What is a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa?
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) serves as a key pathway for individuals aspiring to establish permanent residency in New Zealand based on their skills and qualifications. This visa operates on a points system, where applicants submit an Expression of Interest, and the highest-scoring entries are selected regularly. The Skilled Residence Visa has a noteworthy feature that permits residency for family members.
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa reflects New Zealand’s effort to welcome and retain skilled individuals contributing to the country’s growth. It’s a pathway for those envisioning a long-term future in New Zealand.
What are the Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC)?
To apply for New Zealand’s SMC, you need to meet criteria like age (55 years and under) and score a minimum of 6 points based on factors like qualifications and work experience. The journey starts with an Expression of Interest (EOI), followed by an invitation to apply if successful. The application involves providing proof of qualifications and work experience.
In order to be eligible for the SMC in New Zealand, applicants must meet specific requirements related to character, health, and English language proficiency.
- Character requirements ensure that individuals seeking residence possess good character and adhere to New Zealand’s laws. Applicants must provide evidence of their character, and any past criminal activities might be scrutinized during the visa application process.
- Health requirements are also essential, and applicants must undergo a medical examination to assess their health status.
- Meeting English language requirements is crucial, and proficiency in English is often evaluated through standardized language tests.
These requirements collectively aim to ensure that individuals granted the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa contribute positively to New Zealand’s society and are capable of integrating into the community with good health and communication skills.
What is the Length of Stay and Application Fee of Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC)?
An essential feature is the guarantee of indefinite residency, providing stability for individuals. The application fee starts from NZD $4290( check the current fee)
Uses and Benefits of Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand without visa constraints, reflecting the country’s commitment to inclusivity.
- This visa emphasizes family unification, allowing partners and dependent children aged 24 and under to join. It reflects New Zealand’s commitment to nurturing family bonds.
- Points are claimed for qualifications, occupational registration, and income. This ensures a fair evaluation. Permanent residency grants career flexibility, letting individuals switch jobs and explore different professional avenues.
Must Know Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The New SMC Points System
The recent update of SMC brings forth a new points system. To initiate the application process, applicants must now accumulate a minimum of 6 points. These points are derived from qualifications, occupational registration, or income, offering a more comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s skill set. This shift emphasizes a balance between meeting job market demands in New Zealand and ensuring immigrants contribute significantly to the economy.
Simplifying Points Calculation
One notable adjustment is the simplification of points calculation. Applicants can now claim 3 to 6 points for their New Zealand occupational registration, qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher), or income. However, the catch is that points cannot be combined across these categories.
Recognizing Skilled Work Experience
The inclusion of skilled work experience adds another layer to the points system. Applicants can claim 1 point for each year of skilled work in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points. This factor recognizes and rewards individuals contributing to the local workforce.
Skilled Job or Job Offer Requirements
The revamped Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa now necessitates a skilled job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. This requirement applies even if the applicant claims the maximum available points. The job or job offer should meet specific criteria, ensuring its alignment with the visa’s objectives.
Job Criteria for Skilled Classification
The skilled job or job offer must involve at least 30 hours a week, falling within ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 occupations and paid at or above the median wage. Alternatively, if the job falls within ANZSCO Level 4 to 5 occupations, the pay should be at least 1.5 times the median wage. Additionally, the position must be on either a permanent contract or a fixed-term contract of at least 12 months.
Number of Applications Accepted
An essential change lies in the removal of application limits. Unlike before, there is no longer a cap on the number of people who can obtain residence through the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. As long as applicants meet the eligibility criteria, they can secure New Zealand residence.
Flexibility During Application Processing through Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa
Recognizing the potential scenario where an applicant’s temporary visa expires during processing, the introduction of the Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa offers a solution.
The Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa is a temporary permit granted to applicants applying for the new SMC in New Zealand. In situations where an applicant’s existing temporary visa expires during the processing of their resident visa application, the Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa comes into effect. This interim visa, which activates the day after the current visa expires, enables applicants to stay in New Zealand while awaiting the processing of their Resident Visa. Additionally, individuals holding the Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa retain the flexibility to travel in and out of New Zealand, offering a practical solution to maintain legal status and continue their endeavors while the immigration process unfolds.
Family Inclusion Criteria of Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
An important feature of the SMC is the provision for family inclusion. Applicants can include their partner and dependent children up to the age of 24 in their application. However, these family members must also meet specific criteria related to English language proficiency, health, and character.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Stages of Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The SMC involves a two-stage application process, beginning with the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage. In this phase, applicants submit an online EOI, claiming points for qualifications, work experience, age, and other factors. EOIs are then ranked, and the highest-scoring entries are selected from the pool every fortnight.
The fortnightly selection process, though not a new feature, underscores the transparency of New Zealand’s immigration system. It ensures that individuals with the highest potential to contribute are given priority.
Residence Application Stage
Upon successful selection in the EOI pool, applicants proceed to the second stage: the Residence Application. This stage involves submitting a Resident Visa application to Immigration New Zealand, accompanied by supporting documents that validate the claims made in the EOI.
The residence application undergoes a thorough assessment against government residence policy, considering an applicant’s potential to settle successfully and contribute to New Zealand’s social and economic development. This stage includes evaluations of interviews, qualifications, and, in some cases, external assessments by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
