SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY (SMC) RESIDENT VISA

SMC Visa Requirements

To qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, applicants need to meet the following requirements:

• Be aged 55 years or under;
• Be employed in New Zealand or have a Job Offer from an accredited employer;
• Employment or Job Offer should be at least at the median wage or 1.5 times the median wage;
• Score at least six (6) points from:
  • Any one skill category (NZ Qualification or High Income in NZ or NZ Occupational Registration); or
  • Combination of any one skill category (as above) AND skilled work experience in New Zealand
• Meet English language, Health and Character requirements;
• Be Invited To Apply for Resident visa.

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Application Process

SMC Resident Visa application is a two-step process:

• You initially submit Expression of Interest (EOI) to apply for Skilled Migrant Visa (SMC Visa);
• EOI is checked and if it meets the criteria, Invitation To Apply (ITA) for Resident Visa (RV) is issued;
• You submit your RV application within 4 months from receipt of the ITA;
• RV application is processed and decision made on your application.

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Estimated Processing Times

Currently, SMC visa applications are processed within 4 months of submission of complete application.

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Application Fees

There is no fee for submission of EOI. Application fee for SMC residet visa application is $6,450.

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