Skilled migrant visa new zealand

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a popular pathway for individuals who want to migrate to New Zealand and contribute their skills and experience to the country's economy. Here's an overview of the process:

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category, you must:

1. Be aged between 20 and 55 years old (inclusive)
2. Have a minimum of 12 months of work experience in an occupation that is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) or the Construction and Infrastructure Skills Shortage List (CISSL)
3. Have a bachelor's degree or higher qualification
4. Have a minimum of 6.5 IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent in English language proficiency
5. Have a minimum of NZD $9,000 in savings in your bank account
6. Meet the health and character requirements

Points System:

The Skilled Migrant Category uses a points system to assess your eligibility. You'll be awarded points for:

1. Age (up to 30 points)
2. Qualifications (up to 30 points)
3. Work experience (up to 30 points)
4. Language proficiency (up to 20 points)
5. Job offer (up to 20 points)
6. Other factors (up to 10 points)

You'll need to score at least 160 points to be eligible for selection.

Application Process:

To apply for the Skilled Migrant Category, you'll need to:

1. Submit an expression of interest (EOI) online
2. Pay the EOI fee (NZD $530)
3. Wait for an invitation to apply (ITA)
4. Submit your application and supporting documents
5. Pay the application fee (NZD $2,050)
6. Wait for the outcome of your application

Processing Time:

The processing time for the Skilled Migrant Category can vary depending on the complexity of your application and the workload of Immigration New Zealand. However, it typically takes around 6-12 months from the date of submitting your EOI to receiving a decision on your application.

Additional Information:

• You can apply for the Skilled Migrant Category while you're still in New Zealand or from outside the country.
• You'll need to provide proof of your qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency.
• You may need to attend an interview as part of the application process.
• If your application is successful, you'll be granted a resident visa, which allows you to live and work in New Zealand permanently.

I hope this information helps!