For professionals dreaming of a new life in New Zealand, the skilled migrant pathway offers one of the most straightforward routes to permanent residence. This sought-after immigration program connects qualified international talent with New Zealand’s growing job market, creating opportunities for the migrants and the country’s economy.
The skilled migrant category welcomes professionals aged 55 or younger who have secured either permanent employment or a substantial fixed-term position with an accredited New Zealand employer. Whether you have a permanent role or a contract lasting at least 6-12 months, this visa category could be your gateway to a new life in New Zealand. The program also allows you to include your partner and dependent children up to age 24 in your residence application, making it an attractive option for families.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the skilled migrant visa category, from eligibility requirements to application processes.
Requirements:
To apply for the skilled migrant category visa, there are specific requirements you need to meet, each of which entails gathering and collecting sufficient and essential documents like police certificates, medical certificates, proof of your qualification or registration, proof of meeting English language standards and evidence of your job or job offer in New Zealand to immigrate to New Zealand.
Below is a list of requirements you need to put in place before applying for your visa:
- Translate all supporting documents like medical and police certificates into English through a reputable private or official translation business or community member known for their accurate translations while preparing to apply for your visa. You shouldn’t translate any of your documents yourself or through the help of your immigration adviser.
- Organize proof of identity for yourself and everyone in your application. A valid passport can be suitable for this purpose.
- Prepare all evidence you can use as proof of your qualifications while confirming if your qualifications need assessment through the International Qualification Assessment ( IQA) to check if your qualifications are recognized and can be used in New Zealand.
- Undergo a medical examination, including a chest x-ray from a doctor or radiologist on New Zealand’s approved list of panel physicians in your country. Your medical certificate would be used to check if you meet the acceptable standard of health criteria.
- Prepare and organize proof of your job offer or skilled job, showing a detailed description, job title, and employment agreement, which shows if your job is full-time, permanent, or fixed-term for a minimum of 12 months or alongside your salary or wages. You can also prepare proof that you have a history of contract work and have completed 12 months of skilled work experience in New Zealand.
- The next step is to acquire a police certificate, which must be less than 6 months old before your application; this would serve as your proof of good behavior.
- Another important document you must acquire is proof of English language proficiency. An acceptable English language test result that is not older than two years or a recognized qualification from a qualifying English-speaking country would do.
- You also need to work on collecting essential evidence for your partner and children if you are planning on relocating with your family. You must ascertain that your family meets the English language criteria, or you buy the English lessons as part of your visa. Other requirements include proof that you have lived with your partner for 12 months or more or that you are currently living together. In a situation where you lived separately from your partner for some time, you must provide evidence of the length of separation, your reasons for separation, and how you maintained your relationship.
In situations where you are including your children in your application, you may be required to provide birth certificates as evidence of your relationship with dependent children. In instances where you are including an adopted child on your application, you need to prepare solid evidence like the legal adoption papers.
- You also need to work on your Expression of Interest (EOI). This is a vital and preliminary step you must take during your visa application. Verify all necessary qualifications and be sure you meet all requirements before you submit your EOI. You can also check your eligibility and be assessed by a licensed immigration adviser before you submit your Expression of Interest.
