New 6-point Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa in New Zealand

Understanding the intricacies of the application process is crucial for a successful outcome. This article provides a detailed overview of the general and specific requirements for applicants.

General Requirements

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Prospective applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest. The eligibility to apply hinges on three key factors:

• Receipt of an invitation under the Skilled Migrant Category instructions.

• Submission of the application within four months from the date of invitation.

• The invitation must remain unrevoked at the time of application.

Age Criteria

Applicants must be 55 years or younger at the time of application.

Health Standards

A high standard of health is mandatory. This involves a chest X-ray and medical examination for the principal applicant and all included in the application. In rare instances the medical examinations might reveal health matter the applicant/s might need to address before making their resident visa application.

Character Requirements

Good character is a prerequisite. Applicants aged 17 or older must provide police certificates from:

• All countries of citizenship.

• Any country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. These certificates should be less than six months old at the time of application.

While it is not explicitly mandated by the regulations, it is advisable for all applicants aged 17 years and above to provide the INZ1209 National Security Check Form.

Additionally, the necessity to submit the INZ1200 Additional Information Form may vary based on the applicant's citizenship, as this form facilitates third-party checks. Given the importance of these documents in the application process, we strongly recommend preparing and submitting both forms regardless of the specific requirements that may apply to individual circumstances.

Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency, either through citizenship or educational qualifications from certain English-speaking countries, or by meeting the minimum scores in English language tests. The IELTS scores required are:

• Principal Applicants: Minimum of 6.5.

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• Non-Principal Applicants: Minimum of 5, or meet exemption criteria, or opt for a pre-purchased language course.

Employment Requirements

Employment or an offer of employment must be skilled, meeting several criteria:

• The employer must be accredited.

• The employment should be genuine, full-time (minimum 30 hours per week), and meet specific wage rate requirements based on ANZSCO levels.

• The role should align with the job title and description in ANZSCO.

• Applicants must be suitably qualified as per ANZSCO requirements.

Contract work is acceptable under certain conditions, including a history of contract work and a current contract of at least six months.

Specific Requirements

Points System

Applicants may qualify for points based on one skill category or a combination of a skill category and skilled work experience in New Zealand. Points can be claimed for New Zealand registration, qualification, income, or New Zealand skilled work experience.

Skill Categories

• New Zealand Registration: Requires a minimum of 3-6 years of experience or training. Provisional or limited forms of registration do not qualify for points. The points awarded for registration in certain professions are based on the years of experience and/or training required for that registration. The allocation of points is as follows:

6 points are given when a minimum of 6 years of experience and/or training is required for registration.

5 points are awarded for a minimum of 5 years of experience and/or training.

4 points are allocated for a minimum of 4 years of experience and/or training.

3 points are given for a minimum of 3 years of experience and/or training.

• Qualification: Recognized if it is a New Zealand qualification on the NZQF, listed on the LQEA, or has an International Qualification Assessment from New Zealand Qualification Authority (should be obtained in advance). The points awarded for qualifications depend on their equivalence to New Zealand qualifications. The points allocation is as follows:

For qualifications equivalent to New Zealand standards:

6 points for a Level 10 Doctoral Degree.

5 points for a Level 9 Master’s Degree.

4 points for a Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma.

3 points for a Level 8 Postgraduate Certificate or a Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree.

For qualifications not equivalent to New Zealand standards:

5 points are awarded for a Level 10 qualification.

4 points for a Level 9 qualification.

3 points for a Level 8 qualification.

• Income: Applicants must meet the income thresholds based on ANZSCO skill levels. The points allocation for income levels, at the time of writing, is as follows:

6 points are awarded for earning three times the median wage, equating to $88.98.

4 points are given for earning double the median wage, which amounts to $59.32.

3 points are allocated for earning 1.5 times the median wage, corresponding to $44.49.

You may only claim from one of the abobe Skill Category. If you do not gain 6 points, you will need to supplement it through a skilled work experience in New Zealand.

Skilled Work Experience in New Zealand

Points for skilled work experience in New Zealand are based on the duration and the wage earned. The experience does not need to be consecutive and can include different periods. The allocation of points for skilled work experience is a critical aspect. For principal applicants, the experience must be recent and relevant at the time of submitting their residence application.

The criteria for claiming points based on the duration of skilled work experience in New Zealand are as follows:

• For 3 points: A minimum of 3 years within the last 5 years.

• For 2 points: A minimum of 2 years within the last 4 years.

• For 1 point: A minimum of 1 year within the last 2 years.

• No points are awarded for less than 1 year of experience.

Additionally, applicants have the option not to claim points for skilled work experience if they have already accumulated 6 points from other skills-based criteria. This flexibility allows applicants to tailor their points claim based on their individual profiles and experiences.

Evidence Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of New Zealand registration, qualifications, and skilled work experience. This includes employment agreements, job descriptions, summaries of earnings, and relevant certifications or licenses.

Navigating the Skilled Migrant Category visa application process requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the specified requirements. Applicants must ensure they meet the criteria for health, character, language proficiency, employment, and other specific requirements. By thoroughly understanding and complying with these requirements, skilled individuals may enhance their chances of successfully obtaining a visa to live and work in New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Skilled Migrant Category Visa for New Zealand

What is the Skilled Migrant Category Visa?

The Skilled Migrant Category Visa is a pathway for skilled individuals to live and work in New Zealand. It is based on a points system for skills, experience, and qualifications. You must gain minimum 6-points.

How do I start the application process for this visa?

What is the age limit for applicants?

What are the health requirements for the visa? 

What are the character requirements for applicants?

How can I prove my English language proficiency?

What are the employment requirements for this visa?

How does the points system work for this visa? 

What documents do I need to provide with my application?

Are there any specific forms that need to be completed for the application

DISCLAIMER

The information presented by the author/s in this article (or anywhere else) is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. Each immigration case is unique, and any opinion expressed without considering individual circumstances is necessarily generic and may be incomplete. The author/s disclaim all liability for any consequences resulting from reliance on such generic information. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author or any other person. For personalised legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, it is essential to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer and you are strongly advised you seek such tailored legal (immigration) advice.