WR6 Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant Category) Policy (21/12/2005)

1. Principal applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category 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 establishing themselves in ongoing skilled employment in New Zealand.
2. Principal applicants may be issued and/or granted with a work visa and/or permit allowing a stay in New Zealand of up to six months if the requirements set out 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 the NZIS 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:
   1. pays the Migrant Levy (see R5.90); and
   2. pays any ESOL charge due, and signs the ESOL Agreement and returns it to the NZIS within the time specified by the NZIS (see SM5.20).
7. For applicants who lodge an application under the Skilled Migrant Category on or after 21 December 2005 (see WR6(b)), a further work permit may be granted under this policy for a maximum period of three months where the applicant has an offer of skilled employment but requires a further work permit to meet the three month requirement set out at SM20.15.
8. Work visas and/or permits issued and/or granted under this policy will allow work for any employer in New Zealand.

   Note: Applicants who lodged an application under the Skilled Migrant Category before 21 December 2005, may be issued and/or granted a work visa and/or permit allowing a stay in New Zealand of up to two years if the requirements set out above are met

Effective 21/12/2005