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Form Guide

INZ 1000 - Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest

Reviewed by Eric Provencio, Founder of VisaMind·Last updated Mar 2, 2026

Guide generated from official sources when available. Always confirm requirements on the authority’s official site.

It allows individuals with a job or job offer from an accredited employer to express their interest in living, working, and studying indefinitely in New Zealand. For related guidance, see the [Working Holiday Visa](/en/new-zealand/visas/types/working-holiday) page. For related guidance, see the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) page.

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Quick answers

What forms are filed with INZ 1000?
Often filed together: INZ-1024.
What mistakes cause INZ 1000 rejection?
Common issues: insufficient relationship evidence, inconsistent information across documents, missing sponsor status proof, or wrong category selection.
What documents do I need for INZ 1000?
You'll need: a copy of your passport or certificate of identity, the current edition of INZ 1000, sponsor status as required by the official instructions. Review the instructions for complete requirements.
Do I need to file INZ 1000?
You need INZ 1000 if you are an employer or eligible worker petitioning for employment-based immigration. Review the instructions for your category.
What does INZ 1000 do?
This form is used by accredited employers to sponsor a foreign worker for employment-based Permanent Resident Visa. It establishes the worker's eligibility; approval leads to a visa or variation of conditions.
How long until my relative can immigrate?
Most INZ 1000 cases are processed in 1 week–24 months months depending on category (INZ) (as of February 2026). Visitor and Short-term: 3 to 4 weeks. Check your category at the official processing times tool.
How long does INZ 1000 take to process?
Processing times vary by case type and current workload. Check the official processing times tool for your specific situation. Do not rely on unofficial estimates.
Does filing INZ 1000 grant work authorization or lawful status?
No. Filing INZ 1000 does not by itself grant work authorization or lawful status. It is a supporting/procedural filing and does not create an immigration benefit by itself.

Quick summary

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Who fills it

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) and if accepted, we invite you to apply

When used

SKILLED-MIGRANT: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

Where it goes next

Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.

What it must match

Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations

Overview (What is Form INZ 1000?)

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By attracting individuals with the necessary skills and qualifications, New Zealand continues to build a diverse and dynamic workforce, enhancing its global competitiveness and cultural richness. For related guidance, see the How to Apply for a New page. For related guidance, see the New Zealand Citizenship page.

First page of INZ 1000 form

First page of INZ 1000 form

Source: INZ 1000 PDF

Context and workflow

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Processing time for INZ 1000 varies by case type and current workload — always check the official INZ 1000 processing time tool.

Why this matters

  • Small mismatches inside INZ 1000 (or between INZ 1000 and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
  • This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.

Where it fits in the workflow

  • Part of the broader immigration application process
  • May connect to other forms and requirements
  • Contributes to the overall case file
  • INZ 1000 is commonly filed alongside Form INZ-1024.

Who uses it

The INZ 1000 form is for individuals interested in submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa in New Zealand. This category is designed for skilled workers who have a job or job offer from an accredited employer and wish to live, work, and study indefinitely in New Zealand. To qualify, applicants must be aged 55 or younger, have a full-time skilled job or job offer, and obtain at least 6 skilled resident points based on their skills and work in New Zealand.

When it is used

  • SKILLED-MIGRANT: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
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Requirements snapshot

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  • Facilitates immigration processing
  • Documents required information for the agency
  • Creates a formal record of the submission

Failure prevention (What causes Form INZ 1000 rejections?)

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Substantive weaknesses

  • Insufficient supporting evidence
  • Inconsistencies between forms and documents
  • Failure to address all eligibility criteria
  • To avoid filing without required approvals or documentation: Complete prerequisite steps and include all required evidence.

What it asks for (What does Form INZ 1000 ask for?)

