Are you Aware of New Zealand Immigration Points!

Close to 23% of the population of New Zealand was born abroad, and it is one such nation which remains high on the radar of the prospective immigrants, round the year. There are a number of factors behind this. It is economically quite developed and stunningly beautiful. The living standards of its people are worth emulating. In addition, the policies related to immigration are quite flexible and anyone can migrate to it provided he or she fulfils all the criteria as required by the Immigration New Zealand from time to time under the various immigration programs.

However, those wishing to migrate to the country under New Zealand Skilled Immigration categories must score the requisite number of immigration points. Since long, skilled migrant section has been the most famous visa class for the purpose of permanent residency in the country. Those applying for this particular type of visa must score not less than 100 immigration points, and also be below 56 years. And, prior to lodging an Expression of Interest with the immigration body of the country, they must also successfully meet all the health, English language and character requirements.

It needs to be mentioned that points are given for an offer of employment in the country, work experience, age and qualifications. And, bonus points are awarded for getting a job in those domains where growth is expected in the future, and where there may be a shortage of skilled workers. These points are also awarded for getting a job outside the boundaries of Auckland, not to mention for New Zealand qualifications.

It also needs to be mentioned that with a view to bringing to an end the biased preference for migrants from the UK, Europe or Northern America, on the basis of their race, as the case was before, a new Immigration Act was passed into law way back in 1987. This changed the earlier preference and in its place the new preference was given to the immigrants solely on the basis of their skills, personal qualities, and the likely contribution they could make to the economy and society of the country.

This new act, which was quite akin to what one sees in Canada, became effective in 1991. Since then, using an immigration points scale, the qualities which are looked for in the immigrants, are suitably given a position and given a preference. This structure is still controlling and governing, with a great deal of success, immigration to this lovely island country.