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Update on NZ Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
October 9, 2023, significant changes have been introduced to the skilled migrant category resident visa. These amendments encompass a streamlined points system that establishes a definitive skills threshold for residency and offers multiple avenues for demonstrating one's skill level. Under the revamped system, a minimum of 6 points is required to secure residency.
The pivotal adjustments encompass:
New Points System
To apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, it is mandatory to obtain 6 points.
Potential contenders can earn 3 to 6 points based on the following:
- • New Zealand occupational registration
- • Educational qualification (Bachelor's degree or higher)
- • Earnings from their employment or job offer (equivalent to or exceeding 1.5 times the median wage in New Zealand)
It is noteworthy that marks can be claimed from only one skill category from the above options. Combining points from different skill categories, such as qualifications and New Zealand occupational registration, is not permissible.
An additional point can be secured for each year of specialized work undertaken in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points. These points are amalgamated with points obtained from New Zealand occupational registration, qualifications or earnings.
Wage Rate Prerequisites for Visas
Skilled Job Offer
An essential condition requires an eligible job or job offer from a recognized New Zealand employer. This condition applies even when an applicant has garnered the maximum allowable points. To qualify as a skilled job, the position or job offer must satisfy the subsequent criteria:
- • Demands at least 30 hours of work per week.
- • Falls under either an ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 occupation and is compensated at or above the median wage, or belongs to an ANZSCO Level 4 to 5 occupation and is remunerated at or above 1.5 times the median wage.
- • It is offered on either a permanent contract or a fixed term contract of a minimum of 12 months.
Wage Rate Prerequisites for Visas
Some requirements have not changed
Some requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident visa remain unchanged. These include:
- • Character prerequisites
- • Health prerequisites
- • English language prerequisites
- • Age prerequisites (applicants must be aged 55 or under)
Additionally, applicants can include their partner and dependent children up to the age of 24 in their application, provided they meet the English language, health and character requirements.
No Limit on Application Numbers
There is no cap on the number of persons eligible for New Zealand residence through the Skilled Migrant Category Resident visa. As long as applicants meet the visa eligibility criteria, they will be granted residence upon approval of their visa application.
Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa
Should an applicant submit an application for the novel Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and their existing temporary visa expires during the processing period, they will be awarded a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa. This interim visa will become effective on the day immediately following the expiration of their current visa. An eVisa with the appropriate validity and conditions will be provided.
This facilitates continued residence in New Zealand while the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa application is being processed and enables travel to and from New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa.
