The objective of the Skilled Migrant Category is to provide for the grant of residence to people who demonstrate that they have skills to fill identified needs and opportunities in New Zealand, and are able to transfer those skills to New Zealand and link with local needs and opportunities, and are able to demonstrate an ability to contribute to New Zealand both economically and socially, and are able to demonstrate an ability to successfully settle in New Zealand.

In meeting this objective the Skilled Migrant Category will maximise and accelerate the contribution of immigration to New Zealand through capacity building, sustainable growth and innovation, increase global connectiveness and build thriving and inclusive communities through focusing on a range of source regions to achieve a balanced programme and linking global talent with local opportunities.

The proces is in three stages;

• Complete an assessment
• Submit you "Expression of Interest" (EOI)
• Obtain an "Invitation to Apply" (ITA)