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The Skilled Migrant Resident Visa is designed for individuals with the skills, qualifications, and work experience that New Zealand needs. This points-based visa allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency, helping to fill key skill shortages in the country. Applicants are assessed on factors like age, employment, qualifications, and relevant work experience. With this visa, you can live and work in New Zealand permanently, contributing to its economic growth. Learn how NZIL can guide you through the process.
The Skilled Migrant Resident Visa is a points-based visa that allows skilled individuals with qualifications and work experience to live and work in New Zealand permanently. It is designed to attract professionals whose skills are in demand and can contribute to the country’s economy.
Successful applicants are granted permanent residency, allowing them to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely.
Applicants must meet a minimum points threshold, which considers factors like age, employment, qualifications, and work experience. A health, character, and English language assessment is also required.
This visa grants you the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand permanently. You can also sponsor eligible family members to join you in New Zealand.
Once you meet the points requirements and receive an invitation to apply, this visa provides a direct route to permanent residency, allowing you to settle in New Zealand with full rights.
Step 1:
Complete and submit an EOI, outlining your qualifications, work experience, and other factors to earn points.
Step 2:
If your EOI meets the points threshold, you may be invited to apply for residency.
Step 3:
Collect all required documents, including proof of qualifications, work experience, health, and character checks.
Step 4:
Submit your residency application with all supporting documents.
Step 5:
Immigration New Zealand reviews your application and issues a decision. If approved, you receive permanent residency.
Step 6:
Step 7:
Step 8:
Learn how to successfully apply for the Skilled Migrant Resident Visa in our upcoming webinar. This session will cover key steps in the application process, including how to earn points, submit your Expression of Interest, and gather the necessary documents. Whether you're looking to live and work in New Zealand permanently or need clarity on the eligibility criteria, this webinar will provide expert insights to guide you through the process. Get your questions answered and simplify your visa journey with our expert advice.
Prefer to make a direct enquiry rather than attend a webinar? This option offers you personalised assistance tailored to your specific situation. By choosing a direct enquiry, you'll save time and receive expert guidance from NZIL’s team on your Skilled Migrant Resident Visa application. Whether you need help understanding your eligibility, preparing documents, or navigating the process, we’re here to provide clear, customised advice every step of the way.
You can check whether your skills are in demand by visiting the Immigration New Zealand website. If your skills are on the Green List, you have a possible pathway to residence immediately or after having worked in New Zealand for a period of time.
It is not essential to have formal qualifications to gain a work visa. But you must be able to document that you meet the criteria stated by the employer in the job description as necessary to be considered for the position and Immigration New Zealand's minimum skills threshold. A lack of formal qualifications may, however, make it harder for you to qualify for residence if you are seeking to make a permanent move.
If you’re applying for a visa based on your relationship, you and your partner will need to meet specific criteria in order to apply. Learn more about the visa requirements for you and your partner. If you’re looking to move your family over based on your working visa, find out more about family visa options.
If you are on a working visa, the visa will generally be tied to the job offer. This means you’re required to stay with your employer. There are some exceptions to this where the work visa allows employment with any employer. You can change to a new employer but you must apply to do this. You need to get advice about doing this as it can have an impact on your future ability to secure residence.
If you are offered a job in New Zealand your employer may offer to cover your relocation costs. This is something you will need to discuss directly with your employer.
If you’ve completed studies in New Zealand and have obtained a recognised qualification, you could be eligible to apply for a post study work visa .Depending on your qualification, you may be able to work in New Zealand for up to 3 years and potentially gain residence. Learn more about the visas you can apply for after completing your studies.
