New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category resident visa
New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category resident visa is for skilled workers who have a job or job offer with an accredited New Zealand employer. You need enough skill points from occupational registration, a qualification or your income, plus skilled work in New Zealand where required. Immigration New Zealand sets and updates the rules.
Who is it for?
- Skilled workers already working in New Zealand or with a genuine skilled job offer.
- Professionals with New Zealand occupational registration, recognised qualifications or high income.
- Applicants within the age limit and meeting health, character and English requirements.
English requirement
You must meet the minimum English standard, shown with an accepted test such as IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT, or through other evidence Immigration New Zealand accepts.
Costs and timelines
Visa fees and processing times are published by Immigration New Zealand and depend on where you apply from. You also pay for medicals, police certificates and any qualification assessment.
Step by step
- Confirm your job or offer is with an accredited employer and counts as skilled.
- Check your skill points and any New Zealand work experience needed.
- Get a qualification assessment if required.
- Submit the resident visa application online.
- Provide medicals, police certificates and any further information requested.
Documents checklist
- Employment agreement or offer and employer details.
- Registration, qualification or income evidence.
- English test results.
- Passport, relationship and character documents.
Common reasons for refusal
- Job that does not meet the skilled employment definition.
- Employer not accredited, or the offer not genuine.
- Points claimed without supporting evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer for New Zealand residence?
Under the current Skilled Migrant Category you generally need a skilled job or job offer with an accredited New Zealand employer. Check the current rules on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Can I include my partner and children?
Yes, a partner and dependent children can usually be included in the application.