Individuals applying for New Zealand resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category are assessed to award points for a number of requirements. Work experience being one of the requirements has already been discussed. To be precise, work experience of a foreign applicant is recognized and that qualifies for points if the applicant meets certain requirements, such as the relevancy of the work experience with the skilled employment the applicant is being offered or in which he/she is currently employed; the relevancy of the work experience with the     applicant’s recognized qualifications; relevancy of the work experience with the any occupation included in the NZ Skilled Occupations List; and lastly, the work experience must have been gained in a comparable economy as to New Zealand.

The last requirement, however, is not considered always; given the applicant has the work experience which meets the work experience requirements for an absolute skills shortage area in New Zealand. Now, a work experience is assessed as being in an absolute skills shortage are, if:

• That was gained in an occupation which is included in the NZ Long Term Skill Shortage List. It would also apply if the occupation was on the list at the time of the applicant’s Expression of Interest was selected; AND

• The work experience meets all the specifications for the occupation included on the Long Term Skill Shortage List; AND

Applicants whose work experience is assessed as being in an absolute skills shortage area are required to provide evidence in order to convince the immigration officer that the work experience of the former meets all the above requirements.

If you are interested in applying for a residence permit to New Zealand, mail following information ASAP at ajay@abhinav.com for a free of charge assessment by Ajay Sharma, principal consultant, ABHINAV.

• Your updated resume if skilled professional, or if businessmen, then brief on business profile along with information on your current personal net worth.

• If married, provide the resume for your spouse as well.

• If applicable, please provide information on children and their age.

• Information on any blood relatives residing in New Zealand. This is not a compulsory requirement to qualify for immigration to New Zealand, but serves as additional positive assessment and suitability factor.