Skilled Visas
The Skilled Migration visa offers skilled individuals the opportunity to immigrate to New Zealand and gain permanent residence by helping boost the New Zealand skilled workforce.
It was designed to minimise the risk of a mismatch between the skills migrants bring and the skills New Zealand needs. Migration under this category follows a step-by-step application process, from the initial assessment of eligibility to the settlement stage in New Zealand.
To be eligible for a visa to New Zealand under this category you must:
- Be under 56 years of age
- Meet the health, character and English language requirements
- Be able to meet the threshold of 100 points in the points system to lodge an expression of interest
If your application is successful you will receive:
- A residence visa allowing you to enter New Zealand. It must be activated within 12 months of the date of issue, and cannot be renewed or extended. If you do not travel to New Zealand within the specified timeframe, the visa will expire and you will have to reapply for residence; and
- A residence permit will be issued to you on your arrival to New Zealand allowing you to remain in the country indefinitely.
While the New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) looks favourably on those who already have a job offer in New Zealand in a skilled profession, it is not a prerequisite.
If you do not qualify for this visa, you may be still be eligible for a Work to Residence visa
|