SM3.5 Skilled Migrant Category requirements

SM3.5.1 Health, character and English language requirements

1. Applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category must meet:
   1. health and character requirements (see A4 and A5); and
   2. a minimum standard of English or, where instructions allow, pre-purchase English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tuition.
2. If an ESOL charge is required (see SM4.20), but is not paid within the time specified by INZ, the resident visa application will be declined.

SM3.5.5 Employability and capacity building requirements (SM5 to SM9)

1. Employability and capacity building factors comprise the requirements contained in SM5, SM6, SM7, SM8 and SM9 and are assessed using a points system.
2. An application for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category SM instructions will be declined if a principal applicant:
   1. does not qualify for the points for employability and capacity building factors on the basis of which their Expression of Interest was selected from the Pool (unless SM3.15 (b) applies); or
   2. does not qualify for points for either work experience (see SM7) or qualifications (see SM8); and either
   3. does not qualify for points for skilled employment in New Zealand (either before or during the deferral period as set out at SM3.20 below); or
   4. has not undertaken full time study for at least two years in New Zealand that has resulted in the award of a Doctorate or Master’s degree.

Effective 01/07/2023