Every country is different. Each has its own laws, rules and ways of doing things. The people, even if they speak the same language as you, have their own accent and their own everyday language.
Hearing stories from other migrants will help you to make sense of your experiences, and as you get more involved in New Zealand life and the community, you will be able to tell your own stories.
The Skilled Migrant Category addresses migrants who want to move to New Zealand on a permanent basis and are planning to take up employment in their area of professional expertise.

Minimum Requirements for a resident visa under Skilled Migrant Category:
Principal applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category who meet the following criteria might be eligible for a permanent resident visa under Skilled Migrant policy:

• Good health
• Good character
• Good English language capabilities Age limit of 55 years
• Point score of at least 100 under the points system

The visa application process under Skilled Migrant Category is complex.
It consists of two main stages:

• The Expression of Interest
• The Residence Application

In many cases a third stage, an assessment of the applicant`s qualifications, will be necessary. Our licensed immigration advisers will be able to determine whether an external qualification assessment will have to be obtained.
In some cases the migrant will have to apply for his or her professional registration with the professional board in charge

Stage 1 - Expression of Interest

First you will complete and submit an Expression of Interest, EOI, to Immigration New Zealand. All Expressions of Interest received by Immigration New Zealand are ranked from highest to lowest points and placed into a Pool. Every fortnight Immigration New Zealand selects the Expressions of Interest with the highest point scores from the Pool. This process is called Selection. Only candidates whose Expressions of Interest has a high points score will have a chance to proceed, which is why it is of great importance to score as many points as possible when submitting an Expression of Interest.
So how many points will you really need?
The number of Expressions of Interest selected from the Pool is determined each time a Selection takes place. It varies every fortnight and is based on the number of immigrants New Zealand is aiming to gain during each financial year. For the latest developments of the Selection Point please check our News section
Expressions of Interest which have been successfully selected from the Pool will undergo a preliminary assessment of the credibility of the information provided in the Expression of Interest by Immigration New Zealand.
Only applicants who have successfully passed this stage, will then receive an Invitation to Apply for a Resident Visa.

Stage 2 - The Residence Application

At this second stage of the application process your Application for a Resident Visa will be submitted to Immigration New Zealand including evidence proving the point claims made in the Expression of Interest. Immigration New Zealand will then assess your application against Government residence policy and look at your ability to settle successfully and make a real contribution to New Zealand's social and economic development.
The assessment against settlement and contribution requirements will take into consideration the application as a whole including information gained at interview, if an interview is conducted.
Depending on how well you are able to demonstrate your ability or potential to successfully settle in New Zealand, your application may be approved and you will be granted a Resident Visa, or you may instead be granted a Work Visa, which will enable you to establish yourself in skilled employment in New Zealand, or your application may be declined.