The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is a pathway for skilled workers to obtain Permanent Residency in New Zealand. It is designed to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to the country's economy and workforce. If you are presently employed or have received a job offer from an accredited employer and are eligible for six points based on your skills and New Zealand work experience, you can submit an application for this visa.
Eligibility of New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
To be eligible for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, you need to meet several criteria. Here are the main eligibility requirements :
Age : You must be 55 years of age or under at the time of submitting your application.
Job Offer : In order to apply for this visa, it is a prerequisite that you either currently hold a skilled job or have received a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.
Skills and Qualifications : You need to meet the minimum requirements for skilled employment in New Zealand. This includes having recognized qualifications and work experience. The specific requirements vary depending on the occupation and industry.
English Language Proficiency : You must meet specific English language requirements. Typically, this is demonstrated by achieving a certain score in an approved English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), TOEFL iBT, Occupational English Test (OET), Cambridge English B2 First (FCE) or B2 First for Schools (FCE for Schools).
Health Requirements : You and your family members must meet certain health requirements to ensure you do not pose a risk to public health and will not require significant medical treatment or access to healthcare resources in New Zealand.
Character Requirements : You and your family members who are included in your visa application must meet the character requirements. This involves providing police certificates or similar documents from the countries you have lived in for a certain period of time.
Points System : The SMC uses a points-based system to assess applicants. Points are awarded based on factors such as :
- New Zealand occupational registration
- qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher), or
- income from your job or job offer (earning at least 1.5 times the median wage in New Zealand).
You may only accumulate points from one of the skill categories listed above; combining points from multiple skill categories is not allowed. For instance, you are not permitted to merge points acquired from your qualifications with points from your New Zealand occupational registration.
Furthermore, you have the option to claim one point for each year of skilled work completed in New Zealand, with a maximum cap of three points.
The points obtained through skilled work in New Zealand can be added together with points from your New Zealand occupational registration, qualifications, or income.
When it comes to visa applications, it's essential to meet the wage rate requirements.
Number of applications accepted :
There is no restriction on the quantity of individuals eligible for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. As long as you fulfill the visa's eligibility requirements, you can attain New Zealand residence once your visa application is approved.Here's a breakdown of the points for a Skilled Migrant Category Pathway:
Documents Required for New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa
When applying for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, you will need to provide various documents to support your application. The specific documents required may vary based on your individual circumstances, but here are some common documents that are typically requested :
1. Identity Documents :
- Photo : 1 acceptable photo (as per specification)
- Passport : A valid passport for you and each accompanying family member.
- Birth certificates : Birth certificates or other acceptable proof of birth for you and each accompanying family member.
- Marriage certificate : If applicable, a marriage certificate or evidence of your relationship with your spouse or partner.
2. Evidence of Skilled job or job offer
In order to qualify as a skilled job for the visa application, the job or job offer must meet the following criteria
- It should entail a minimum of 30 working hours per week.
- The position must fall into one of the following categories :
- ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) Level 1 to 3 occupation and the salary should be equal to or higher than the median wage.
- ANZSCO Level 4 to 5 occupation and the salary should be at least 1.5 times the median wage.
- The job contract should be either :
- Permanent in nature.
- A fixed-term contract for a duration of at least 12 months.
- A contract for services that extends for a minimum of 6 months.
Meeting these specific criteria is essential to be considered for a skilled job or job offer in the visa application process.
3. Qualifications :
To claim points for your qualification, you must demonstrate that it is a recognized qualification. A qualification is deemed recognized if it meets one of the following criteria :
- It is a New Zealand qualification acknowledged on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
- It appears on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA).
- It has undergone an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA) by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Ensuring your qualification meets one of these criteria is essential to qualify for points in your visa application.
4. English Language Proficiency :
English language test results : Results of an approved English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), TOEFL iBT, Occupational English Test (OET), Cambridge English B2 First (FCE) or B2 First for Schools (FCE for Schools) to demonstrate your English language proficiency. You will need to provide the test report form or certificate.
5. Health and Character :
Medical certificates : Medical certificates to prove that you and your family members meet the health requirements. These may include medical examinations, chest x-rays, and laboratory reports.
Police certificates : Police certificates or similar documents from the countries you have lived in for a certain period, to demonstrate your good character and meet the character requirements.
6. New Zealand occupational registration :
You are eligible to claim points based on your occupational registration if it is included in the list of approved New Zealand occupational registrations. It's important to note that registrations demanding more extensive training or qualifications will yield a higher point value.
