How can my husband's continuous work experience be used as justification for our New Zealand PR application?
Yes, his continuous work experience can directly strengthen your Skilled Migrant Category application. Your husband earns 1 point for each year of skilled New Zealand work, up to 3 points, which can top up his qualification or income points toward the 6 points now required for residency.
Your husband's continuous work history is one of the strongest levers you have in your New Zealand PR case, especially if his qualification or income points fall just short on their own. Local, skilled, and well-documented experience can be the exact top-up your Skilled Migrant Category application needs.
How His Work Experience Adds Points
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total points needed | 6 points under the current Skilled Migrant Category |
| Base points source | 3 to 6 points from qualification, registration, or high income |
| Local experience top-up | 1 point per year of skilled New Zealand work, up to 3 points |
| Skill level match | Occupation must sit in ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3, or meet wage thresholds at levels 4 to 5 |
| Work pattern required | At least 30 guaranteed hours a week, paid at the applicable median wage |
Documents and Alternative Pathways to Consider
- Gather employment agreements, IRD income summaries, and detailed reference letters confirming exact dates, hours, and duties.
- Check whether his occupation sits on New Zealand's Green List, since eligible roles can bypass the points system entirely.
- If he is on a Work-to-Residence visa, note that 24 months of continuous skilled employment can also lead straight to residence.
My Advice
Ask his employer today for a signed reference letter covering every role he has held, listing exact hours and duties, since incomplete employment records are the most common reason this kind of points top-up gets challenged or delayed during assessment.
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