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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Contact Us

Are you a skilled migrant and want to apply for NZ resident visa under Skilled Migrant Category?. Submit your visa enquiry for free initial consultation to check your potential to qualify for SMC visa and our fees, before you commit to the process.

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