Skilled migrant expression of interest without job, possible or not if under 160 points?

[raphael22]

Hi there,
i began to fill the EOI and realised that the minimum is now 160 points.
I have a master degree with 10 years of experience in software development, which is on the shortage list. I am 36 year old. That leads me to 140 points. I don t have a job offer in New Zealand.
Should I give it a go or my chances are near to 0?
thanks for your answer

[JandM]

Your EOI has no chance at all of being selected with less than 160 points, as the rules stand at the moment. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...-resident-visa

Things to note

We use a points-based system to assess expressions of interest.
Currently, we are only selecting EOIs with 160 points or above.

If you get a job offer - probably easiest to do by travelling to NZ and meeting employers face to face, even those who aren't actually advertising for staff at the time - then the extra points will meet you can reach the minimum readily.

[nzfrog]

Hi Raphael,

Or if you have a partner it may give you the extra 20 points you need.
But your partner has to hold a qualification that is equivalent to a Level 7 to 10 on the New Zealand Qualification Framework (bachelors degree, bachelors degree with Honours, Masters Degree, Doctorate)
A partner's recognised qualification only qualifies for bonus points if:
- the partner is included in the application; and
- the partner meets the English language requirements for principal applicants; and
- an immigration officer is satisfied that the principal applicant and their partner have been living together for 12 months or more in a partnership that is genuine and stable

[ChrisMwn]

The key to successful migration is employment, so maybe for the moment it might be best to focus on a job offer. With a job offer you'd move much more easily through the SMC process.

Maybe a "look see decide" visit first?