However, most of hopeful applicants are at a loss on where and how to start with their application. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about migrating to New Zealand and the answers:

Do I need a job offer to be granted a work permit/visa?

An employment offer is often required to be eligible for the work permit categories in New Zealand unless an applicant is able to meet the requirements for the country’s 'open' work permit categories like the Family stream and Humanitarian stream. A foreigner may apply to be self-employed in New Zealand but a Long Term Business Visa, is needed rather than a work permit.

What are the procedures to be a New Zealand resident?

To be a New Zealand resident, applicants must meet at least one residence category available in the current residence program. There are specific requirements for each person applying for residence as well as their partners and dependant children. All applicants must meet NZ’s health and character requirements.

Assess yourself against the residence policies of New Zealand, to see which (if any) residence category may best apply to you. For a detailed description on requirements and steps to apply. Please visit http://www.immigration.govt.nz/

Can I apply under the Skilled Migrant Category?

To apply under the Skilled Migrant Category, you must prove that you have the potential to contribute, by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). On the EOI, you’ll get points for certain factors, including your qualifications, whether you have a job (or one waiting for you), and previous work experience.

Once you are sure you meet our requirements, you can look into how many points you will be able to claim. You will get points for such factors as skilled employment, work experience, qualifications, and your age.

If you meet the EOI selection criteria, you’ll be invited to apply for residence. You will need to complete the application form and pay a fee.

Can I be offered employment without a valid work permit/visa?

There is no legislation that prohibits an employer supplying a job offer even if the potential employee does not have a work visa/permit. The employer is able to make the offer of employment conditional on the potential employee providing evidence that they have legal right to work in New Zealand. This type of condition is similar to other pre-employment conditions such as police clearance, drug testing, etc.

Once you receive such an offer of employment, you may submit it as evidence with your work permit/visa application.

Are there any age restrictions for residence applicants?

Certain residence categories have an age requirement. Most common ones are:

Principal applicants must be aged 55 years or younger at the date of lodgement if applying for: Skilled Migrant, Adult Sibling/Adult Child or Work to Residence.

The age requirement is calculated on the date your application for residence is accepted for processing. So, if you are 55 years old, and your 56th birthday is on 5th of May, your residence application must be accepted for processing by 4th May in order for you to meet the age requirement.

What is a Migrant Levy?

Migrant Levy is a fee payable by most residence applicants once their residence is approved in principle. The immigration officer usually advises applicants in writing if they are required to pay the levy and how much do they need to pay (dependant on the application type and number of applicants).

Migrant Levy is used to fund, or contribute to the funding of the provisions of programmes intended to assist the successful settlement of migrants or categories of migrants and

the carrying out of research into settlement issues and the impacts of immigration.

The above information is taken from: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/

For further inquiries, you may visit the website given above or inquire at the New Zealand Embassy in Manila: