Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 40-124 days (prioritised), up to 6 months (standard)
- Fee
- NZD 6,450
- Validity
- Permanent residence (resident visa then permanent resident visa after 2 years)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers already employed in New Zealand. Requires 6 points from skills, qualifications, income, and NZ work experience. Points can come from income (3-6 points based on multiples of median wage), NZ occupational registration, qualifications, or NZ work experience (1-3 points). Expression of Interest (EOI) required first at NZD 530. Changes coming in August 2026 will reduce NZ work experience requirement from 3 to 2 years maximum.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Open to all nationalities. Must already be working in New Zealand on a valid work visa.
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Employment
Must be currently employed in skilled work in New Zealand. Must earn at least 1.5 times the median wage (NZD 50.34/hour) for minimum points claim.
Required status: Skilled employment at 1.5x median wage minimum
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Financial
Points are awarded based on income level: 6 points at 3x median wage (NZD 100.68/hr), 4 points at 2x (NZD 67.12/hr), 3 points at 1.5x (NZD 50.34/hr).
Minimum funds: NZD 50.34/hour minimum
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Health
Must meet acceptable standard of health. Full medical and chest X-ray required.
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Criminal record
Must be of good character with police certificates from all relevant countries.
Documents you need
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Passport
Validity months: 6
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card; Amount: NZD 6,980 total
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Online application
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online with NZD 530 fee. Must claim at least 6 points.
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Processing wait
Wait for EOI to be selected from the pool (selections happen regularly).
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Document gathering
Once selected, gather all evidence: employment verification, qualifications, police certificates, medical certificates.
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Document submission
Submit full residence application with all supporting documents within 4 months of selection.
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Fee payment
Pay NZD 6,450 application fee for full residence application.