Transitional provisions

If you have already submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) and are in the Pool, or you have been invited to submit a SMC residence application, the qualification points changes will not affect you. 

If you submit your EOI after 25 July 2011 and claim points for a recognised qualification completed in New Zealand, and the qualification was completed before 25 July 2011 or you commenced studying towards your qualification by 24 July 2011, then you will be eligible for the following points:

Note: Principal applicants who hold a level nine or ten qualification on the NZQF will be able to claim 60 points.

New Zealand qualification bonus points

If you are not eligible for any New Zealand qualification bonus points under the new instructions and have commenced you study by 24 July 2011, you may be able to claim points if you meet the following criteria:

SMC Job Search visas

If you submitted your SMC application before 25 July 2011 and have been/are offered a SMC Job Search visa, then your partner and/or children included in your SMC application will be eligible to apply for a temporary visas linked to your Job Search visa.

Frequently asked questions

I have submitted an EOI and it is in the pool/has been selected - will the changes affect me?

The changes will not affect you.  Subject to credibility checks, you will retain any points you have claimed for your qualification, your partner’s qualification, and/or any bonus points for any New Zealand qualification you may have.  If you are subsequently invited to apply and make an application, your points will be retained subject to verification checks.  We will contact you directly to confirm this.  

I have been invited to apply – will the changes to qualification points affect me?

The changes will not affect you.  Subject to verification checks after you submit your application, you will retain any points you have claimed for your qualification, your partner’s qualification, and/or any bonus points for any New Zealand qualification you may have.  We will contact you directly to confirm this. 

My SMC application is being processed – will the changes to qualification points affect me?

The changes will not affect you. Your application is being processed under the immigration instructions that were in effect on the day you submitted your application.

I am studying towards a level seven qualification to teach English – will my qualification be eligible for qualification points?

Your qualification will be eligible for points as only English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) qualifications, where people are studying to improve their English language ability, are excluded.

I am studying towards a level 6 diploma and will complete my qualification next year – can I still claim 50 points?

Under the transitional provisions, you will be eligible to claim 50 points once you have gained your qualification because you had commenced your study before 25 July 2011.

My SMC application is being processed and I have been offered a SMC job search visa – will my partner be eligible to apply for a work visa linked to my job search visa?

Your partner will be able to apply for a linked work visa as your residence application was submitted before 25 July 2011.