1. What is the Skilled Migrant Category Visa in New Zealand?
The Skilled Migrant Category Visa is a points-based visa that allows skilled workers to immigrate to New Zealand permanently. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet certain points criteria based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Applicants can also receive points for having a job offer or qualifications in areas of skill shortage in New Zealand. Successful applicants will be granted permanent resident status upon arrival in New Zealand.
2. Am I eligible to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa?
To be eligible for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Meet the minimum points requirement: Applicants must score a minimum of 100 points on the New Zealand Points System. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, work experience, qualifications, and job offer.
2. Be under 55 years old: The maximum age limit to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa is 55 years.
3. Have good health: Applicants must meet certain health requirements and may need to undergo medical examinations.
4. Have good character: You must not have a criminal record or any other character issues that would deem you as a security risk to New Zealand.
5. Meet English language requirements: You will need to meet minimum English language proficiency levels unless you are from an exempt country or have completed a qualification in English-medium education.
6. Have skilled employment or job offer in New Zealand: To qualify for this visa, you must either have acceptable skilled employment in New Zealand for at least 12 months or have a valid job offer in an occupation that is listed on the Long Term Skill Shortage list.
7. Demonstrate intention to live and settle in New Zealand: You will need to provide evidence of your intention to live and work in New Zealand permanently if your application is approved.
It is important to note that meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval for the visa, as the final decision is at the discretion of Immigration New Zealand. It is recommended to seek professional advice before applying for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa to ensure that you meet all necessary eligibility requirements.
3. How do I calculate my points for the Skilled Migrant Category Visa?
Points for the Skilled Migrant Category Visa are based on a combination of factors, including your age, work experience, qualifications, job offer, and English language proficiency. Here is a breakdown of how points are awarded:1) Age: You can receive up to 30 points for your age.
2) Work experience: Up to 50 points can be awarded for work experience in a skilled occupation.
3) Qualifications: You may receive up to 70 points for your qualifications. This includes both formal education (such as degrees or diplomas) and trade qualifications.
4) Job offer: If you have a job offer for skilled employment in New Zealand, you can receive up to 50 points.
5) English language ability: Having proficient English language skills can earn you up to 20 points. The level of proficiency required depends on the type of visa you are applying for.
6) Other factors: Additional points may also be awarded for factors such as having close family members in New Zealand or having previous study or work experience in the country.
To calculate your total score, add up all the points you qualify for based on these factors. Keep in mind that the minimum required score to be eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category Visa is currently 160.
4. Can I include my partner and children in my application for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children (under the age of 24) in your application for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa. They will need to meet certain requirements, such as health and character checks, and may also need to provide evidence of their relationship with you. If they are included in your application and are granted visas, they will have the same visa conditions as you.
5. How long does it take to process a Skilled Migrant Category Visa application?
The processing time for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa application varies depending on several factors, including the completeness of your application and the current workload of the immigration office. Generally, it can take anywhere from three to nine months for a decision to be made on your application. If there are any issues or additional information required, it may take longer. It is important to submit a thorough and complete application to help reduce processing times.
6. Do I need a job offer from a New Zealand employer to apply for this visa?
No, a job offer is not required for the visa. However, having a job offer may increase your chances of being approved for the visa as it shows that you have ties to New Zealand and will be able to support yourself while living there.
7. What documents do I need to provide for my Skilled Migrant Category Visa application?
To apply for a Skilled Migrant Category visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
1. Evidence of your identity: This can be a valid passport, national identity card or birth certificate.
2. Proof of English language proficiency: Depending on your country of origin and your qualifications, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. This can be in the form of an IELTS test result or other accepted certification.
3. Qualifications assessment: You will need to have your qualifications assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or an approved provider. The results of this assessment will determine how many points you can claim for skilled employment under the Skilled Migrant Category.
4. Proof of skilled employment: You will need to provide documents that prove you have relevant employment experience in a skilled occupation which is included on the Long Term Skills Shortage List or matches with your qualification as assessed by NZQA.
5. Police certificates: All applicants who are 17 years old and above are required to provide police certificates from all countries they have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
6. Medical and chest x-ray certificates: You will need to undergo medical examinations and chest x-rays by panel physicians approved by Immigration New Zealand.
7. Evidence of funds: You will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members for at least 3 months after arriving in New Zealand.
8. Job offer letter (if applicable): If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, you should include this in your application.
9. Any additional supporting documents: Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also need to provide additional documents such as proof of relationship if applying with dependents, proof of funds transfer if money was transferred from outside New Zealand, etc.
It is important to thoroughly review the requirements for a Skilled Migrant Category visa and provide all necessary documents to ensure a smooth and successful application.
8. What is a job search visa and do I need one before applying for the Skilled Migrant Category Visa?
A job search visa, sometimes referred to as a temporary work visa or work-to-residence visa, is a type of visa that allows an individual to enter New Zealand for a specific period of time in order to search for employment. This type of visa is typically necessary for individuals who do not already have a job offer in New Zealand but wish to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Visa.
In order to be eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category Visa, applicants must meet a minimum points threshold based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency. Having a job offer from a New Zealand employer can earn an applicant extra points towards their overall score.
If an individual does not have a job offer in New Zealand but meets the minimum points threshold, they can apply for a job search visa to enter the country and search for employment. Once they secure a job offer that meets the requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category Visa, they can then apply for that permanent residence visa.
It is important to note that while having a job search visa may increase an individual’s chances of securing employment in New Zealand, it is not necessary in order to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Visa. Applicants are still able to submit their application without first obtaining a job search visa.
