New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa Re-opened With new Changes

What has changed?

From 9 October, applicants who wish to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa require meeting one of the following:

• Occupational registration (where an occupation has a regulated registration, licensing, or certification scheme in NZ and full registration requires at least 2 years of formal training or experience)

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher level qualification, or

• A skilled job earning at least 1.5 x median wage in New Zealand

Find below the overview of the key changed implemented to Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa:

• a new points system

• skilled job or job offer requirements

• the number of applications that will be accepted and processing times, and

• a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa.

New points system

An applicant require 6 points to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. You can claim 3 to 6 points from your:

• New Zealand occupational registration
• qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher), or
• income from your job or job offer (earning at least 1.5 times the median wage in New Zealand).

You may choose to claim points from just one of the skill categories mentioned above; it's not permissible to amalgamate points from different skill categories. To clarify, you cannot merge points acquired through your qualifications with points earned through your New Zealand occupational registration. Moreover, you have the option to assert one point for each year of skilled work in New Zealand, with a maximum limit of 3 points.

The points you accumulate from your skilled work experience in New Zealand can be aggregated with points obtained from your New Zealand occupational registration, qualifications, or income.

Skilled job offer

In order to apply, it's essential that you possess a skilled job or a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. This stipulation is applicable even if you intend to claim the highest possible point total. To be considered a skilled job, the job or job offer must be:

• minimum 30 hours a week.

• either in an ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 occupation and paid at or above the median wage, or in an ANZSCO Level 4 to 5 occupation and paid at or above 1.5 times the median wage.

• on a permanent contract or fixed-term contract for at least 12 months.

Few requirements have not changed

A few requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa have not changed. These comprise:

• character requirements
• health requirements
• English language requirements
• age requirements (you must be 55 years old or under to apply).

You have the option to include your partner and any dependent children up to the age of 24 in your application. They, too, must meet the English language, health, and character requirements outlined by New Zealand immigration authorities.

Regarding the number of applications accepted, there is no set limit on the quantity of individuals eligible for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. As long as you fulfil the visa eligibility criteria, your application for New Zealand residence will be considered.

In the event that you apply for the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and your existing temporary visa expires during the processing period, you will be granted a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa. This interim visa will become active the day after your current visa expires. You will receive an eVisa specifying the appropriate duration and conditions.

This interim visa will enable you to remain in New Zealand while your application for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is being processed. Moreover, you will retain the ability to travel in and out of New Zealand using your Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa.

Also read-

Tasmania Skilled Migration Update 2023-24- Tasmania has issued 372 Nominations until Sep 2023

Canada has started Parents & Grandparents Program-2023 Lottery on 10 October

All-program Express Entry Draw on 10 October- Canada invites 3,725 candidates

First WA State nomination Invitation round of 2023-24- Western Australia invites 487 candidates

To confirm your eligibility status and apply for immigration to your desired country this year, you may contact Visas Avenue migration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can send us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar