In this article, we’ll explore the various skilled migration pathways available in New Zealand, including the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), Work to Residency, and Green List routes. Furthermore, we’ll delve into the new points-based system that New Zealand has implemented, providing a simplified path to residency for skilled workers.
Exploring the Skilled Migration Landscape in New Zealand
New Zealand has three primary avenues for skilled migrants aiming to secure residency:
- The Skilled Migrant Category Resident pathway (SMC)
- The Green List pathway
- The Care Workforce and Transport Sector Agreement pathways
Each pathway has distinct eligibility requirements and application procedures. Some allow immediate application for residency, such as the Straight to Residency Visa, while others require applicants to first gain work experience within the country, like the Work to Residency Visa.
An Overview of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Pathway
The SMC pathway is designed for individuals with the skills and experience that New Zealand needs. If you have a job or job offer in the country and meet the points threshold, you may qualify to apply.
SMC Points: A Closer Look
Starting from October 2023, the SMC will operate on a new points system. Applicants will need to amass at least six points, which can be earned through various means.
- One way to earn six points is by having New Zealand registration in a specified occupation that requires at least six years of training. Alternatively, holding a PhD or doctorate, or having a job offer in New Zealand with a salary at least three times the median wage can also earn you six points.
- A total of five points can be earned by either having New Zealand registration in a specified occupation requiring five years of training or holding a Master’s degree. An additional point can be gained by completing one year of skilled work in New Zealand.
- Four points can be earned by either having New Zealand registration in a specified occupation requiring four years of training, holding an Honours Degree or Post-graduate Diploma, or having a job offer in New Zealand with a salary at least twice the median wage. Two additional points can be earned by completing two years of skilled work in New Zealand.
- Lastly, three points can be earned by having New Zealand registration in a specified occupation requiring two years of training, holding a Bachelor’s Degree or Post-graduate Certificate, or having a job offer in New Zealand with a salary at least 1.5 times the median wage. An additional three points can be earned by completing three years of skilled work in New Zealand.
Green List Pathway: A Shortcut to Residency?
The Green List pathway provides two options for skilled workers to apply for residency.
- If you have a job offer for an occupation on the Tier 1 list and meet the specified qualification, registration, and wage requirements, you can apply for the Straight to Residence Visa.
- If you have a job or job offer for an occupation on the Tier 2 list and meet the specified requirements, you will need two years of relevant work in New Zealand on a specified visa before you can apply for the Work to Residence Visa.
Sector Agreement Pathways: Focused Opportunities
The Care Workforce and Transport Sector Agreement pathways are designed for individuals working in these specific sectors. Like the Green List pathway, you need two years of relevant work in New Zealand on a specified visa after meeting the necessary qualification, registration, and wage requirements. The Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa or the Transport Workforce Work to Residence Visa can then be requested.
Also Read: Bringing your family based on a Work Visa New Zealand
Key Dates and Visa Status
As of 2023, several key dates and changes are coming into effect:
- Straight to Residence Visa: Currently open for applications.
- Work to Residence Visa, Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, and Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa: Applications open on 29th September 2023.
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC): Currently open, but with EOIs needing to be submitted by 23:59, Tuesday 15th August 2023. A new points system will commence on 9th October 2023.
Understanding the Straight to Residence Visa
The Straight to Residence Visa is designed for individuals who work for an accredited employer or have a job offer from an accredited employer, and their role is on Tier 1 of the Green List. If you meet these criteria, you can apply for this visa immediately, either from within New Zealand or overseas.
Exploring the Work to Residence Visa
The Work to Residence Visa is designed for individuals who work for an accredited employer and have worked in a Tier 2 Green List role for 24 months. Applications for this visa will open from 29th September 2023.
Diving into the Care Workforce and Transport Work to Residence Visas
The Care Workforce and Transport Work to Residence Visas are designed for individuals working in these specific sectors. You can apply for these visas if you work for an accredited employer and have worked in a care workforce or transport sector role for 24 months. Applications for these visas will open from 29th September 2023.
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
This visa is for individuals who possess skills that can contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth. Before applying, you will need to send an expression of interest (EOI) detailing your work experience and qualifications. EOIs can be submitted until 23:59, Tuesday 15th August 2023. If you are invited to apply for residence, you will have four months to apply under the current criteria.
Assessing the Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
From 9th October 2023, the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa will use a new points system. You will need 6 points to apply, which can be earned through a combination of New Zealand occupational registration, qualifications, or income, and years of work in New Zealand in a skilled job.
Notable Changes for Accredited Employer Work Visa Holders
For migrants with an Accredited Employer Work Visa(AEWV), a maximum continuous stay length of 5 years will be implemented starting in November 2023. This means that after five years on an AEWV, you will need to leave New Zealand for at least 12 months unless you can show that you are on a pathway to skilled residence.
FAQs
To conclude, here are some frequently asked questions regarding skilled migration in New Zealand:
- What is the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)? The SMC is a pathway designed for individuals with the skills and experience that New Zealand needs. Applicants must have a job or job offer in the country and meet the points threshold to qualify.
- What is the new points system for the SMC? From October 2023, the SMC will operate on a new points system. Applicants will need to amass at least six points, which can be earned through various means, including occupational registration, qualifications, income, and years of work in New Zealand in a skilled job.
- What is the Green List pathway? The Green List pathway provides two options for skilled workers to apply for residency. It is based on whether your occupation falls under Tier 1 or Tier 2, and whether you meet the specified qualification, registration, and wage requirements.
- When can I apply for the Work to Residence Visa? Applications for the Work to Residence Visa will open from 29th September 2023.
- What is the Straight to Residence Visa? The Straight to Residence Visa is designed for individuals who work for an accredited employer or have a job offer from an accredited employer, and their role is on Tier 1 of the Green List.
- What are the Care Workforce and Transport Work to Residence Visas? These visas are designed for individuals working in the care workforce or transport sectors. You can apply for these visas if you work for an accredited employer and have worked in a care workforce or transport sector role for 24 months.
- What is the maximum continuous stay period for Accredited Employer Work Visa holders? For migrants with an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), a maximum continuous stay length of 5 years will be implemented starting in November 2023.
- Can I apply for residency if I don’t qualify for the SMC, Green List, or Sector Agreement pathways? Yes, New Zealand offers other visa options that you may explore if the pathways discussed above do not fit your circumstances.
- When does the new points system for the SMC take effect? The new points system for the SMC will take effect from 9th October 2023.
- What happens if I don’t have enough points for the SMC? If you do not have enough points for the SMC, you may explore other visa options, or you may consider gaining more experience or qualifications to increase your points.
- Are there any additional requirements for the SMC? Yes, there are several additional requirements for the SMC. These include providing evidence of your identity, meeting the minimum English language requirements, passing a health and character check, and providing evidence of your qualifications and registration. You will also need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in New Zealand.
- Can I bring my family with me if I am successful in my visa application? Yes, you may be able to bring family members with you when applying for a visa under the SMC. Your family must adhere to all requirements and also provide proof of their identity, health and character checks, and sufficient funds to support themselves in New Zealand.
In conclusion, New Zealand offers a range of pathways for skilled migrants, each with its unique set of criteria and benefits. By researching and understanding these options, you can determine the best route for your situation and take the first steps towards your new life in New Zealand.