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The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency for qualified professionals. This guide breaks down the full process—from eligibility and points system to application costs and required documents—to help you get started with confidence.
If you’ve got skills, experience, and a job offer in New Zealand, the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) could be your golden ticket to permanent residency. This visa is tailored for skilled workers under 55 years of age who can contribute to New Zealand’s economy.
Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what to expect, what documents you’ll need, and how to give yourself the best shot at getting approved.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa allows qualified professionals with a job or job offer in New Zealand to live, work, and get permanent residency. Applicants must meet a 6-point threshold based on skills, experience, and employment with an accredited employer.
What You Can Do With This Visa
This isn’t just a work visa, it’s a resident visa, which means:
• You can live, work, and study in New Zealand long-term.
• Your partner and dependent children (under 25) can be included in your application.
• You can travel freely in and out of New Zealand (initially for 2 years).
• Afterward, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
Understanding the Points System
To be eligible, you need at least 6 points — but how do you earn them?
Points Breakdown:
• 3 to 6 points from ONE of the following:
o Your qualification (Bachelor’s or higher)
o New Zealand occupational registration
o Your income (must be at least 1.5x the median wage)
⚠️ You can’t mix and match between these categories.
• 1 point per year of skilled work experience in NZ (max 3 points)
➕ These can be added to the above categories.
Who’s Eligible?
Here’s a checklist to help you figure out if you qualify:
General Requirements:
• Be 55 years or younger
• Have a job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
• Be in good health and of good character
• Meet English language standards
Supporting Documents You’ll Need:
• Passport and ID proof
• Police certificate
• Medical certificate
• Proof of English ability
• Employment contract
• Evidence of income or qualification
• New Zealand occupational registration (if applicable)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the SMC Resident Visa
Stage 1: Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)
1. Check your points using the online calculator
2. Submit your EOI online (free of charge)
3. If you qualify, you’ll get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
💡 You’ll have 4 months to submit your full application after getting the ITA.
Stage 2: Submit Your Application
Once you receive the ITA, you need to:
• Fill out the online application form
• Upload all supporting documents
• Pay the NZD $6,450 fee (includes non-refundable immigration levy)
Your application is then reviewed by Immigration New Zealand. They might:
• Ask for more info
• Invite you for an interview
If you’re in NZ already, make sure you hold a valid visa while your application is processed.
Processing Time
• 80% of new SMC visa applications are processed within 6 months
• Older applications under the previous criteria may take up to 25 months
Job Offer: A Non-Negotiable Requirement
To be eligible, your job or job offer must:
• Be skilled work
• Be full-time
• Be with an accredited employer
• Be permanent, fixed-term (12+ months), or a service contract (6+ months)
Travel Conditions & Entry Rules
• You’ll need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) when arriving
• You may be refused entry if your character has changed or you don’t cooperate with biometric requirements
Travel Flexibility: You can come and go freely for 2 years. After that:
• Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, or
• Request a variation to your travel conditions
✈️ Your visa becomes invalid if your travel conditions expire while you’re overseas.
How to Pay
Visa fees can be paid online using:
• Visa
• Mastercard
• UnionPay (Credit/Debit)
Got Questions?
Immigration New Zealand is available:
• Monday to Friday, 6 AM – 10 PM (NZ time)
• Phone: +649-914-4100 or 0508-558-855 (NZ only)
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got the qualifications, the job offer, and meet the requirements, the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is your best shot at starting a new life in New Zealand. It’s not a quick process — but for many, it’s absolutely worth it.
Whether you’re dreaming of a better work-life balance, stunning landscapes, or a safe place to raise a family, New Zealand welcomes skilled migrants who are ready to contribute and thrive.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/new-zealand-skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa-guide/
