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Immigratie Nieuw-Zeeland

New Zealand Immigration

Who can apply?

Introduction

Family

Economic immigrants

Introduction:

The information on this website is updated periodically, but for full details and the latest updates, check the immigration site of the New Zealand Government.

The annual  number of immigrants in New Zealand is 45,000 to 50,000.

In the year 2008-2009, 46,097 immigrants were approved (zie link).

Breakdown in immigrant categories:

  • ±60% economic immigrants ("business")
  • ±30% family class immigrants
  • ±10% refugees & humanitarian class

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1. Family class immigrants (link):

  • spouse or a partner who is in a "de facto relationship" with a New Zealand citizen or resident that has lasted for at least 2 years
  • dependent children of a New Zealand citizen or resident
  • parents of a New Zealand citizen or resident
  • brother, sister, or adult child of a New Zealand citizen or resident

Under the family quota sytem, applicants who are not eligible under any other category may take part in a lottery if they are sponsored by a relative who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

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2. Economic immigrants ("business class"):

There are five categories of economic immigrants.

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(a) skilled workers (link)

For the "skilled workers" category, the applicant must:

  • be no older than 55 years of age
  • be in good health
  • be of good character
  • meet a minimum standard of English language skills.

Applications are assessed on the basis of a points system. The applicant under the "skilled workers" category must score at least 100 points from the selection criteria below. The exact number of points required depends on the pass-mark for the week in which the application is lodged. To see how many points he/she will score, the applicant can complete the online self-assessment test.

SKILLED WORKERS POINTS SYSTEM

1. skilled employment

(max. 60 points)

60 points if the applicant has already been in skilled employment in New Zealand for at least 12 months.

50 points if the applicant has been in skilled employment in New Zealand for less than 12 months.

2. work experience

(max. 30 points)

10 years or more: 30 points

8 years: 25 points

6 years: 20 points

4 years:15 points

2 years: 10 points

3. qualifications

(max. 55 points)

55 points if the applicant has a recognized higher degree (Master's or Doctorate)

50 points: the applicant has a recognized "basic" qualification, diploma or degree.

4. family

(max. 10 points)

10 points: close family in New Zealand

5. age

(max. 30 points)

20-29 = 30 points

30-39 = 25 points

40-44 = 20 points

45-49 = 10 points

50-55 = 5 points

Bonus points are scored regarding skills for which there is an extra demand in New Zealand.

BONUS POINTS FOR SKILLED WORKERS
1. skilled employment (max. 10 points)

10 points: for employment in skilled jobs of which there is a shortage, or if the applicant is employed outside Auckland, or if the applicant's spouse or partner is employed or has an offer of employment in New Zealand

5 points: for employment in skilled jobs in which there is an expected future growth

2. work experience in New Zealand

(max. 15points)

 15 points: 6 years or more

10 points: 4 years

5 points:  2 years

3. experience in areas of future growth

(max. 10 points)

10 points 6 years or more:

5 points: 2 to 5 years

Refer to the Long Term Skill Shortage List (link)

4. experience in absolute shortage areas

(max. 15 points)

15 points: 6 years or more

10 points: 2 to 5 years

refer to the Immediate Skill Shortage List (link)

5. qualifications (max. 10 points)

10 points: for a recognized New Zealand qualification (and at least 2 years of study in New Zealand), for qualifications held by the applicant's spouse or partner, or for qualifications in an area of absolute skills shortage

5 points: for a qualification in an area of absolute skills shortage

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(b) investors (link)

The applicant must be no older than 54 and invest at least NZD 2 million for a period of five years. The applicant must have at least five years of relevant business experience; and must be of good health and character.

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(c) entrepreneurs (link)

The applicant must have established or have made an investment of at least 25% in a business that is benefiting New Zealand, and the applicant must have run it or have worked in it for at least 2 years (while a spouse, registered partner, or child must not have claimed social benefits during that period.) This two-year period may be bridged by first applying for a Long-Term Business Visa (refer to d).

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(d) long-term business (link)

This is not a residence category. Applicants under this category wish to establish a business, but do not wish to live in New Zealand. The applicant has to complete the form "Application for Long Term Business Visa and Permit". This involves drawing up a business plan that includes the following information:

  • documentary evidence that the applicant has enough money to set up the proposed business and support himself/herself and any family joining him/her
  • realistic financial forecasts
  • relevant business experience, including qualifications, existing business shareholdings, etc.
  • no business failure in the last 5 years
  • no involvement in fraud or wrongdoing
  • occupational registration in New Zealand if this is required for the business concerned
  • understanding of the New Zealand market
  • the applicant's business needs to be of benefit to New Zealand

(e) employee of a relocating business (link)

The applicant must be a key employee of a business relocating to New Zealand, and the applicant must not be eligible for residence under any other residence policy. The applicant will be invited to apply for a temporary work visa or permit. After having worked for the relocated business for 2 years, permanent residence may be granted, subject to conditions.

All economic immigrants have to meet requirements concerning finance, health, conduct and language proficiency:

  • the financial requirement (enough money for the maintenance of the applicant and his dependants during the first 24 months in New Zealand).
  • A settlement information fee has to be paid, as well as a migrant levy for employment-based migrants.
  • a medical examination has to be carried out based on a "Medical and X-Ray Certificate Form"
  • a certificate of good conduct of less than 6 months old from the country of the applicant's citizenship and any country the applicant has been in for at least 12 months in the 5 years preceding the application.
  • an English language requirement is met if the applicant has an English-speaking background or can show other evidence of his proficiency and/or obtains a certificate under the International English Language Testing System (=IELTS).

 

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© november 2009 © November 2009

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