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The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is a pathway to residency for skilled professionals who want to live and work in New Zealand permanently. This visa is designed to attract individuals with skills and qualifications that are in demand in New Zealand, supporting the country’s economic growth and development.
The re-opening of applications for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa took place on 9 October 2023, with a number of changes to the eligibilty criteria and application process also coming into force. Chief among these is the new points system, against which all Expressions of Interest and applications will be assessed.
Under the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa points system, individuals will need six points in order to be eligible to apply.
Between three and six points can be claimed based on an individual’s academic qualifications, income from the job they hold or intend to take up in New Zealand, or occupational registration.
For qualifications:
👉 Doctoral degrees: 6 points
👉 Master’s degrees: 5 points
👉 Bachelor’s (Honours) degrees or Postgraduate diplomas: 4 points
👉 Bachelor’s degrees or Postgraduate certificates: 3 points
For income (as hourly rates):
👉 At least 3x median wage (NZD $88.98/hour): 6 points
👉 At least 2x median wage (NZD $59.32/hour): 4 points
👉 At least 1.5x median wage (NZD $44.49/hour): 3 points
For occupational registration: 3-6 points depending on the occupation, provided that it is listed as an eligible occupational registration by Immigration New Zealand.
Applicants are only permitted to claim points from one of these categories. It is not permitted to combine points from multiple categories to reach the six points required to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa e.g. a job paying 1.5x the median wage (3 points) and a postgraduate certificate (3 points).
To make up any shortfall in points from qualifications, income or occupational registration and meet the required threshold of six points, potential applicants are permitted to claim up to three points from skilled work they have already undertaken in New Zealand, at a rate of one point per year worked. For example, a skilled worker with a Master’s degree (5 points) who has already done skilled work in New Zealand for one full year (1 point) would be able to reach the six points required to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
👉 Skilled Professionals: Applicants must have skills, experience, and qualifications that match roles in demand within New Zealand.
👉 Points-Based System: This visa operates on a points system where points are awarded for factors like age, qualifications, work experience, and whether a job offer is already secured in New Zealand.
👉 Health, Character, and English Language Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character standards and demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency.
👉 Permanent Residency: Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
👉 Opportunities for Family Members: Eligible family members can also be included in the application and gain residency.
👉 Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, permanent residents may eventually apply for New Zealand citizenship.
👉 Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Complete an EOI online through Immigration New Zealand’s website, detailing your skills, qualifications, and experience.
👉 Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI meets the points threshold and you’re selected from the pool, you’ll receive an ITA to formally apply for residency.
👉 Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather documents such as:
➡️ A valid passport.
➡️ Evidence of qualifications and work experience.
➡️ Proof of any job offers in New Zealand (if applicable).
➡️ Health and character documentation, including medical exams and police clearances.
👉 Submit Your Residency Application: Complete the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa application and submit it along with the required documents and application fee.
👉 Await Processing: Immigration New Zealand will assess your application, and if approved, you’ll be granted residency.
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa offers a great opportunity for skilled professionals looking to make New Zealand their home, helping them establish a stable life with the possibility of citizenship in the future.
