Skilled Residence Visa

The New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa allows skilled workers to live and work in New Zealand permanently. This visa is designed for individuals who have the skills and qualifications needed to contribute to New Zealand’s economy. The Skilled Residence Visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for those who meet the criteria for skills, qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency.

Key Features of the New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa

  • Permanent Residency: This visa grants you the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
  • Work Without Restrictions: You can work for any employer in New Zealand without restrictions.
  • Pathway to Citizenship: After holding a residence visa for a specified period, you may become eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship.
  • Family Inclusion: You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application, allowing them to also gain permanent residency.

Eligibility Requirements for the New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa

To apply for a New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa, you must meet several eligibility criteria, primarily focusing on your skills, qualifications, work experience, and job offer (if applicable).

  1. Skilled Employment

You must either:

  • Hold a job offer for a skilled position in New Zealand, or
  • Already be working in a skilled occupation in New Zealand.

The job must be full-time and meet the requirements outlined by Immigration New Zealand’s Skilled Occupation List.

  1. Skills and Qualifications

You must have the required skills and qualifications for your occupation, which can be proven through:

  • Recognized qualifications, such as degrees or diplomas in your field.
  • Work experience in a related skilled occupation.

  1. Points-Based System

The Skilled Residence Visa operates under a points-based system that evaluates various factors, including:

  • Age: Maximum points are awarded if you are between 20 and 39 years old.
  • Job Offer: Points are awarded for having a skilled job offer in New Zealand.
  • Qualifications: Higher education qualifications, such as bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, earn additional points.
  • Work Experience: More points are awarded for longer work experience in skilled employment, particularly if that experience is in New Zealand.
  • English Language Proficiency: You must meet the minimum standard for English proficiency, usually proven through an IELTS or TOEFL test.

  1. Health and Character Requirements

You must meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements, which may involve:

  • A medical certificate and chest x-ray to prove good health.
  • A police clearance certificate from your home country to prove good character.

Required Documents for the New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa

When applying for a New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa, you must provide several supporting documents:

  1. Valid Passport:
    • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in New Zealand.
  2. Proof of Skilled Employment:
    • A job offer letter from a New Zealand employer, or documentation of your current skilled employment in New Zealand.
  3. Skills and Qualifications:
    • Certified copies of your academic qualifications (degrees, diplomas) and work experience letters from previous employers, outlining your job duties and duration of employment.
  4. English Language Proficiency:
    • Test results from an approved English language test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
  5. Medical Certificate:
    • A medical certificate and chest x-ray to show you meet New Zealand’s health requirements.
  6. Police Clearance Certificate:
    • A police clearance certificate from your home country to prove good character.
  7. Points-Based System Documentation:
    • Evidence to support your claimed points, such as proof of work experience, qualifications, and age.
  8. Visa Application Fee Payment Receipt:
    • Proof of payment of the visa application fee.

Application Process for the New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa

The process for applying for a New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa involves several steps, including submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) and being invited to apply for residency.

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

You must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online through Immigration New Zealand. In your EOI, you will provide details about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and any job offer. If your EOI meets the minimum points threshold (usually 160 points), you may be invited to apply for a residence visa.

  1. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This invitation allows you to submit a formal application for residency.

  1. Submit Your Residency Application

Complete the residency application form and submit all required documents, including proof of employment, qualifications, and health and police certificates.

  1. Pay the Visa Application Fee

Pay the visa application fee, which is typically NZD 4,890. The exact fee may vary depending on your location and the processing method.

  1. Wait for Visa Decision

Processing times for the Skilled Residence Visa vary but typically take between 6 to 12 months. You will be notified once a decision has been made.

New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa Fees

The fees associated with the New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa include:

  • Visa Application Fee: NZD 4,890 (fees may vary based on your country of application).
  • Medical Examination Fees: Costs vary depending on the country and provider.
  • Police Certificate Fees: Costs vary depending on your country and provider.

Validity and Duration of the New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa

Once granted, the New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa gives you permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. As a permanent resident, you have the right to access healthcare, education, and social services in New Zealand.

Pathway to Citizenship

After holding a New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa for at least 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship, provided you meet the residency and character requirements. Becoming a New Zealand citizen gives you additional rights, including the ability to vote and hold a New Zealand passport.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we provide expert guidance and support throughout the New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa application process. Our services include:

  • Eligibility Assessment: We assess your skills, qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency to ensure you meet the visa requirements.
  • Document Preparation: We help you gather and prepare all the necessary documents, including proof of employment, qualifications, and health and police certificates.
  • Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission: We assist in submitting a complete and accurate EOI to maximize your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
  • Application Submission: We help you submit your residency application accurately and on time to avoid delays or rejections.
  • Ongoing Support: We provide continuous guidance throughout the process, including help with any additional requirements, such as medical or police certificates.

Secure Your Future with the New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa

The New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa offers you the opportunity to live and work permanently in New Zealand while contributing your skills to the economy. Whether you’re a professional or a tradesperson, A Square Migration Services is here to help you navigate the visa process and achieve your goal of becoming a New Zealand resident.

Contact us today to start your New Zealand Skilled Residence Visa application and begin your journey to living and working in New Zealand!