Skilled workers wishing to move to New Zealand and permanently settle in NZ can apply under any one of the following main skilled resident visa categories:
SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY (SMC) RESIDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a two-step points-based invitation only visa for skilled workers. To qualify, applicants need to meet the following requirements:
• be aged 55 years or under;
• meet health and character requirements;
• meet English language requirements;
• initially submit Expression of Interest (EOI) to apply for residence visa;
• score at least 100 points for employability and suitability factors to be able to submit the EOI;
• EOIs will be pooled and remain in the pool earlier of 6 months or selection;
• EOIs with a score of 180 points or above will be selected from the pool on every third Wednesday of the month;
• Those selected will receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) for resident visa;
• Those who receive ITA can submit resident visa application thereafter.
Please note that the last date to submit EOI under current SMC policy is Tuesday 15 August 2023.
NEW SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY (SMC) RESIDENT VISA
A new SMC Resident Visa with significant changes will be effective from 9 October 2023. For details visit Changes to The SMC Resident Visa
Contact us for advice, guidance and comprehensive service (visa application and case management service until receipt of visa decision) if you wish to find out your eligibility and apply for Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa.
GREEN LIST RESIDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS
Green list residence visa provides migrants with job offers in highly skilled, hard-to-fill occupations on Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the Green List to apply for Straight to Residence visa or Work to Residence visa.
STRAIGHT TO RESIDENCE VISA
Straight To Residence visa category applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for resident visa:
• be aged 55 years or under;
• be employed or have job offer from an accredited employer in an occupation on Tier 1 of the Green List
• employment or job offer must be full-time and permanent or for at least 12 months fixed term contract;
• independent contractors may also be eligible in some cases;
• meet health, character and English language requirements.
WORK TO RESIDENCE VISA
Work To Residence visa provides pathway to secure residence visa. To qualify, migrants must have skilled job offer and meet the following requirements:
• be aged 55 years or under at the time of residence visa application;
• be employed or have a job offer from an accredited employer in an occupation on Tier 2 of the Green List;
• have worked in New Zealand in an occupation on Tier 2 of the Green List for at least 24 months during 30-month period immediately preceding residence visa application;
• employment on or after 29 September 2021 is counted within the 24 months work period;
• employment or job offer must be full-time and permanent or for at least 12 months fixed term contract;
• meet health, character and English language requirements.
Contact us for professional advice, guidance and comprehensive service (visa application and case management until receipt of visa decision) if you wish to find out your eligibility and apply for Green List Straight to Residence or Work To Residence Visa.
HIGHLY PAID RESIDENT VISA
To qualify for the Highly Paid Resident visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• be aged 55 years or younger;
• worked for an accredited employer for at least 24 months during 30-month period immediately preceding residence visa application;
• employment is paid at twice the median wage rate;
• meet health, character and English language requirements.
Effective from 9 October 2023, the Highly Paid Resident Visa Category will be merged with the new Skilled Migrant Visa. For details of the new SMC policy, visit Changes to The SMC Resident Visa
Contact us for professional advice, guidance and comprehensive service (visa application and case management until receipt of visa decision) if you wish to find out your eligibility and apply for visa under the Highly Paid Visa Category.
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Student Visa
If you want to study a full-time course in New Zealand that’s longer than 3 months in total duration, you’ll need a Student Visa, unless you have a working holiday visa.
• Your student visa is normally issued for the same length of time as the study you’ve paid for.
• Depending on your visa conditions, you may be able to work up to 20 hours a week during the term and full-time over the holidays.
The New Zealand Student visa is specifically designed for full-time students, allowing them to pursue their studies in New Zealand for a maximum period of four years. To be eligible, you are required to cover the entire cost of your courses and enrol with an approved education provider. If you are a distance learning or correspondence student studying outside of New Zealand but need to visit the country for more than three months to attend your education providers, such as for practical study or examinations, you are also eligible to apply for this visa.
