new zealand’s thriving economy offers many opportunities. If you are interested in migrating to New Zealand permanently, and have the skills we need, the time has never been better.

The Skilled Migrant category is the main path to residence in New Zealand. It works on a points system. Points are earned on the basis of your qualifications, work experience and whether you have a job or job offer in New Zealand.

If you earn 100 points you can submit an Expression of Interest. We then rank and select the Expressions of Interest, picking enough each fortnight to meet the targets of the New Zealand Residence Programme. Once your Expression of Interest is selected we check the information in it and may invite you to apply for residence. 

Right now, we are selecting Expressions of Interest from people with 140 points or more. We also select people with a skilled job or job offer in New Zealand and people who have experience or qualifications in an occupation on our Long Term Skill Shortage List. Go to our Long Term Skill Shortage List to see if you have the experience and qualifications that are in short supply in New Zealand and which will give you a better chance of gaining residence.

Work out how many points you score with the Points Indicator or the Self Assessment Guide for Residence PDF.  

Find out more about the Skilled Migrant category requirements and process.  

You can apply online too.

If you have any questions call our New Zealand contact centre toll free on 0508 55 88 55 or, from within Auckland, on 09 914 4100 between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday.

In the UK call the London contact centre on 09069 100 100 (calls cost GBP1 per minute).

For a list of international migration events where you can meet Immigration New Zealand staff and New Zealand employers visit our Upcoming Events page.