SM9.10 Bonus points for partners’ recognised qualifications

1. A recognised qualification held by the partner of a principal applicant qualifies for the following

   points:

   Level on the New Zealand Qualification Framework	Points
   7 or 8	10
   9 or 10	20

2. A partner's recognised qualification only qualifies for points under this provision if:
   1. the partner is included in the application; and
   2. the partner meets the English language requirements for principal applicants (see SM4.15); and
   3. an immigration officer is satisfied that the principal applicant and their partner have been living together for 12 months or more in a partnership that is genuine and stable (see F2.10.1) and otherwise meet Partnership category criteria (see F2.15).
3. Despite SM9.10 (a), if a partner of a principal applicant holds a recognised New Zealand qualification at levels 3, 4, 5 or 6 on the NZQF, they will be eligible for 10 points if:
   1. the qualification would have met the requirements for the award of points under the Skilled Migrant Category that was in effect on 24 July 2011; and
   2. the qualification was completed before 25 July 2011 or they had commenced a course of study, resulting in the qualification for which they are claiming points, on or before 24 July 2011.

Effective 19/02/2018