The skilled migrant category in New Zealand is an important part of the country's immigration system. Skilled migrants are people who have skills that are valuable to NZ and are willing and able to move to NZ and work. The skilled migrant category has many benefits for both the migrants and New Zealand, including a pathway to citizenship. New Zealand's skilled migrant category was established in 1984 to facilitate the immigration of people with specialised skills and experience. Additional categories, such as those for refugees and those seeking family reunions, have been added over time.
