The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) offers you the opportunity to move to New Zealand to work and live permanently. The SMC was recently reviewed by the Department of Labour and changes were to be implemented in three stages.
- Changes were made to the Work to Residence policy in April.
- Changes were made to the bonus points system in July.
- The final stage of the SMC changes due on November 26 have been delayed
What changes were due to be made to the Skilled Migrant Category on November 26?
Changes to the way an applicant’s job or job offer in New Zealand is assessed as ‘skilled employment’ and which qualifications will be recognised.
When will the changes happen?
Changes due to become effective on 26 November 2007 have been revoked and deferred until 4 February 2008.
Why were the changes delayed?
Immigration NZ needed more time to implement the required technical changes to their system. Some modifications have been made to the policy.
Please visit Immigration New Zealand for more information and updates.
What changes were made to the SMC on 30 July 2007?
The bonus points that applicants can claim were changed in July.
Applicants are eligible for an increased number of bonus points for skilled employment, recognised qualifications and work experience in an identified future growth area. The table below provides further details.
| Current Policy | New policy after 30 July 2007 | |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Employment | 5 points | 10 points |
| Qualification | 5 points | 10 points |
| Work experience 2-5 years | 5 points | 10 points |
| Work experience 6+ years | 10 points | 15 points |
Bonus points for study in New Zealand and gaining New Zealand recognised qualifications has been re-structured to:
- award 5 points for a recognised basic New Zealand qualification (eg trade qualification, diploma, bachelors degree, bachelors degree with honours); and
- award 5 bonus points for two years (at least four semesters over 16 months) of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised qualification; and
- award 10 bonus points for a recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification (eg Masters or Doctorate).
A principal applicant’s partner’s recognised qualification can qualify for 20 bonus points.
A principal applicant’s partner’s offer of skilled employment in New Zealand (or current skilled employment) can qualify for 20 bonus points.
The number of years of New Zealand work experience required to qualify for points has been reduced. The table below provides further details.
| NZ Work experience | Points after 30 July |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 5 points |
| 2 years | 10 points |
| 3 years | 15 points |
Bonus points for skilled employment, a recognised qualification, and work experience in an identified cluster will be removed from the SMC.
How do I find out more?
Check out the frequently asked questions about changes to the Skilled Migrant Category bonus points.