Immigration experts in Australia and NZ

Skilled Migrant Residence Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is a prominent pathway for skilled individuals and their families to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand. Administered by Immigration New Zealand, this visa category is designed to attract and retain talented individuals who can contribute to the country’s workforce and economy.

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Skilled Migrant Residence Visaโ€‹

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is a prominent pathway for skilled individuals and their families to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand. Administered by Immigration New Zealand, this visa category is designed to attract and retain talented individuals who can contribute to the country’s workforce and economy.ย 

Who Is Eligible For The Skilled Migrant Residence Visa?

Applicants must fulfil certain criteria when applying for an EOI:ย 

1. Age: Applicants must be under 56 years old at the time of application.

2. Job Offer: You must have a written job offer or employment agreement from a New Zealand Accredited employer, clearly outlining the specific purpose of your work and the terms of employment, work experience, qualifications, and occupational registration.

3. Points-Based System: The SMC operates on a points-based system, where applicants earn points based on various factors, including NZ work experience, qualifications, occupational registration and income. A minimum of 6 points is required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

4. Income Level: Applicants must earn at least the New Zealand median wage.

Application Process

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Prospective migrants need to submit an EOI online, providing detailed information about their employment, NZ experience, qualifications, and income.ย 

2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If an EOI is successful, the applicant will receive an Invitation to Apply. The ITA invites the applicant to submit a formal residence application. There will also be an โ€˜Employer Supplementary Formโ€™ for the prospective employer to complete.ย 

3. Evaluation: Immigration authorities meticulously evaluate each application, considering the applicant’s credentials and contributions to New Zealand’s interests. There might be further requests for evidence to support the application, as well an interview.

Benefits

The Skilled Migrant Residence Visa offers numerous benefits:

1. Residency: Successful applicants are granted residency status in New Zealand, allowing them to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely.

2. Access to Services: Visa holders have access to New Zealand’s healthcare and education systems.

3. Family Access: Applicants may include their partner and dependent children (till the age of 24) in their visa application to enter New Zealand together as a family.

4. Path to Citizenship: After fulfilling residency requirements, applicants can apply for New Zealand citizenship, solidifying their deep ties to the nation.

5. Voting Rights: Registering and participating in elections is a crucial right and duty, granting you the opportunity to influence the future of your new community.

Our Visa Services

Once you contact the team at Absolute Immigration, we will arrange a discovery call to find out more about your situation.

After our discovery call, your dedicated Migration Agent will develop a Migration Strategy that will outline the steps involved and the details required to lodge your Skilled Migrant Residence visa application.

Once you have approved your Strategy, we take over and begin your application using the documents and information you provide.ย  On your behalf, we are able to lodge your visa application with Immigration New Zealand which takes away the stress from you!

Apply For A Skilled Migrant Residence Visa

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Step 1

Once you reach out to Absolute Immigration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

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Step 2

From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

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Step 3

Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Take the first step and schedule a call

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Call us

You can get in touch with the team on our support line: +64 22 641 9411

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Email us

You can get in touch with the team through our support email: Arno.Nothnagel@absoluteimmigration.com

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a visa category for individuals with an offer of skilled employment or are working in New Zealand.ย 

Applicants must be invited to apply after submitting an EOI to Immigration New Zealand.

The easiest way to apply for a Skilled Migrant Residenceย Visa in New Zealand is to contact Absolute Immigration.ย  A discovery call with our experienced team will ensure you are on the right immigration pathway for your circumstances.

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