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The Skilled Visa categories include residence under the Skilled Migrant Category or the Work to Residence categories.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
A person who is interested in applying for residence under this category must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Points are awarded for employability and capacity building factors, including skilled employment, work experience, qualifications and age. Once an applicant can claim 100 points and meets the prerequisites for health, character and English Language he/she may then lodge an EOI into the Skilled Migrant Pool. Please note that an applicants age must be 55 years or younger, in order to apply under this category.
EOIs are ranked on the basis of their points score, the INZ fortnightly determines a selection point and selects EOIs that meet or exceed the selection point. These EOIs will be selected for further consideration and may then be subsequently invited to apply for residency.
Once an applicant is invited to apply for residency he/she is then required to submit documents to the INZ to evidence that he/she can claim the points claimed in the EOI. It is at this stage the INZ complete a second tier assessment to determine whether or not the applicant has the ability to settle well in New Zealand. Usually those with a job offer, and provided that they meet all the requirements under the SMC, should be granted residency.
Those who do not have a job offer and are assessed as not being able to settle well in New Zealand will undergo further assessment and may be requested to attend a face to face interview. Depending on the INZ Case Officers assessment, these applicants may be either:
- Granted residency or;
- Granted a 9 month work to residence work permit, or;
- Have their residence application declined.
If a 9 month work to residency permit is issued the applicant could be approved for residence through the SMC if they hold a skilled job in that 9 month period.
Work to Residence Categories
Work to Residence Categories grant residence subject to certain conditions being met, including a sustained period of work in a skilled occupation in New Zealand. Work to Residence policies include:
- Talent Visa/Permit (Accredited Employers);
- Talent Visa/Permit (Arts, Sports and Culture); and,
- Long Term Shortages List occupations Visa/Permit.
After holding a work permit for one of the above for two years, applicants are eligible for permanent residence, provided that they have met the conditions of their permit, will continue to work in New Zealand, and meet the English language, health and character requirements.
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