The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is a coveted opportunity for individuals whose skills are pivotal to New Zealand’s economic prosperity. It is the gateway to permanent residency for professionals and skilled workers who dream of calling New Zealand home.
Exciting Updates:
The New Zealand government is set to enhance the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, making it even more accessible and straightforward for skilled individuals. Here’s a glimpse of what’s on the horizon:
New Scoring System (Effective October 9, 2023):
- Starting from October 9, 2023, you’ll only need 6 points to apply for a resident visa in the skilled migrant category.
- These points can be acquired through your New Zealand professional registration, possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher, or having an income from your job or assignment (with a minimum salary of 1.5 times that of New Zealand).
- Additionally, you can claim up to 3 points for each year of skilled employment in New Zealand.
Skilled Placement Requirement:
- To qualify, you must secure a skilled placement or work with a recognized employer in New Zealand.
- Your work must involve at least 30 hours per week and fall within the ANJSCO classification.
- It’s crucial that your employment is either on a permanent or fixed-term contract lasting a minimum of 12 months.
No Limit on Applications:
- Here’s the fantastic news – there is no restriction on the number of individuals who can obtain residency through the skilled migrant category resident visa, provided they meet the specified eligibility criteria.
Streamlined Processing:
- Applications that are straightforward and complete with all the necessary information will be processed within a swift timeframe of 6 to 8 weeks.
These upcoming changes mark a significant step towards a more accessible pathway to New Zealand for skilled individuals. Stay tuned for further details on this exciting development. Your journey to New Zealand’s shores is about to get even smoother.
How long can you stay on this visa?
You can stay in New Zealand permanently with this visa, as it grants you indefinite duration, allowing for a long-term life in the country.
What is the appropriate age to apply for this visa?
Applicants must be 55 years of age or younger to be eligible for this visa. You need to meet this age requirement at the time of application.
What is the cost of the experienced expatriate resident visa group?
Application fees for this visa start at NZD $4290. However, please note that fees may vary depending on individual circumstances and the country from which the application is made.
What is the deadline for EOI selection?
To apply for this visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by August 16, 2023, and receive an invitation to apply.
What are the benefits of a skilled resident visa?
There are several benefits associated with a skilled migrant category resident visa:
- Residence, Work, and Study: This visa allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand, giving you the freedom to pursue your career, education, and life goals in the country.
- Family Inclusion: You can include your spouse and dependent children aged 24 and under in your residency application, allowing your entire family to join you in New Zealand.
What is the eligibility criteria for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa?
Requirements for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa:
Identity:
- You are required to furnish proof of identity, which includes a valid head and shoulders photo as well as a copy of your passport or identity card.
Character:
- Applicants aged 17 or over must provide police certificates from all member states and other countries where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. This is to ensure a good character.
Health:
- Good health is a prerequisite, and you must undergo a chest x-ray and medical examination to confirm your health status.
English Language Proficiency:
- Proficiency in English is mandatory. You can demonstrate this in two ways:
- By passing an English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL, with results acceptable to immigration authorities and not exceeding a 2-year period of application.
- By providing documentation indicating your existing proficiency in English based on your citizenship or qualifications.
Age:
- Applicants must be 55 years of age or younger at the time of application. Your age will be verified through the documents provided as proof of identity.
Skilled Work:
Your current job or job offer must meet a high standard of efficiency. This includes having significant work experience, qualifications, and professional registration.
Qualifications:
- Qualifications must be recognized to earn points, which can be achieved through various means such as being on the qualifications exemption list, undergoing examination by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), or accreditation under international treaties like the Washington Convention or Sydney Convention.
Work Experience:
- When claiming points for work experience, it must be both competent and relevant to your job.
Invitation to Apply:
- You may receive an invitation to apply for residency. Once invited, you will have a 4-month window to submit your application.
Family Relationships:
If you intend to include your spouse and children in your application, it is imperative that you have genuine relationships with them, and they must meet all the necessary criteria related to identity, character, health, and English language proficiency.
English Language Proficiency for Family:
- English language requirements also apply to spouses and children aged 16 and over. They must either attain acceptable English language test scores or be citizens of specific English-speaking countries with a qualifying period of residence or education.
Conditions:
- After obtaining your visa, specific conditions must be adhered to. These include obtaining an entry permit upon arrival in New Zealand, maintaining your skilled work status, and transferring your visa to a new passport if the current one expires.
Travel:
You are granted the freedom to travel to New Zealand as frequently as desired until the expiration of your travel conditions, which is typically 2 years from your initial arrival in New Zealand as a resident. Note that if you are outside New Zealand when your travel conditions expire, your visa will also expire.
Process and Cost of Resident Visa for Skilled Migrant Category
Step 1: Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI):
- At this initial stage, you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the immigration authorities. The latest EOI selection occurred on August 16, 2023.
- All EOIs in the pool were assessed on this date. Those with a score of 180 or higher were invited to apply for a visa, while those with a score below 180 were declined.
Immigration Fees:
- Application Fee: There is no fee for submitting an EOI using the new scoring system.
- Visa Application Fee: If you receive an invitation to apply, you will need to pay the visa application fee online using Visa or MasterCard.
Invitation to Apply:
- If your EOI is selected, the immigration authorities will review your point claims for various factors, including age, experience, occupation, and eligibility.
Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI):
- If you meet the criteria, you will receive an invitation to apply for a resident visa in the skilled migrant category.
- You have a 4-month window from the date of the invitation to apply for this visa. Failing to do so within this timeframe will necessitate submitting a new EOI.
Step 2: Visa Application
Residency Application:
- After receiving an invitation to apply, you proceed to submit your application for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
- The application process involves providing a set of documents to support your claims regarding employment, health, character, and English language proficiency.
- You will also be provided with an “Employer Supplementary Form” to be completed by potential employers.
Visa Decision:
- Once you have submitted your application, the immigration authorities will assess your eligibility for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
- You will receive guidance on any further steps you need to take, including providing additional information or documentation.
- In certain cases, you may be required to participate in an interview as part of the assessment process.
- If you are already in New Zealand during this period, it’s essential to maintain a valid visa to comply with immigration regulations.
What is the Immigration Fees for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa?
Application Fee: The application fee for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is NZD $4,890. This fee covers the processing of your visa application. It’s important to note that the application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is not approved. Additionally, non-refundable immigration levies are included in the overall cost.
