On 9 October 2023, a new streamlined points system will be implemented for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa.
This updated approach offers a quicker path to residency for highly skilled individuals and a transparent route for others who work in Aotearoa, New Zealand, for a certain period. These modifications bring more clarity to migrants and employers regarding temporary and permanent work opportunities in New Zealand, enabling well-informed decisions.
The revamped SMC complements the Green List and Sector Agreement residence pathways, presenting distinct residency options based on job, qualification, or salary.
Under this new system, all SMC applicants must have a job offer or current employment in a role that pays at least:
Furthermore, applicants need six points to apply, which can be obtained from:
Age limit, English language proficiency, health, and character requirements for residency applications remain the same.
The Highly Paid Residence Visa will be merged into the SMC instead of being a separate category.
INZ aims to process straightforward SMC applications with all required information within six to eight weeks. There will be no limit on the number of people who can obtain residency if they meet the skills threshold.
Further details about the category changes will be shared as the launch date approaches.
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Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.