9. Can I apply for permanent residency with the Skilled Migrant Category Visa?
Yes, the Skilled Migrant Category Visa is the pathway to permanent residency in New Zealand. If you meet all the requirements and are successful in obtaining this visa, you will be granted residency in New Zealand. You can then apply for permanent residency after living and working in New Zealand for at least two years on your Skilled Migrant Category Visa.
10. What is the difference between Essential Skills Work Visas and the Skilled Migrant Category Visa?
The main difference between Essential Skills Work Visas and the Skilled Migrant Category Visa is that the former is a temporary visa for individuals with job offers in New Zealand, while the latter is a permanent residence visa based on a points system.
Essential Skills Work Visas are designed to fill immediate skill shortages in specific industries, and can be valid for up to 5 years depending on the duration of the job offer. It allows individuals to work and live in New Zealand for a limited time and may lead to residency if certain criteria are met.
On the other hand, Skilled Migrant Category Visa is for skilled workers who want to migrate permanently to New Zealand. Applicants must meet certain requirements such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency in order to qualify for this visa. The points system takes into account factors such as qualifications, skilled employment, and job offers in New Zealand.
Additionally, one key difference between these two visa categories is that Essential Skills Work Visas require sponsorship from an employer in New Zealand, while the Skilled Migrant Category Visa does not.
11. What is the age limit for applying for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa?
The age limit for applying for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa is 55 years old. Applicants must also meet the other eligibility criteria, such as having a recognized qualification, work experience in a skilled occupation, and meeting health and character requirements.
12. Is there an English language requirement for the Skilled Migrant Category Visa?
Yes, there is an English language requirement for the Skilled Migrant Category Visa. Applicants must provide evidence of their proficiency in English by either taking an approved English language test or providing evidence of having completed tertiary level education in English. The minimum required score for each accepted test and the list of recognized qualifications can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website.
13. Does having family members or relatives in New Zealand affect my chances of getting a Skilled Migrant Category Visa?
Having family members or relatives in New Zealand does not directly affect your chances of getting a Skilled Migrant Category Visa. However, having connections to New Zealand can be helpful in terms of settling and establishing yourself in the country once you obtain the visa. Additionally, if your family member or relative is a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, they may be able to sponsor you for a residence visa under certain circumstances.
14. What are some examples of acceptable skilled occupations under this visa category?
1. Doctor
2. Engineer
3. Software Developer
4. Architect
5. Accountant
6. Project Manager
7. Graphic Designer
8. Marketing Manager
9. Financial Analyst
10. Lawyer
11. Occupational Therapist
12. Chef/Baker
13. Public Relations Specialist
14. Physiotherapist
15. Will my qualifications and work experience from other countries be recognized in New Zealand for this visa application?
Qualifications and work experience from other countries may be recognized in New Zealand for the purpose of this visa application. However, it will ultimately be up to the immigration authorities to assess your qualifications and determine if they meet the requirements for the visa.
If you are applying through the Skilled Migrant Category, your qualifications and work experience will need to be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to determine their level on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
For other visa categories, such as Essential Skills or Work Visa, your qualifications will need to be relevant to the job you are applying for. This means they should match with the occupation listed on the Essential Skills in Demand List or be relevant to the job offer from a New Zealand employer.
It is recommended that you check with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for specific requirements and eligibility criteria before applying for any visa. INZ also has a list of countries with recognized qualification systems, which may make it easier for you to have your qualifications recognized in New Zealand.
16. Can I submit an Expression of Interest (EOI. if I am already employed in New Zealand on a temporary work visa?
Yes, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Residence from Work visa even if you are already employed in New Zealand on a temporary work visa. Your current employment in New Zealand may increase your chances of being selected from the EOI pool. However, it is important to note that selection from the pool does not guarantee a visa, as there are other criteria that must be met before a residence visa can be granted.
17. Do I need to have a certain amount of funds or assets to qualify for this visa category?
Yes, you must have a certain amount of funds or assets to qualify for this visa category. The specific amount varies depending on the country you are applying from and your specific circumstances, but generally you should be able to prove that you have enough financial means to support yourself during your stay in the host country without relying on public benefits or employment. This may include proof of sufficient bank balance, income from investments, or sponsorship from a family member or institution in the host country. Additionally, some countries may require applicants to show proof of medical insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. It is important to research the specific requirements for the country you are planning to visit before applying for a visa.
18. Can my partner’s skills or education contribute to my points calculation under this visa category?
Yes, if your partner’s skills or education meet the requirements for additional points in the points calculation, they can contribute to your overall points tally. This is known as a joint application, where both partners’ qualifications and skills are taken into consideration. However, it is important to note that your partner must also satisfy any language, health and character requirements as part of the visa application process.
19. Is there any cap on the number of applications that can be accepted under the Skilled Migrant Category each year?
As of now, there is no cap on the number of applications that can be accepted under the Skilled Migrant Category each year. However, the New Zealand government has recently announced plans to limit the number of residence approvals through the Skilled Migrant Category to between 16000 – 17000 per year. This could potentially result in a cap being introduced in the future.
20.Can I appeal if my Skilled Migrant Category Visa application is denied?
Yes, you can appeal the decision if your Skilled Migrant Category Visa application is denied. The Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) handles appeals for visa denials in New Zealand.To appeal the decision, you must first request a review by the IPT within 42 days of receiving notification that your application has been declined. The IPT will then review your case and make a decision based on the evidence provided.
If the IPT also declines your appeal, you may be able to seek judicial review of the decision through the High Court. However, judicial reviews are only granted in very limited circumstances, such as if there was an error in law or procedure in the original decision.
It is recommended to seek professional advice from an immigration lawyer before appealing a visa denial to ensure that you have strong grounds for appeal and to assist with the process.