SKILLED WORK EXPERIENCE RESIDENCE VISA

Requirements For Skilled Work Experience Pathway

To qualify for residence under this pathway, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Be 55 years of age or under at the time of application;
• Hold a full-time permanent or 12-month fixed-term job offer or employment with a New Zealand Accredited Employer in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 occupation;
• Have at least 5 years of skilled work experience in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 occupation;
• At least 2 years of the required 5 years work experience must be in New Zealand;
• Must earn at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage ($38.50 NZD per hour) throughout the 2-year NZ work experience period;
• Meet the Health, Character, and English Language competency requirements.

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Traffic-Light System & Occupation Exclusions

Access to this pathway is regulated by specific occupation lists to balance workforce needs:

• Amber List Occupations:Applicants having work experience in an occupation on the "Amber List" must have 5 years of NZ work experience earning at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage ($42.00 NZD per hour).
• Red List Occupations:Those having work experience in an occupation listed on the "Red List" are excluded from this work experience pathway. They can apply under the SMC or alternative visa pathways.

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Application Process

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
2. EOI will undergo an initial check and if it meets the basic work experience requirements, you will be issued Invitation to Apply (ITA)
3. Lodge your Resident Visa application within 4 months of receiving the ITA.

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Estimated Processing Times

The standard processing timeframe for SMC Resident Visa applications under this pathway averages 9.5 weeks, with 80% of complete applications finalized within 4 months.

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Visa Application Fees

• Expression of Interest (EOI): Free (No charge to submit an EOI).
• Resident Visa Application Fee:$6,450 NZD payable upon submitting your residence visa application.

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