BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa (24/03/2014)

Applications must meet a minimum score of 120 or more points, in order to be granted an Entrepreneur Work Visa. Applications not meeting the minimum score of 120 points will be declined.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of a business immigration specialist why they should be awarded the points they have claimed.
Business immigration specialists must give written reasons for declining the application and not awarding any points claimed.
The following table outlines the points that can be awarded for an Entrepreneur Work Visa application:


Points for business experience (can be awarded in only one category)
Relevant self employment
10 years +	40
5 years +	30
3 years +	20
Other self employment
10 years +	20
5 years +	15
3 years +	5
Relevant senior management experience
10 years +	10
5 years +	5
Points for benefit to New Zealand (can be awarded in up to two categories)
New full time employment creation
10+ new full time positions for New Zealand citizens or residents	80
5 or more new full time positions for New Zealand citizens or residents	50
3 or more new full time positions for New Zealand citizens or residents	30
2 new full time positions for New Zealand citizens or residents	20
1 new full time position for a New Zealand citizen or resident.	10
Points for approved export businesses (based on annual turnover)
$1,000,000 + turnover a year	80
$750,000 + turnover a year	60
$500,000 + turnover a year	40
$400,000 + turnover a year	30
$300,000 + turnover a year	20
$200,000 + turnover a year	10
Points for unique or new products or services to New Zealand
A credible business proposal that provides unique or new products/ services to New Zealand, or to a particular region.	30
Points for capital investment (excluding working capital)
$1,000,000 +	80
$750,000 +	60
$500,000 +	50
$400,000 +	30
$300,000 +	20
$200,000 +	10
under $200,000	0
Points for age of prospective applicant (at date of lodging application)
24 and under	15
25-29	20
30-39	20
40-49	20
50-59	10
60 and over	0
Bonus points (can be awarded in only one category)
Regional bonus points
Business based outside Auckland as defined in BB6.1.35.	20
Market research and/or local agency support
Has obtained local council or Economic Development Agency formal support or chamber of commerce support (new businesses only); or	20
Has obtained formal support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, or MBIE	20

Note: For definitions of terms for the purposes of the Entrepreneur Work Visa and Entrepreneur Residence Visa Categories, please see the Definitions section at BB6.

No points will be granted for an applicant obtaining local council or Economic Development Agency support if there is any business connection or financial interest in the proposed business by any staff in the local council or Economic Development Agency.

BB3.10.1 Change to points scale and pass mark for Entrepreneur Work Visa

The Minister of Immigration, in consultation with the Minister of Economic Development and the Minister for Small Business, may amend the bonus points that can be awarded in the points scale at BB3.10.
Any changes to the points scale, categories or the pass mark will be effected through changes to immigration instructions and advertised on the INZ website.

Effective 24/03/2014

PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS

BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa (01/11/2015)

BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa (27/11/2014)