Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

Who it’s for

Skilled workers already working, or with an offer, in New Zealand.

Key requirements

• Skilled job/offer with an accredited employer (30+ hrs/week)
• Paid at least the median wage (1.5x for ANZSCO 4-5)
• 6 points, age 55 or under
• English (IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent)

Step by step

1. 1
   Confirm your job counts as skilled

   Check the ANZSCO level and wage rules for your role.
2. 2
   Calculate your 6 points

   Registration, qualification or income, plus NZ work experience.
3. 3
   Submit an Expression of Interest

   Selections happen regularly; then you are invited to apply.
4. 4
   Apply for residence

   Provide evidence, medicals and police certificates.

Document checklist

Start the application to track these, set due dates and attach files.

• Valid passport
  Bio page scan. Check it is valid for the whole planned stay (6+ months beyond travel is safest).
• Job offer or employment contract
  Signed offer showing role, salary, hours and start date.
• Payslips, tax records or contractsIf applicable
  Evidence that supports each period of claimed work experience.
• Degree certificates and transcripts
  All post-secondary qualifications, with certified translations if not in English/French.
• Language test result
  An approved test for this visa, taken within the validity period (Canada: 2 years; Australia: 3 years).
• Employment reference letters
  On letterhead: job title, duties, hours per week, salary and dates, signed by a manager or HR.
• Police clearance certificates
  From every country where you lived 6+ months (12+ for Australia) since age 18.
• Immigration medical exam
  With a panel physician approved by the destination. Do it only when asked or allowed.
• Expression of Interest / online profile
  Create the profile in the official system and keep it up to date.
• Government fees paid
  Keep the receipt. Check the current fee on the official site before paying.