Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is a pathway for skilled workers who have job offers (or work) in New Zealand and meet the required skills, qualification, or income thresholds. It allows you to live, work and study in New Zealand as a resident.

To apply you must:

• Be aged 55 or younger.
• Have a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer in New Zealand.
• Be able to claim at least 6 skilled migrant points (from qualifications, occupational registration, income, or New Zealand skilled work experience).
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Meet English language requirements.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Age 55 or under.
• A job or job offer in a skilled occupation that meets New Zealand’s criteria (generally 30+ hours per week, permanent or at least a 12-month contract, and with an accredited employer).
• You must be able to claim at least 6 points from:
  • Recognised qualifications
  • Occupational registration (if required)
  • High income (at or above the 1.5× median wage threshold)
  • Skilled work experience in New Zealand
• Your employment must meet wage thresholds (typically at or above the median wage, or higher for some lower-skilled listed occupations).
• You must meet English language, health, and character standards.

Once granted, this visa allows you to live in New Zealand indefinitely as a resident.Travel conditions (ability to leave and return) are typically valid for 2 years. After this, you may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa to renew your travel rights.

You must have a skilled job or job offer to be eligible.
The job must:

• Be with an accredited employer
• Be full-time (30+ hours per week)
• Be paid at or above the correct wage threshold
• Be permanent or for a fixed term of at least 12 months

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Most complete Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa applications are processed in around 4 months, although times can vary depending on documentation, verifications, and individual circumstances.

The application fee for this visa is approximately NZD 6,450.This does not include additional costs such as medical checks, police certificates, translations, or English tests if required.

The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa provides a direct pathway to residence in New Zealand for skilled workers who meet age, skill, job offer, wage, and points requirements. It offers the ability to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely and is one of the most sought-after residence pathways for skilled professionals.