Once granted a New Zealand Student visa, you have the option to work part-time in the country and reside independently if you are old enough. Depending on the conditions outlined in your visa, you can engage in part-time work for up to 20 hours per week while studying or work full-time during holiday periods.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a New Zealand Student Visa?
To qualify for a New Zealand Student visa, you must fulfill the following requirements:
• You must be of good character.
• You must be in good health.
• You must genuinely plan to meet the conditions of your visa.
• You must have an offer of place from an education provider.
• You must have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees.
• You must have full travel and medical travel insurance during your stay.
• You must prove that you meet the academic requirements.
• You must have sufficient funds to live in New Zealand.
• You must give details about your course and holidays.
• You must have permission to work if you are 16/17.
• You must prove that it is a course requirement if you have to do practical work.
As a Registered Education Agent, we can help you to get admission and get a visa at the best New Zealand Universities.
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VISITOR VISA
• Tourism/Holidays
• Education
• Medical Treatment
• Volunteer Work
• Recreation and Hobbies
However, it's essential to abide by the visa conditions and not engage in any employment or activities prohibited by your visa type.
How to Extend a Visitor Visa?
If you're already in New Zealand and intend to extend your visitor visa under partnership visa NZ categories or apply for a standard visitor visa extension, certain essential steps must be followed. This process involves providing additional evidence to strengthen your application. It's crucial to thoroughly prepare your documentation to meet the visa requirements and ensure a smooth extension process.
This may include proof of ongoing financial support from your sponsor or demonstrating that you can independently support yourself during your extended stay. Ensuring you meet these requirements is crucial to securing your extended visitor visa successfully.
If you are applying for a special category visitor visa, the documentation and evidence required may differ from the standard extension process. Therefore, it's imperative to choose the correct visa type that aligns with your specific needs and circumstances.
Get Support for Your NZ Visitor Visa
At MigrationX, our advisers possess an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the New Zealand immigration process. From the diverse range of special category visitor visas to extensions for existing NZ visitor visas, we are here to support you at every step of your journey.
Our dedicated team will guide you towards the visitor visa category that best meets your present and future requirements. We provide expert advice tailored to your unique situation, ensuring that you make the right choices and submit a successful application.
If you're eager to explore the wonders of New Zealand for an extended period or reunite with loved ones, now is the time to take action. Speak to a member of our experienced team at MigrationX today, and embark on your journey to an extended stay in the Land of Kiwis.
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Working Holiday Visa
If you like the idea of earning a bit of cash while you see the sights around New Zealand, then a Working Holiday Visa could be right for you. If you meet certain criteria, you can travel here on a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, which is longer than a Visitor Visa and lets you work while you holiday.
Popular jobs include hospitality, tourism, working in an orchard or vineyard, or farm work.
Travelling with a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is an easy low-cost way to see more of New Zealand, meet more people, and have more fun.
New Zealand's horticulture and tourism industries have many casual roles available.
Work is available all across New Zealand, all year round. And for most roles, experience is not required. While on-site accommodation is available in some areas.
Advantages of a Working Holiday Visa:
Stay for longer - With a WHV you can stay for longer than with a standard visitor visa, meet other travellers and local people
• Stretch your budget
• Leave and return
• Start working straight away
• See more of New Zealand, and then perhaps use your earnings to see more of the Pacific – and then do it again - because repeat entry to New Zealand is a feature of Working Holiday visas.
Eligibility and criteria for working holiday visas
Working holiday visas are available to young people, usually aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 35 in a select few countries. They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. If you are from Canada, they let you travel and work for up to 23 months, and for up to 36 months if you are from the United Kingdom.
Employment conditions
You cannot accept a permanent job offer while on a New Zealand working holiday visa. Employment conditions vary between the different countries. Check the details for your country’s working holiday visa scheme.
Studying and training courses
With your working holiday visa, you can study one or more courses for up to 6 months in New Zealand. For example, you could study English for up to 6 months, do a Study Abroad programme for up to 6 months, or a short training course in New Zealand.
IF you are interest in Working Holiday Visa, please contact MigrationX Today for A Seamless Experience!
