Potential upcoming changes for New Zealand Residency Skilled Migrant Category applications in 2017

The MBIE ( Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) has been working through proposed changes to the Skilled Migrant Category for residency in New Zealand. With the emphasis on skills and qualifications the system looks to be getting harder for most workers.

Consultation with the Immigration industry and MBIE are hinting that the below changes may come into effect. Discussions include
    

• Introducing salary levels to help define skilled employment between $ $47,486 - $56,992 for a 40 hour week per annum
• The requirement for a relevant qualification AND recognised work experience as stated in the ANZSCO (generally a minimum of 3 years experience).
• A change to the point system and value of each category.

Under the proposed changes, skilled work experience and higher-level qualifications would be given greater preference in the points system. The points system may change giving greater points for experience and qualifications. Other points will be removed or reduced.

Source: http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/immigration/consultations/consultation-proposed-changes-immigration-policy-october-2016

Under the current policy if you are able to claim a minimum of 160 points and meet all criteria our advice is to apply for residency through the Skilled Migrant Category as soon as possible in case a tougher policy comes into effect. Government policy is starting to lean towards restricting the amount of migration into New Zealand by targeting a higher quality of applicant. This means that people who may currently be eligible today may find themselves below the threshold if the proposed changes are applied.

To help plan for your future Easy Visa offer a 30 minute residency eligibility check during which we evaluate your situation, eligibility and calculate your current points.

Contact us for an appointment today.