EOI process
Do I need a job offer before I apply?
No, but you do need at least 100 points to submit an Expression of Interest into the Pool.
What effect does a job offer have?
If you have an offer of skilled employment we will prioritise your application throughout the process.
Will the Selection Point change, if so can it move significantly at any one time?
The Selection Point is designed to move up and down, however it can not go lower than 100 points. For more information on the Selection Point and the selection process check out the Latest Skilled Migrant EOI Selection Point Fact Sheet on the front page of www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/ – this will also give you an idea of the recent movements of the Selection Point.
What is the List of Recognised Qualifications?
This lists the qualifications we automatically recognise for the purposes of awarding points under the Skilled Migrant Category. The list is part of our Operational Manual -Appendix 5.
What is NZQA?
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) assesses overseas qualifications against the various levels of New Zealand qualifications.
Do I need to get my qualification assessed by NZQA?
If your qualification is not listed on our List of Recognised Qualifications and you wish to claim points under the Skilled Migrant Category you will need to get it assessed by NZQA – visit www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-international/ for more information on this process.
My degree is not in the area I have been working in for 15 years? Do I still get qualification points?
If the degree is on the List of Recognised Qualifications or NZQA have indicated that it is at a level at which we award points you are eligible to claim those points.
The occupations lists do not have my title or job description, what do I do for that question?
Find the option that is closest to what you do. Make an additional note if necessary.
Lodging an application
How do I put my application together?
Our Tips and Processing Times page will help you with this.
Do I need original documents or will certified copies do?
You should send in original documents or certified copies of those documents. Certified copies must be stamped or endorsed as being true copies of the originals by a person authorised by law to take statutory declarations in the applicant's country or in New Zealand (e.g. a lawyer, notary public, Justice of the Peace, or court official).
Do I pay all fees at this time or when I put submit my documentation?
There is a £525 application fee which is payable at the time the application is lodged. Please note the fee must be paid in pounds sterling if paying by cheque, and that it must be drawable on a United Kingdom bank. You can pay by credit card by noting your details in the space provided on the application form.
Credit/debit card is our preferred option for payment of fees, as all fees are subject to change.
If the application is successful there will be a further Migrant Levy payable.
How will I know that my application has arrived?
We will acknowledge the application within fourteen days of its arrival. If you wish to know the specific date of arrival please contact your postal provider or the courier you used to send the application to us.
Will I know the name of my case officer once the application has been submitted?
If you have lodged your application with an Offer of Skilled Employment in New Zealand your case will be assigned to a case officer immediately. If this is not the case the application will be allocated as soon as we have a case officer available. (see ‘How Long Does It Take?’ below)
Does it matter if I am not a citizen of the United States but I submit my application from the US where I now live?
No.
Do you check assets in the approval process?
No.
Do citizens of commonwealth countries get special consideration?
No.
I was born in the US and educated in the United States – will I need to prove my English language ability?
Highly unlikely. If we are satisfied that English is your mother tongue you are unlikely to need to provide further evidence of your English language ability.
I don’t have my police certificate yet – can I lodge my application?
No. If you do not have a current police certificate then your application will not meet the standard lodgement requirements and can therefore not be accepted by INZ.
Should you not have all the required documents within the 4 month period then you should contact INZ through the Skilled Migrant email address in your Invitation to Apply letter to request an extension. Please note that there is no guarantee that an extension will be granted so you should strive to have all the required documents within 4 months of your invitation letter.
You need to be aware that it can take some time to receive police certificates so you should consider applying for them as a priority when you receive your Invitation to Apply letter.
Are there any panel doctors in the United States?
No - your own physician can complete the medical certificate for you.
What kind of evidence do you accept to prove points claimed for Work Experience?
You will need to be able to provide documentary proof of the Work Experience you have claimed points for. This should detail start and end date, position held, company name and whether the position was full-time or part-time (if part-time hours worked should be specified). Please note that we are unable to award points for work experience that is not backed up with acceptable documentary evidence.
Application process
Why did my application go to London? Is there something amiss?
Your application will be processed from London as INZ London is the receiving office for all Skilled Migrant applicants currently residing in the Americas, Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
How long does it take?
The latest processing times are available on our Tips and Processing Times page.
What happens if I need to get to NZ because of a job and the processing is not complete?
We will do our best to process the application in time for you to take up your job. If we can not do this it may be possible for us to issue you with a Work Visa to enable you to enter New Zealand and start work.
I have a police record of a misdemeanour from 15 years ago. Do I declare it on the application?
You must truthfully answer all the questions in Section B which relate to character – one of these is ‘Have you ever been convicted or found guilty of any offence(s) against the law in any country?’
Does my doctor send in the medical form or do I?
You should send in the completed medical forms along with your application.
I have a medical condition which is being treated. Will I be rejected because of it?
What do I need to supply to prove to INZ that it is not serious/is treatable?
You must truthfully answer all the questions in Section C relating to health. If you have a medical condition it does not mean that your application will automatically be declined. If the medical condition is minor, and well-controlled it is unlikely to have an adverse impact on your application. To assist us you should include any medical records or reports that may help our doctors assess the current state and the prognosis of your condition. Please note that in the event of a medical condition having an adverse impact on your application you will given the chance to provide further evidence or comments at every stage of the process before the final decision is made.
If I am approved, how long do I have to take up New Zealand residence?
You will have 12 months to enter New Zealand from the date that the Residence Visa is granted.