Are you considering migrating to New Zealand under the SMC Resident Visa? If so, one crucial aspect to understand is how work experience is recognized for the purpose of claiming points in your expression of interest. In this blog post, we will explore the different ways work experience can be recognized and the requirements you need to meet to qualify for skilled employment points.
The SMC Resident Visa is designed for individuals who possess the skills, qualifications, and experience that New Zealand needs to contribute to its economy. Points are awarded based on various factors, including work experience, and a minimum of 160 points is required to be eligible for the visa.
Ways to recognise skilled work experience
There are two ways in which work experience can be recognized for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa applicants.
- If your work experience is in the same occupation that you have claimed skilled employment points for.
- If your work experience is in a different occupation at skill levels 1, 2, or 3 on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
Work experience in an occupation with an ANZSCO list skill level of 1, 2, or 3
If your work experience is in an occupation at skill level 1, 2, or 3 on the ANZSCO list, it must mostly match the ANZSCO description for that occupation, and begin after you obtained the ANZSCO certification or the required work experience for that occupation. It’s important to check the ANZSCO list to find the job that best matches the work experience you are claiming points for.
If you do not have the relevant qualification listed in ANZSCO for your occupation, you may be able to substitute it with relevant work experience. To determine how many years of relevant work experience you need to replace the qualification, check your occupation in ANZSCO. However, if your occupation is skill level 1, you can substitute 5 years of relevant work experience for the ANZSCO qualification, even if the ANZSCO does not explicitly state this.
It’s crucial to note that the work experience must have been gained in a comparable labor market or an area of absolute skills shortage to qualify for points for skilled employment. If the work was in a comparable labor market, you must have been a citizen or permanent resident of the country where you did the work or legally allowed to work in that country.
Also read: NZ Qualification Assessment
Work experience outside of occupations at ANZSCO skill levels 1, 2, or 3
If your work experience is not in a profession with an ANZSCO skill level of 1, 2, or 3, it must be in the profession for which you are claiming skilled employment points. This holds true for work experience in a profession with an ANZSCO skill level of 4 or 5, which is considered an exception.
To qualify for skilled employment points, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Completed a relevant recognized qualification at or above an NZQF level 4 Certificate.
- Completed a relevant recognized NZQF level 3 qualification on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.
- Completed 3 years of relevant work experience.
- If the job is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List, you must have met the standards for it.
- Held registration for the job if the job requires registration in New Zealand.
Understanding how work experience is recognized for skilled migrant visas is crucial to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and maximize your chances of a successful visa application. It’s important to thoroughly review the ANZSCO list, check the specific requirements for your occupation, and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim for skilled employment points.
Conclusion
If you are planning to migrate to New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, familiarize yourself with the requirements for recognizing skilled work experience. By understanding and meeting these requirements, you can increase your chances of obtaining a successful visa outcome and starting a new chapter in your professional career in New Zealand. We hope this information has been helpful in understanding how work experience is recognized for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa applications.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with your visa application, Immigration Chambers are available to assist you at every turn. We will assess your qualifications, work experience, and job offer to ensure they meet the requirements of the Skilled Migrant Category Visa, including the ANZSCO skill level. We can also assist with job offers, occupational registration, and other necessary documents. With our in-depth understanding of immigration laws and regulations, we can help you navigate the complexities of the visa application process with ease, saving you time and effort. Trust Immigration Chambers to assist you in obtaining your Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and make your dream of living and working in New Zealand a reality. To begin your immigration process, get in touch with us now!