WORK VISAS TO NEW ZEALAND

SKILLED MIGRANT VISA TO NEW ZEALAND

The Skilled Migrant Category for residence allows skilled migrants to become permanent residents. It is the main path to residence in New Zealand. Approximately 70% of places under the New Zealand Government's residence programme are allocated to Skilled Migrant applicants.

New Zealand is looking for skilled migrants with the right qualifications and experience, and English language proficiency, to fill skill shortages and to help the country grow and prosper in the future.

DO I QUALIFY TO LIVE AND WORK IN NEW ZEALAND?

Our Free Skilled Migrant Visa Eligibility Assessment is designed to instantly determine if you are eligible to apply for a New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category visa. This assessment uses the criteria set by Immigration New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND SKILLED MIGRANT VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), applicants must be able to meet basic residence visa criteria and the current pass mark. The basic visa criteria relate to age, English language ability, health and character requirements.

The minimum points required to submit an Expression of Interest is currently 100, although applicants must score a minimum pass mark of 140 to be invited to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category. Applicants who score between 100 and 135 points and meet specific selection criteria may also be invited.

Points can be claimed for skilled employment or skilled job offer, relevant work experience, recognised qualifications and age, as well as partner's qualification and skilled employment or job offer. Bonus points may be awarded for skilled employment/job offer, work experience or qualifications related to an area of future growth or of absolute skill shortage in New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND SKILLED MIGRANT VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Skilled migration is given general priority in New Zealand, and is the main path to residence in New Zealand. Approved applicants will be issued or granted with a permanent residence visa and/or permit, which gives holders and their family the flexibility to settle and work anywhere in New Zealand indefinitely.

A returning resident's visa (RRV) will also be issued allowing the holder to travel in and out of New Zealand for up to two years as a New Zealand resident. After two years applicants may be eligible for an indefinite RRV subject to meeting the relevant minimum residency requirements.

Permanent residents are entitled to the same rights and benefits as New Zealand citizens, including free access to public schools, subsidised tertiary education and other support, such as student loans, and subsidised public health services. Permanent residents may also apply for citizenship after satisfying the relevant residency requirements.

Another important benefit of permanent residence is the ability to sponsor close family members to New Zealand in the future.

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