Points available for occupational registration:
| Points | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 6 | A Minimum of 6 years of experience and/or training is required to gain registration |
| 5 | A Minimum of 5 years of experience and/or training is required to gain registration |
| 4 | A Minimum of 4 years of experience and/or training is required to gain registration |
| 3 | A Minimum of 2 years of experience and/or training is required to gain registration |
In your visa application, it's crucial to include supporting evidence that verifies the following :
- Your Registration Authority : Provide documentation that demonstrates your registration with the appropriate authority governing your profession or occupation.
- The Name of Your Registration : Furnish proof of your registration, which should clearly state the name of the registration you hold.
- Meeting Additional Requirements : If there are any additional criteria or requirements that must be met to claim points for your registration, ensure you provide all necessary documentation showing that you meet these criteria.
Comprehensive evidence will strengthen your application and enhance your chances of obtaining the desired points for your New Zealand occupational registration.
7. English Language for Family :
In order for your partner and dependent children aged 16 and over to be eligible, they must demonstrate English language proficiency or be willing to attend English classes in New Zealand. There are three ways for them to fulfill this requirement :
- Taking a Test : They can take English language proficiency tests, and the test results should be acceptable according to our standards. These results should also be no more than 2 years old at the time of your visa application.
- Speaking English : If they already speak and understand English, you can provide evidence of their proficiency. This may depend on their citizenship or where they received their education and obtained qualifications.
- Paying for Lessons : If your partner and dependent children do not currently speak English, they have the option to learn English in New Zealand. In this case, you are responsible for covering the cost of English language classes before your visas are approved.
Ensuring compliance with these English language requirements is crucial for your family's visa application.
How to Apply for New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa
To apply for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, you will need to follow several steps. Here's a general outline of the application process :
Determine Eligibility :
Before starting the application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the SMC Resident Visa. This includes meeting the age requirement, having the required skills and qualifications, meeting English language proficiency, job offer and fulfilling health and character requirements.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) :
The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). You will also be awarded points based on the information provided.
EOI Selection :
If you meet the specified criteria, you will receive an immediate notification upon the submission of your Expression of Interest (EOI). Furthermore, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via email, which will contain additional details. Following the receipt of your ITA, you will have a period of four months to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Should you fail to apply within this timeframe, you will be required to submit a new EOI to restart the application process.
Submit your application for residence :
Once you receive the ITA, you can proceed to complete the application form for the SMC Resident Visa. Furthermore, an email containing a link to the application form will be sent to you along with your Invitation to Apply (ITA) by New Zealand government. When applying for the visa, it's crucial to substantiate your assertions regarding your health, character, English-speaking proficiency, and job or job offer with appropriate evidence.
Application Processing :
INZ will review your application, assess the documents provided, and conduct necessary checks such as verifying your qualifications, work experience, health, and character. This process may take several months, and INZ may request additional information or conduct interviews if required.
Visa Decision :
Once the application is processed, you will receive a decision on your visa application. If approved, you will be granted a New Zealand Resident Visa under the Skilled Migrant Category. If the application is declined, you will receive an explanation of the reasons for the rejection.
Drop your CV at enquiry@migratenation.com or WhatsApp your CV at +91-9911538788 to apply for New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa.
Benefits of New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Obtaining the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa offers several benefits. Here are some of the key advantages of holding this visa :
Permanent Residency :
The SMC Resident Visa allows you to become a permanent resident of New Zealand. This means you can live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely without any restrictions on your stay.
Sponsor Family Members :
You can include certain family members in your residence visa application. This can include your spouse or partner and dependent children aged 24 and under.
Work Opportunities :
As a skilled migrant, you have access to a wide range of employment opportunities in New Zealand. You can work in any job or occupation of your choice on Skilled Migrant Visa.
Pathway to Citizenship :
The SMC Resident Visa can serve as a pathway to New Zealand citizenship. After meeting the residency requirements, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship, granting you full rights and privileges as a New Zealand citizen.
Travel Flexibility :
The SMC Resident Visa allows you to travel in and out of New Zealand without the need for additional travel visas. You can enjoy the freedom to explore other countries and return to New Zealand as desired.
How Can Migrate Nation Help You??
- Free Counselling for choosing right country to work based on your qualifications and experience.
- Free Assessment of your profile & eligibility for New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa.
- Expert guidance for New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa throughout the process.
- We rewrite your Resume and Cover Letter as per New Zealand Standards.
- We provide Job Assistance Service and market your Resume within New Zealand for a valid Job Offer.
- We provide complete guidance and suggestions on gathering the right documents for New Zealand Work Visa.
- We keep the process transparent throughout.
