SM4.20 Settlement and contribution requirements (SM21) (to 27/08/2017)

Note: The instructions in this section cease to be effective from 28/08/2017.

1. Principal applicants are assessed to determine whether they have a demonstrated ability or have the ability to realise their potential, to successfully settle in and contribute to New Zealand.
2. Principal applicants who:
   1. qualify for 50 points for an offer of skilled employment or current skilled employment in New Zealand for less than 12 months; or
   2. qualify for 60 points for current skilled employment in New Zealand for twelve months or more; or
   3. have undertaken full time study for at least two years in New Zealand that has resulted in the award of a Doctorate or Masters degree;

   have demonstrated the ability to successfully settle in and contribute to New Zealand.

3. Principal applicants who do not have points for any of these factors will be further assessed.
4. If, as a result of this further assessment, a principal applicant, despite not meeting the requirements of (b) above, is assessed as having a high potential to readily obtain skilled employment in New Zealand, they will be assessed as having demonstrated the ability to successfully settle in and contribute to New Zealand. Their application for a resident visa may be approved subject to meeting any other relevant requirements.
5. If, as a result of the further assessment, a principal applicant is assessed as having demonstrated they can realise their potential to successfully settle in and contribute to New Zealand, a decision on the resident visa application will be deferred and the principal applicant will be eligible for the grant of a work visa for the purpose of obtaining an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand that is ongoing. Principal applicants who obtain an offer of skilled employment during the deferral period will have their application for a resident visa approved.
6. If, as a result of the further assessment, a principal applicant has not demonstrated they can realise their potential to successfully settle in and contribute to New Zealand, their application for a resident visa will be declined.

Effective 30/07/2011