News
Greater skills recognition in NZ
From 25th May 2009, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will be implementing changes to the recognition and evidence of qualifications under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
The changes will affect those who have already submitted an Expression of Interest (EoI) and those invited to apply for residence, as well as people who have not yet begun the visa application process.
The main changes regard the List of Recognised Qualifications, which will be renamed the 'List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment'. This list will be updated to include academic qualifications from a number of countries, including the UK. Level Four trade and technical qualifications obtained in Germany, South Africa and the UK will be added to the list as exceptions subject to specified requirements. In addition, Level Three trade qualifications will be added to the List of Qualifications Recognised as an Exception.
Those with qualifications on either list will, in theory, be able to claim additional points under the Skilled Migrant Category. Qualifications assessed as occupying Level four on the Register qualify for 50 points if they are assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and are relevant to an occupation listed at part B or part C of the List of Skilled Occupation and are not included on the list of Excluded Qualifications. Those qualifications assessed as occupying Level Three on the Register that are included on the List of Qualifications Recognised as an Exception qualify for 50 points.
While most of the changes involve additions to the lists, and are therefore good news for migrants, some qualifications have been removed. These include the Marine and Aviation lists and Social Worker qualifications. If you are unsure about whether or not the changes will affect your application, INZ advises consulting its amendment circular at http://www.immigration.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/508B602F-CFE0-45E4-882E-E473433CD331/0/AmendmentCircular200905.pdf
29 July 2009