New Zealand is offering skilled foreign workers a pathway to permanent residency through its Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, allowing eligible applicants to live, work and study in the country indefinitely while including their partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in the application.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 55 years or younger, meet health and character requirements, demonstrate English language proficiency, and have a full-time skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer.
They must also secure at least six skilled resident points under New Zealand’s points-based immigration system.
To qualify, the job must involve a minimum of 30 hours of work per week and be permanent, fixed-term for at least 12 months, or based on a continuous contract of at least six months.
Depending on the occupation, applicants must also meet minimum salary thresholds linked to the national median wage.
Point System
The points system awards between three and six points based on occupational registration, qualifications or income, with additional points available for skilled work experience gained in New Zealand. A recognized doctoral degree attracts the maximum six points, while higher salaries can also earn up to six points.
How to apply
Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) (Click here) after securing a qualifying job offer and meeting the six-point requirement.
Successful candidates receive an invitation to apply and have four months to lodge a complete application with supporting documents, including passports, medical and police certificates, proof of English proficiency and evidence supporting their claimed points.
Visa application fees start from NZD6,450. Holders who maintain the visa for two consecutive years become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, allowing them to travel freely in and out of New Zealand without time restrictions.
