New Zealand’s Immigration Minister David Cunliffe has announced several adjustments to the Skilled Migrant Category. At Auckland’s Chamber of Commerce, he said today:
“We know that we have acute levels of skill shortages in different parts of the economy, from information technology specialists to trades people like electricians and builders.
“International competition for skills is intensifying, with many countries, including Australia, investing heavily to pursue the same migrants. Hence we have done some fine-tuning.”
The changes to SMC shall include:
- Increased bonus points for skilled employment, a recognised qualification and work experience in an identified future growth area.
- New bonus points for a post-graduate New Zealand qualification (Masters or Doctorate).
- Bonus points for New Zealand work experience require fewer years worked.
- Bonus points increased for a principal applicant’s partner’s recognised qualification and skilled employment in New Zealand.
- Bonus points for study in New Zealand restructured.
- Bonus points for skilled employment, a recognised qualification and work experience in an identified cluster are cancelled.
- A more transparent and appropriate definition of skilled employment.
“The revised points more closely target the people who New Zealand needs and recognises, for example, that the partner of a principal applicant can be of significant value to New Zealand in his or her own right,” Mr Cunliffe said.
When do the Changes Take Effect?
All SMC applications made on or after 30 July 2007 will be assessed using the new system.
The more transparent definition of skilled employment will take effect in November 2007.
Mr. Cuncliffe also announced a review of the list of recognised qualifications by the Department of Labour and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, which will be implemented in stages.
A further, more fundamental review of the Skilled Migrant Category is planned for 2008.