and computer technology may also find themselves in a preferential position when it comes to applying.

Living in New Zealand combines stunning scenery and an industrious culture. The Kiwis love to work and play hard so if you live to a similar ethos you may enjoy life down under. While there are restrictions to immigration, if you are in one of the jobs that will improve your chances of entry you should really consider making the move.