Skilled Migrant Category

For a free initial assessment, please click here.

Introduction

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) of the New Zealand Immigration system allows highly skilled individuals to short-cut the normal need to apply for several stages of visas and instead receive full residence rights straight away. Under the SMC, applicants gain points in areas including age, qualifications, previous work experience and having a close relation already in New Zealand. The SMC does not require the individual to hold an offer of work in New Zealand (although having such an offer increases the chances of being accepted) – Instead the application is completely driven by the individual, who if successful, will gain the right to live and work in New Zealand.

Assessment

To assess your eligibility, please begin by completing our assessment form here. A consutlant will then contact you to discuss your options and whether the SMC is suitable in your case.

Aims and purpose

The purpose of the SMC is to allow migrants with special skills and experience to live and work in New Zealand, generally without restriction as to the nature of their work.

Criteria

Points are awarded to applicants based upon their attributes. These attributes are split into several different sections including:

  • Age
  • Qualifications
  • Previous work experience
  • Close family in New Zealand
  • Skills in shortage occupation areas

In addition, applicants must also be able to show that they have a suitable command of the English Language and that they have enough funds to maintain both themselves and any dependants.

Process

The process of applying for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa comprises two stages:

  1. First, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This is an online application form containing details relating to the applicant’s various attributes. Depending on those attributes, the EOI will receive a total points score. All EOIs are then entered into a ‘pool’. Every two weeks, immigration NZ pulls all EOIs that meet a certain points threshold and/or contain skills in shortage areas out of the pool.
  2. If your EOI is pulled out of the pool, this is a good indication that a full application will be successful. Immigration NZ will then send you an invitation to apply. This is a further application form which needs to be submitted to Immigration NZ with supporting documentation. Your case will then be decided.

Necessary Documentation

Applicants need to evidence the points they gain by providing original documents. Immigration NZ are very strict about documentation in terms of the format and information that it contains, and whether the documents correlate with each other. In most situations, Immigration NZ will only accept original documents. The typical documents that an applicant would need to submit might include:

  • Passport (current and previous)
  • Original degree certificates;
  • A letter from the awarding institution;
  • Original payslips;
  • A letter from the prospective employer;
  • Original bank statements.

Period of Stay

Successful applicants will be granted permanent residence in New Zealand. After living in New Zealand for five years under this category, individuals can normally qualify for Citizenship.

Other Useful Information

An applicant may include his/her dependents (husband/wife and dependent children under 18) on their application. In some cases, this may even increase the number of points gained!

Our services

Skilled Migrant Category Consultancy Service

UK Work Permits Ltd offer professional, specialist assistance to individuals wishing to make SMC applications. We assist with both the Expression of Interest, and assuming this is successful, also the full application. We operate on the basis of our “110% Refund Guarantee” (subject to initial assessment) and take full responsibility for the success of each application we undertake. Our service for SMC applications is in accordance with our normal process.

Fees

Our Consultancy fees

Expression of Interest preperation and submission fee – £300 + VAT

Final Application preperation and submission fee – £800 + VAT

Immigration New Zealand fees

Immigration NZ fee for submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) – NZ$400 (around £160)

Immigration NZ fee for submitting a final application – £650

If you would like more information regarding the SMC , please do not hesitate to contact us.