Skilled Migrant Category Reopens for Migrants After Long Pause

The point-based Resident Visa that has been closed to new applications since April 2020, finally re-opens. The Skilled Migrant Category will be resumed under the current settings to help attract more workers. The first selection will be at 160 points, and subsequent selections at an increased threshold of 180 points.

Important points to note:

1. On 9 November 22, INZ will select all EOIs at the current threshold of 160 points.  However, after 9 November, the point threshold for selection will increase to 180 points. The next selection will take place on 18 January 2023. After 18 January 2023 selections will take place on the third Wednesday of each month.
2. If you already have an EOI in the pool, you can choose to continue with it or withdraw it and seek a fee refund
3. EOIs submitted before 9 May 2022 which do not result in an invitation to apply will expire and will not be reselected.

At the same time as resuming selections, INZ is commencing consultation on a proposed new system that will future proof the category and will further complement the new Green List and Highly Paid residence pathways. Proposed changes include removing the planning range, so that all applications that meet the criteria will be processed. It will also include a more simplified points system, will set a clear, fair and transparent eligibility threshold and offer several ways for people to demonstrate their skill level.

The proposed changes will also see a faster route to residence for very highly skilled migrants, such as university lecturers or scientists who hold a PhD, while other professionals such as teachers and registered tradespeople will have a clear route if they work for a period in New Zealand. Under the new system there will be no cap on the number of people who can gain residence each year, if they meet the skills threshold.