Skilled immigration made simpler

Skilled immigration made simpler

It will be easier for people with trade and technical qualifications to immigrate to New Zealand thanks to the combined efforts of Industry Training Organisations, the Department of Labour and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

“We need people with the right skills to sustain New Zealand’s growth. So there are priorities for social workers, mechanics and electricians as well as anaesthetists, radiologists and veterinarians”, said Darel Hall Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation.

Migrants’ qualifications qualify for points based on the level that the qualification occupies on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications (“the Register”). In this circumstance qualifications at level 4 on the Register that are on the List of Acceptable Trades under the Skilled Migrant Category, will now qualify for points.

The previous Category of General Skills only recognised trade qualifications with the overseas equivalent of a New Zealand Trade Certificate. Consequently those with trade qualifications, in some circumstances, did not generate points under the former General Skills Category, for immigration purposes.

Darel Hall, Industry Training Federation executive director said the change is important for industry.

“It will streamline the immigration of people in the trades and technical skilled careers that New Zealand needs”.

Immigration service’s operations manager Anita Reedy said the change would ensure New Zealand would continue to attract tradespeople and those with technical expertise needed to fill skill shortages.

“This is just one example of ways we are working with industries and employers to ensure we are meeting their needs, as well as the needs of the wider community. It is vital if we are to meet our goal of high-quality working lives, in thriving and inclusive communities,” she added.

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