The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa(SMC) is a sought-after pathway to securing New Zealand residency for individuals possessing skills in high demand within the country. This visa facilitates the utilization and transfer of these valuable skills, ensuring successful settlement and meaningful contributions to New Zealand’s growth. It serves as a pivotal milestone in the journey towards attaining permanent residency in New Zealand.
Starting from October 9, 2023, the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa in New Zealand will undergo significant changes:
- New Points System: Applicants will need a minimum of 6 points to apply for this visa, which can be earned from New Zealand occupational registration, qualifications (Bachelor’s degree or higher), or income from a job or job offer (earning at least 1.5 times the median wage in New Zealand).
- Occupational Registration: Points for occupational registration will vary based on the years of training required.
- Qualification Points: Points for qualifications will range from 3 to 6, depending on the level of the qualification.
- Income Points: Applicants can claim points based on income, with higher points for higher wages.
- Skilled Work Experience: Points can be claimed for each year of skilled work experience in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points.
- Application Process: A new Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa will be introduced to allow applicants to stay in New Zealand while their application is processed if their current temporary visa expires during this time.
- Certain Requirements Remain Unchanged: Requirements such as character, health, English language proficiency, and age (55 years old or under) remain unchanged.
- No Limit on Applications: There is no limit on the number of people who can obtain residence through this visa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
These changes aim to make the visa process more specific and tailored to the skills and qualifications of applicants, promoting the selection of individuals who can contribute effectively to New Zealand’s workforce and economy.
In anticipation of the impending revisions to New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, set to take effect on October 9, 2023, the government has undertaken a substantial overhaul of the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). This proactive measure is designed to ensure the alignment of the LQEA with the forthcoming visa criteria, providing a more streamlined and accessible pathway for individuals holding foreign qualifications.
Enhancing Clarity and Fairness
The LQEA, a publicly accessible list, plays a pivotal role in the assessment of visa applicants, as it assigns New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) levels to specific overseas qualifications. This assessment ensures that applicants’ qualifications meet the standards required for visa eligibility.
Key Elements of the Review
The review of the LQEA encompasses several crucial aspects:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation of the existing list to determine its relevance.
- Removal of Ineligible Qualifications: The removal of qualifications that no longer meet the requirements of the revised Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
- Inclusion of Pertinent Qualifications: The addition of high-quality, accredited, and pertinent qualifications that align with the new visa criteria.
- Qualification Type Information: The incorporation of ‘qualification type’ information for all listed qualifications, further enhancing clarity.
Effective Implementation
The updated LQEA is scheduled to come into effect on September 29, 2023, in tandem with the commencement of application processes for the Green List and Sector Work to Residence categories. It will be applicable for the revised Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, which is poised to launch on October 9, 2023.
Incorporating Qualifications from Seven Countries
The list includes qualifications from seven countries, namely Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Further updates and additions to the list are anticipated in subsequent phases.
Fair Assessment of Overseas Qualifications
The updated LQEA will serve as the benchmark for various visa categories, including Green List Straight to Residence, Green List, Sector Work to Residence, and the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). It will also be the reference for the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa once it becomes available on October 9, 2023.
IQA Requirement for Unlisted Qualifications
For applicants with qualifications not listed in the updated LQEA, obtaining an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA) is imperative before submitting their visa applications. The IQA must be included with the visa application.
These changes aim to enhance the clarity, fairness, and efficiency of the visa application process while ensuring that overseas qualifications are appropriately assessed in the context of New Zealand’s evolving immigration landscape.
