If you and your family want to obtain permanent residency the Skilled Migrant Category is the best visa for you.

To apply must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Points are awarded for employability and capacity building factors, including skilled employment, work experience, qualifications and age.

Once an applicant can claim 100 points and meets the prerequisites for health, character and English Language he/she may then lodge an EOI into the Skilled Migrant Pool. Please note that an applicant’s age must be 55 years or younger, to apply under this category.

EOIs are ranked based on their points scored, the INZ fortnightly determines a selection point and selects EOIs that meet or exceed the selection point. This EOIs will be selected for further consideration and may then be subsequently invited to apply for residency.

Once an applicant is invited to apply for residency he/she is then required to submit documents to the INZ to evidence that he/she can claim the points claimed in the EOI. It is at this stage the INZ complete a second-tier assessment to determine whether or not the applicant has the ability to settle well in New Zealand. Usually those with a job offer, and provided that they meet all the requirements under the SMC, should be granted residency.

Applicants who score 160 or more points, meet all of the SMC policy requirements but do not have an offer of skilled employees will have the opportunity to apply for SMC Job Search Visa.  This Job Search visa is valid for a period of 9 or 12 months. After this period, their application for residence under the SMC should be approved PROVIDED they hold a skilled job at the end of that 9 or 12 periods.

Government Fees and Processing Time

* All fees and processing time are obtained from government source.