The Skilled Migrant Category is the most popular visa pathway to residence in New Zealand for migrants and their families.
A resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category will allow you to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely, and it can include your partner and your dependent children aged 24 and under.
This visa policy is based on a points system that factors in multiple elements considered to be employability and settlement indicators.
Applicants submit an online Expression of Interest to start the process of becoming a New Zealand resident.
A job offer is usually required to meet the points threshold and to proceed to the next step of the visa application process, the actual Resident Visa Application.
Our Fusion Service will provide you with the support you will need to successfully complete this process.
The resident visa application process formally consists of two main stages, the Expression of Interest and the actual Residence Visa Application.
In some cases an external assessment of the applicant's qualifications by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority will be necessary as well, and for certain professions registration with the professional body in charge might be required.
However, in practice the process of becoming a permanent resident under the SMC policy is a lot more complicated than that.
"NZIC guided me all the way through getting my first work visa to permanent residency. Their job seeking support was key when I first arrived in NZ, communication was always easy and clear. I'm very thankful for their help and definitely recommend their services."
Unless you can claim at least 160 points in your EOI, you will not be able to move to the next stage of your residence process, your Resident Visa Application. Most migrants will depend on finding a job in New Zealand to reach the 160 points threshold.
A job offer will entitle you to 50-110 points for your Expression on Interest, and probably lift you over the minimum points mark.
Again you are facing the Catch 22 dilemma: you need a job to apply for a visa - a job offer is a vital component of your immigration process.
Once you have found a job, your New Zealand employer will expect you to be available to start working as soon as possible.
Your actual resident visa process will probably be in its very early stages at this point and you will therefore need to apply for a work visa to bridge the time until you will have obtained your resident visa.
A work visa will give you the legal right to start working in your new job while you are waiting for your residence process to be completed.
How NZIC can help you navigate the pathway to becoming a skilled migrant under the SMC policy?
Our Licensed Immigration Advisers and Job Search Professionals will manage this complex process together with you.
Very pleased and satisfied with the service we received from NZIC. They assisted me and my family from start to finish. Always willing to assist, and communicated our progress every step of the way. With their assistance we managed to obtain permanent resident visa status.
“In contrast to another Immigration consultancy that we contacted, your company offered a free webinar and an assessment, warm, approachable staff that communicates openly with potential customers. I found your website and it was very detailed and informative. I understand that your company is a fee for services provider, but that has not been conveyed as a prerequisite during the decision making process.”
At first, Maj kindly explained the whole process and what to expect. I was coached and introduced to New Zealand job market by their Job Search team, and getting assistance until I got a job in the country. The Visa team would also follow me up on my pending documents, so I never felt left out. Truly recommended for those seeking out an option to live in New Zealand. Big thanks from me and my whole family for things NZIC did for us..!
NZIC helped me in my way to get a Visa and job search. They were always available to talk to and were open to all sorts of questions. No matter how random they were. Very friendly staff. And even when they had changes in employee and advisors, they always stayed professional and up to date. I can only say good things and recommend them highly.
