Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa re-opened on 9 October 2023 with new criteria.

Overview

The changes include:

  • a new points system
  • skilled job or job offer requirements
  • the number of applications that will be accepted and processing times, and
  • a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa.

Some visa criteria and conditions have not changed. These are summarised in the section ‘Some requirements have not changed’’.

New points system

You need 6 points to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

You can claim 3 to 6 points from your:

  • 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 can only claim points from 1 of the above skill categories. You cannot combine points from multiple skill categories. For example you cannot combine points from your qualification with points from your New Zealand occupational registration.

You can also claim 1 point for each year of skilled work in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points.

The points you claim from skilled work in New Zealand can be combined with points from your New Zealand occupational registration, qualification or income.

Wage rate requirements for visas

Skilled job offer

You must have a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer in New Zealand to apply. This requirement applies even if you are claiming the maximum amount of points available. To be considered a skilled job, the job or job offer must be:

  • at least 30 hours a week.
  • either in an ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 occupation and paid at or above the median wage, or in an ANZSCO Level 4 to 5 occupation and paid at or above 1.5 times the median wage.
  • on a permanent contract or fixed-term contract for at least 12 months.

Wage rate requirements for visas

Some requirements have not changed

Some of the requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa have not changed. These include:

  • character requirements
  • health requirements
  • English language requirements
  • age requirements (you must be 55 years old or under to apply).

You can include your partner and any dependent children up to the age of 24 in your application. They also must meet our English language, health and character requirements.

How we define family

English language requirements for skilled residence visas

Find out more about the criteria for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

Number of applications accepted

There is no limit on the number of people who can get residence through the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. As long as you meet visa eligibility criteria, you will be able to get New Zealand residence if your visa application is accepted.

Why some applications are processed faster than others

Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa

If you apply for the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and your current temporary visa expires while your application is being processed, you will be granted a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa. Your Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa will come into effect the day after your current visa expires. We will send you an eVisa with the appropriate duration and conditions.

This will allow you to stay in New Zealand while your Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is processed. You will also be able to travel in and out of New Zealand on your Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa.

Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa

About eVisas