16 Apr 2023
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
This visa is for people with skills contributing to New Zealand’s economic growth. Before you can apply, you will need to send us an expression of interest (EOI), that details your work experience and qualifications.
Visa details
This visa is for people with skills contributing to New Zealand’s economic growth. Before you can apply, you will need to send us an expression of interest (EOI), that details your work experience and qualifications. Length of stayIndefinitelyAge Range55 years or underCostFrom NZ $4880Length of stayThe third Wednesday of each month
STAGE 1:Expression of Interest (EOI)In your online Expression of Interest you will claim points for your qualifications, work experience, age etc. All Expressions of Interest received will be ranked from highest to lowest points and placed into a Pool.
Every fortnight Immigration New Zealand selects the Expressions of Interest with the highest point scores from the Pool. This process is called Selection.
While the SMC policy states that the minimum requirement for submitting an EOI is at 100 points, the points score that is actually necessary for an Expression of Interest to be selected from the Pool has been set at 160.
This means that all Expressions of Interest with a points score of 160 or more will automatically be selected.
Expressions of Interest that have been successfully selected from the Pool will undergo a preliminary assessment, where Immigration New Zealand will check the credibility of the information provided by you in your EOI.
STAGE 2:
Residence Application
At the start of this second stage of the application process, your application for a Resident Visa will be submitted to Immigration New Zealand, including all documents proving the point claims made in the Expression of Interest.
Once your resident visa application has been lodged, Immigration New Zealand will assess it against Government residence policy. They will also look at your potential to settle successfully and make a real contribution to New Zealand’s social and economic development.
The assessment against settlement and contribution requirements will take into consideration the application as a whole, including information gained at interview, if an interview is conducted.
Depending on how well you are able to demonstrate your ability or potential to successfully settle in New Zealand, your application may be approved and you will be granted a Resident Visa, or you may instead be granted a Work Visa, which will enable you to establish yourself in skilled employment in New Zealand, or your application may be declined.
