Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa in New Zealand will undergo changes starting from October 9, 2023. The key points of the upcoming changes are as follows:

New Points System

To apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, applicants will need to accumulate 6 points. These points can be obtained from different indicators:

• New Zealand occupational registration (worth 3 to 6 points)

• Qualification (Bachelor's degree or higher) or New Zealand Qualification Framework level (worth 3 to 6 points)

• Income from job or job offer (earning at least 1.5 times the median wage in New Zealand, worth 3 to 6 points)

• Skilled work experience in New Zealand (1 point for each year, up to a maximum of 3 points)

  Wage Rate Requirements for Visas: The wage threshold varies depending on the skill level of the job according to the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) levels.

Wage Rate Requirements for Visas

The wage threshold varies depending on the skill level of the job according to the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) levels.

Skilled Job or Job Offer

Applicants must have a skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. The job must meet specific requirements regarding hours, wage, and contract duration.

Some Requirements Remain Unchanged

Certain requirements such as character, health, English language proficiency, and age (55 years or under) will not be changing.

Number of Applications and Processing Times

There is no limit on the number of people who can obtain residence through the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Straightforward applications with all required information will be decided within 6 to 8 weeks.

Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa

If an applicant's current temporary visa expires during the processing of their Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa application, they will be granted a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa, allowing them to stay in New Zealand and travel in and out of the country while their residence visa is processed. The interim visa will have conditions similar to the current visa and will expire after a specified period or upon the approval or rejection of the residence visa application.