New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa offers eligible foreign nationals a pathway to residency, allowing them to live, work and study in the country while also including eligible family members in their applications.
Applicants may include their spouse or partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger, subject to eligibility requirements. Visa fees start at NZ$6,450.
Under the visa pathway, successful applicants may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after holding their resident visa for at least two years, provided they meet the applicable requirements.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, applicants must meet several requirements, including:
- Be aged 55 or younger at the time of application.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Demonstrate the required level of English proficiency.
- Provide evidence of a genuine relationship with any family members included in the application.
- Have a skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer.
- Meet the required six-point threshold under New Zealand’s skilled residence points system.
Points are assessed based on qualifying factors, including qualifications, occupational registration, income and, where applicable, skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Job requirements
The offered position must meet New Zealand’s employment criteria. These generally include:
- At least 30 hours of work per week.
- Employment with an accredited employer.
- A permanent position, a fixed-term contract of at least 12 months, or a qualifying contract for services lasting at least six months, subject to the applicable rules.
How to apply
Eligible applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) demonstrating that they meet the relevant requirements, including the six-point threshold. Submitting an EOI is free of charge.
If invited to apply, applicants must submit their resident visa application within the specified timeframe, generally four months from the date of invitation.
Required documents may include a valid passport, a recent photograph, medical certificates, police clearance certificates, proof of English proficiency, evidence of qualifications or other points-claiming factors, and documentation confirming the job offer.
Documents that are not in English must be accompanied by acceptable translations.
Applicants may also be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview during the assessment process.
The visa application must be submitted online with the applicable fee and supporting documents within the deadline specified in the invitation.