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  • Details about your job or job offer, including employer accreditation and job skill level.
  • Evidence of your skilled resident points claim.
  • Proof of your English language ability.
  • Applicant identification information
  • Supporting documentation inventory
  • Eligibility or purpose details
  • Declarations and signatures
  • Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
  • Your date and place of birth
  • Your current passport number and issuance details
  • Documentation related to: must: • have been living together for 12 months or more at the time of lodgement of the application; • be in a genuine a
  • Documentation related to: 5cm Residence Application – September 2025 – 3 Passport 3 Number Country Expiry date DD MM YYYY Issue date DD MM YYYY P

What you need (What do you need for Form INZ 1000?)

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  • A copy of your passport or certificate of identity.
  • The current edition of INZ 1000
  • Applicant identification documents and photographs
  • Police certificates for each person aged 17 years and over included in the application.
  • Must: • have been living together for 12 months or more at the time of lodgement of the application; • be in a genuine and stable relationship; and • be able to provide evidence to support the above
  • Yes You may need to provide evidence of your relationship as described in ‘Completing Section D: Partner’s personal details’ in the Residence Guide (INZ 1002)
  • Evidence of your skilled resident points claim.
  • Travel documents and evidence of identity.
  • Evidence of health and character.
  • Evidence of a chest X-ray and medical examination.
  • Evidence of your job offer or current employment with an accredited employer.
  • Two passport-size photographs of the principal applicant and any included family members.

Checklist (What is the Form INZ 1000 checklist?)

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  • Download the current INZ 1000 and instructions from the official INZ 1000 website
  • Review the official INZ 1000 instructions before filing
  • Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
  • Complete all required sections of INZ 1000
  • Sign, date, and submit INZ 1000 with all required supporting evidence

Processing times

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CategoryProcessing time
Visitor and Short-term3 to 4 weeksas of February 2026
  • Processing time for INZ 1000 under "Visitor and Short-term": 3 to 4 weeks (as of February 2026).
  • Processing times for INZ 1000 vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
  • Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
  • Processing times for this form vary by INZ office and current workload. Verify current processing times with INZ.
  • While pending: track your case status using your application number, respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with INZ if it changes.

INZ processing times

Where to file

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Submit your application at the designated INZ office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

Submit application

Submit your application at the INZ office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.

Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official INZ website before submitting. For related guidance, see Work Visa Application.

Official INZ 1000 page

Fees

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ComponentAmount
Filing FeeYou must submit your application and pay the fee within 4 months of receiving your invitation to apply.See official schedule

Can the Form INZ 1000 fee be waived?

Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.

What happens if I submit the wrong fee?

INZ will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.

Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Work Visa Application.

Fees change; always verify on INZ.

Form sections (What sections does Form INZ 1000 have?)

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Personal Details

Visitor identification.

  • Full name and date of birth
  • Nationality and passport details
  • Home address

Travel Plans

Intended visit details.

  • Purpose of visit
  • Dates of arrival and departure
  • Accommodation arrangements
  • Return flight booking

Financial Capacity

Funds for the visit.

  • Bank statements
  • Employment and income details
  • Sponsor information (if applicable)
  • NZD 1,000 per month of stay minimum

Ties to Home Country

Evidence you will return home.

  • Employment letter confirming approved leave
  • Property ownership
  • Family members remaining in home country

Strategy tips

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Strategy: Ensure labor certification (if required) is complete before filing.

Mistake severity

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Mistake typeSeverityHow to avoid
Filing without required approvals or documentationRejectionComplete prerequisite steps and include all required evidence.

Examples (What are examples for Form INZ 1000?)

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  • Strong application: An applicant submits their Expression of Interest with a verified job offer from an accredited employer, detailed evidence of their skilled resident points, and recent IELTS test results; the application is well-received.
  • Weak application: An applicant submits their Expression of Interest without evidence of English language ability or recent police certificates, leading to a delay in processing.
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Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form INZ 1000?)

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  • Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
  • Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
  • Some applicants assume that having a job offer automatically qualifies them for residency; however, they must also meet other criteria such as age, health, and English language proficiency.
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Edge cases and variations

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  • If you are asked to submit or update INZ 1000, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.

In-depth guidance

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How to complete this form reliably

Treat INZ 1000 as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.

Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"

Scenarios

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A visitor applies for a Visitor Visa using INZ 1000 with a confirmed return flight, hotel bookings, and 3 months of bank statements.

Visitor visa granted for up to 9 months. Conditions specify no work permitted.

A confirmed return flight and clear travel itinerary strengthen the application by demonstrating intent to depart.

An applicant from a high-risk country applies for a visitor visa without strong ties to their home country.

Application declined. The decision maker was not satisfied the applicant would depart NZ at the end of the visit.

For applicants from countries with high overstay rates, strong evidence of ties to the home country (employment, property, family) is crucial.

A visitor wants to extend their stay beyond the initial visa period.

Extension can be applied for online before the current visa expires. Total stay generally cannot exceed 9 months in an 18-month period.

Extensions are possible but the total visitor stay is capped. Apply before your current visa expires to maintain legal status.

Key differentiators

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  • Unlike Form INZ 1113: Work Visa Application: Work visa experience often leads to residence (Skilled migration pathway)
  • Unlike Form INZ 1015: Work Visa Application: Study pathway alternative to skilled migration (Skilled migration pathway)
  • Unlike Form INZ 1024: Sponsorship Form for Residence: Filed together: Sponsorship form if including family in residence application (Skilled migration pathway)

Why it matters

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  • Points can be claimed from occupational registration, qualifications, or income.

    Why it matters: Choosing the correct category for points can affect eligibility for the visa.

  • Job offers must be from accredited employers and meet specific wage thresholds.

    Why it matters: Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to rejection of the application.

  • Police certificates must be less than 6 months old when applying.

    Why it matters: Outdated certificates can delay processing or result in denial.

  • You must submit your application and pay the fee within 4 months of receiving your invitation to apply.

    Why it matters: Failing to meet this deadline requires submitting a new Expression of Interest, delaying the process.

Next steps

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  • Await receipt confirmation from the agency
  • Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
  • Keep copies of all submitted materials

Verification

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This guide is derived from official INZ instructions for INZ 1000 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official INZ website.

FAQs

What other forms are typically filed together with INZ 1000?

Review the official INZ 1000 instructions for your specific situation. The specific forms required vary by case type. Review the instructions for your particular immigration category to determine which forms must be submitted together.

What are the most common errors when completing INZ 1000, and what happens if it is rejected?

Common challenges with the INZ 1000 form often involve: • Inadequate proof of the relationship claimed • Discrepancies between the petition and supporting documents • Omitted details regarding derivative applicants • Outdated documentation of sponsor or accredited employer status It is crucial to meticulously compile your evidence package to meet each specified requirement.

What happens if I make an error on INZ 1000 or need to correct something after filing?

If your application is initially accepted but later identified as lacking necessary information, you might receive a request for evidence (RFE). It is crucial to ensure that all forms are submitted in the order specified in the official instructions for your specific immigration category.

Can I file INZ 1000 if I've already left the country or my situation has changed?

Consult the official INZ 1000 instructions to obtain comprehensive guidance tailored to your specific immigration case and circumstances.

What should I do if my police certificate is older than 6 months?

Ensure your police certificate is current by obtaining a new one, making certain it is less than 24 months old at the time of your application submission.

How do I choose the correct eligibility category code on INZ 1000?

The eligibility category code you select dictates the foundation for your INZ 1000 submission. For comprehensive guidance, consult the official instructions.

Do I need to provide a mailing address for INZ 1000?

You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, INZ allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.

When will INZ 1000 be processed and what is the workflow?

Processing timing for INZ 1000 varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official INZ processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.

What are common mistakes when filing INZ 1000?

Common mistakes include submitting incomplete forms, missing required signatures, paying incorrect fees, and failing to include all required supporting documents. Even minor errors can cause significant delays or outright rejection of your application. Double-check every section, verify fee amounts on the official INZ schedule, and review the instructions thoroughly before submitting.

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. Use Find My Visa to get a personalized checklist with official sources and deadlines.

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