What are the requirements for emigrating to New Zealand as a social worker?

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Tania C

Social workers are on the Long Term Skilled Shortage List, so you stand a very good chance of being able to come to New Zealand to work, if you have a Bachelor or Graduate Diploma of Social Work, particularly if you both secure job offers. There are four different routes you could take:

Temporary work permit
Working holiday (if you are aged between 18 and 30; but probably not useful for you as you can't work for the same employer for the full 12 months)
Working to residence, or
Skilled Migrant

For the Skilled Migrant category (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/skilledmigrant/overview/default.htm) there is a points based system. If you have at least 140 points, complete an Expression of Interest, and you will be invited to apply for residence. If you have over 100 but less than 140 points, your EOI would go into a pool and you would still have a chance to be selected and invited to apply.

Work experience does gain you more points, but you may still be able to get sufficient points without it, particularly if you can secure a job offer. I think only paid experience will count - but check with Immigration New Zealand.

You can get 50 points if you have an offer of skilled employment (ie in your case, social work employment), 50 points for a recognised undergraduate qualification (or 55 for postgraduate), 30 points if you are aged 20-29 (drops to 25 for 30-39, and to 20 for 40 to 44, etc), (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/skilledmigrant/caniapply/eoi/pointstable.htm), and you can get bonus points (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/skilledmigrant/caniapply/eoi/bonuspoints.htm), eg 10 points for skilled employment in an area of absolute shortage, 10 points for skilled employment outside of Auckland, etc. There is a points indicator tool which you can use to quickly assess how many points you may qualify for.

The Immigration New Zealand website should have all the information you need, including links to relevant professional and industry associations, and links to help you find a job. They have a branch in London if you want to talk to them in person, or you can contact them online if you have any questions.

As social work is identified as an area of long term skills shortage, you should have a pretty good shot at getting a job. Good luck :)

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