Skilled Migrant Category Visas: Meeting the Latest Criteria for Successful Immigration

The Skilled Migrant Category Visa is a great pathway for skilled workers to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. This particular pathway is perfect for those who are looking for long-term opportunities in Aotearoa rather than temporary visas that only allow for a few years of work.

Who Can Apply For The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa?

The process for this visa begins with you submitting an EOI or an Expression of Interest. You will then need to be selected, and then you will be invited to officially apply.

Like all visas, you will need to meet the requirements for this visa before you apply. You can visit INZ’s website here for a full, detailed list.

When applying for your visa, you must adhere to the following criteria:

  • Provide Proof Of Identity. You must provide proof of your identity by submitting a valid photo and a scan of your passport or your certificate of identity.
  • Age Requirement. You must be aged 55 years or younger to apply.
  • Good Health. You must be in good health.
  • Good Character. You must be of good character. 
  • English Proficiency. You must meet the English language requirement. 
  • Valid Job Offer. You must have a job offer from an accredited NZ employer.
  • Points. You must have at least 6 points to apply.
  • Application Fee. You will need to pay the application fee, which costs about $6, 450.

This visa uses a points-based system to determine if workers are right for this visa. Points are allocated to workers based on qualifications, New Zealand work experience and income. 

  • Education And Qualifications. Points are awarded based on the level of your qualification, with more experience and training translating into more points. Your qualifications for points will only be valid if your occupational registration is on the list of NZ occupational registrations. Six years of experience and or training will result in six points, five years will result in five points and so on – with the minimum being two years of experience or training for three points. 
  • NZ Work Experience. Skilled work experience in New Zealand earns points, depending on how long you’ve worked in New Zealand. If you’ve worked for three years in NZ during the five years before you apply, you’ll gain three points. Two years in the previous four years results in two points, and one year in the previous two years results in one point.
  • Income. Higher income levels will contribute to your points. Earning 1.5 times the median wage will result in three points, earning two times will result in four and earning three will result in six. 

Please note that you can claim three to six points for your qualification, NZ occupational registration or income. However, you are not allowed to combine points from these categories. For instance, if you have four points for income and three points for qualifications, you cannot combine them for seven points. You are allowed to claim points for your work experience in NZ, up to a maximum of three points, and combine those with one category for your previous points.

For example, if your income is 1.5 times the NZ median wage and you’ve worked in NZ for three years during the past five years before you apply for your Skilled Migrant Worker Resident Visa, then you’ll gain three points for both of those categories. Then, those points can be combined to create the required six. 

Here are a few key tips to help improve your chances of success:

  • Job Offer. Ensure you have a strong job offer from an accredited NZ employer.
  • Proper Documents. Ensure all of the documents you plan to submit are valid and correct. Avoid expired documents or unclear scans of documents.
  • Expert Assistance. Seek professional help from qualified immigration consultants. A visa can change your life in many amazing ways, but easy mistakes can compromise your application and result in rejection. A professional can see that everything is in order while giving you peace of mind and maximising your chances of a successful application. 

What Does This Work Visa Allow?

What makes this visa such an appealing option for skilled workers?

  • Live, Work And Study In New Zealand. This visa allows you to live, work and study in beautiful Aotearoa.
  • Indefinite Stay. Unlike many visas, this one has no stay limit. You can stay indefinitely, opening up a new chapter of your life without stressing about your departure date.
  • Include Family. You may include your partner and dependent children under 24. They will also need to fit some visa requirements, such as proving their identity. 

Seeking Professional Visa Help For Your New Zealand Application

We at Auckland South Immigration Consultants understand that visas can be exciting, but they can also be stressful, confusing and frustrating. So, we’re here to help. We’ve helped plenty of people like you with various types of visas, including Skilled Migrant Resident Visas.

Everyone’s story is unique, so we will work closely with you to understand the nuances of your case. This way, we can improve your chances of success. Are you ready to get started? Do you have questions or concerns for us? Call us on 0800168472 or use our contact page; we’ll be glad to speak with you.

Auckland South Immigration Consultants: Unlock your pathway to a new life in Aotearoa.

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