Skilled Migrants – Get in Quick!

The Skilled Migrant Category (sometime called the SMC or points system) closed to new residence applications in April 2020 when NZ shut the border. The category has just reopened but sweeping changes are on the horizon.  

People can lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) claiming 160 points or more until 8 November 2022. On 9 November Immigration NZ will select all EOIs at 160+points and intend to start issuing Invitations to Apply for Residence.

After this selection on 9 November the “pass mark” rises to 180 points. It is extremely difficult to reach 180 points without a skilled job offer and employment outside Auckland, recognised qualifications, years of work experience and even extra points from a partner. We expect the move to 180 points to dramatically slow down the number of EOIs submitted.

The government has launched a consultation process asking for feedback on proposed changes to this category If these changes proceed the number of people eligible for residence under SMC will sharply reduce.

The main changes being considered are:

 - Limiting Accredited Employer Work Visas AEWV NZ to a maximum of 3 years unless a person is eligible for residence. People who are not eligible for residence must leave NZ and cannot apply to return for at least 12 months.

- A new point system. Intended to be “simplified” compared to the current points test but there are fishhooks in the proposals that will frustrate the skilled people NZ desperately needs.

 - Many people will need to complete one to three years of NZ work experience before becoming eligible to apply for residence. We expect this will be a handbrake on attracting skilled people to NZ. Migrant workers cannot buy homes or get children into tertiary education as domestic students unless they have become residents.

 - Remove the cap on the number of people approved under this category. At first glance this looks like good news but the high bar to reach the “approval” points pass mark will result in much less people being approved than in previous years.

 - People can apply direct for residence. The EOI step (and cost) is removed – this is cause for celebration!  

If you are working in skilled employment in NZ then now is the time to move forward with a residence application. Delaying may lead to disappointment when these changes roll out in mid 2023

Get in touch with our team for a free consultation with one of our experts to discuss your eligibility.

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