New Zealand SKILLED MIGRANT RESIDENT VISA
Skilled Migrant Category Residence Visa
Over the years our team has acted for thousands of clients that have gone on to attain residence under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
The SMC provides a pathway to residence of NZ for thousands of migrants every year, but it can be extremely complex and is often underestimated by applicants.
The SMC Residence Visa is designed for individuals who possess the skills, qualifications, and experience that New Zealand seeks to bolster its economy. For those that are eligible, this visa offers you the opportunity to establish residency in New Zealand and unlock a world of possibilities for you and your family.
UNLOCKING ELIGIBILITY
Understanding how you qualify for a SMC Residence Visa is critical. This process can be costly and time consuming, so you need to get it right first time. There are several mandatory requirements all applicants will need to meet.
You will need to:
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Be working for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer
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Be under the age of 56 at the time of application
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Meet health and character requirements
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Provide evidence of English language ability
The process is initiated with the submission of an ‘Expression of Interest’ to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The applicant will then be selected and ‘Invited to Apply’ if they meet certain criteria for which they are awarded points – to be eligible an applicant must score 6 points.
The Points System
You need to secure 6 points via the following avenues:
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Your New Zealand occupational registration
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Your educational qualification (a Bachelor's degree or higher)
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Your income earned from your job or job offer (provided it is at least 1.5 times the median wage in New Zealand).
It's important to note that you can only claim points from one of these skill indicators; you cannot combine points from multiple indicators, e.g. you can’t amalgamate points from your qualification with those from your NZ occupational registration.
Additionally, you have the option to claim 1 point for each year of skilled work experience in New Zealand, to a maximum limit of 3 points.
Furthermore, the points obtained from skilled work experience in New Zealand can be combined with points gained from your New Zealand occupational registration, qualification, or income.
Our Expertise, Your Success
Navigating the SMC Residence Visa application process is often complex and stressful. At MILNZ, we are seasoned experts in immigration law, committed to helping individuals like you turn their New Zealand dreams into reality.
Working with us to secure your SMC Residence Visa, you can expect to follow a process that looks broadly like the following:
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Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of your eligibility for the SMC Residence Visa.
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Documentation Guidance: Assisting you in gathering the required documents and ensuring they meet New Zealand's immigration standards.
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Application Support: Expertly preparing and submitting all of your visa applications.
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Job Offer Assistance: Advising on securing job offers and addressing employment-related matters.
Applying for a Skilled Migrant Resident Visa can be a complex and time-consuming process. Many individuals face challenges such as accurately assessing eligibility, documenting their skills and qualifications, and providing high-quality evidence. Avoid common pitfalls and streamline your path to New Zealand residency with expert guidance.
How our team can assist you in your SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY VISA process
Connect with one of our immigration lawyers in New Zealand who offer the latest and most reliable immigration information. Reach out to us via email at info@milaw.co.nz or give us a call at +64 9 869 4999 We're here to assist you with all your immigration needs.
