WR6 Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant Category) Policy (30/07/2007)

1. Principal applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) who have been assessed by a visa or immigration officer as having demonstrated they can realise their potential to successfully settle in and contribute to New Zealand, may be issued and/or granted a work visa and/or permit for the purpose of obtaining an offer of ongoing skilled employment in New Zealand.
2. Principal applicants may be issued and/or granted a work visa and/or permit allowing a stay in New Zealand of nine months (refer WR6.5) if the requirements set out at WR6 (c), (d), (e) and (f) below are met.
3. An application for a work visa and/or permit must be made within three months of the date of the letter from INZ advising that the principal applicant may be eligible for the issue or grant of that work visa or permit.
4. Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to maintain themselves and any accompanying family members for a period of at least three months in New Zealand, that is,
   1. (if they have pre paid accommodation), a sum of NZ$400 per person, per month; and
   2. (if they do not have pre paid accommodation) a sum of NZ$1,000 per person per month.
5. Applicants must also provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to purchase an outward ticket from New Zealand for themselves and any accompanying family members.
6. Work visas and/or permits will only be issued and/or granted if the principal applicant pays any ESOL charge due, and signs the ESOL Agreement and returns it to INZ within the time specified by INZ (see SM5.20).
7. Work visas and/or permits issued and/or granted under this policy will allow work for any employer in New Zealand.

Note: Applicants who made an application under the SMC before 21 December 2005, may be issued and/or granted a work visa and/or permit in accordance with the SMC policy that was in effect at the time their SMC application was made.

Note: Applicants who made an application under the SMC on or after 21 December 2005 and before 10 April 2007, may be issued and/or granted a work visa and/or permit in accordance with the SMC policy that was in effect at the time their SMC application was made.

Effective 30/07/2007