Good fit
Skilled workers already in, or holding an offer of, qualifying accredited-employer work who can claim six points through occupation registration, qualification or income, and New Zealand skilled work experience.
New Zealand · Skilled Worker
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
A New Zealand resident visa for applicants aged 55 or younger with an accredited-employer skilled job or offer, six skilled-resident points, English, and the other residence requirements.
Status note. This is New Zealand residence rather than a temporary work visa. It requires an expression of interest and invitation to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category rules.
Decision fit
Who this pathway serves
Important limits
Applicants without a qualifying skilled job or offer, six points, English, or the health and character requirements for residence.
Minimums · 4 of 9 fields sourced
Eligibility
Age
AgeMaximum modeled age: under 56
Work experience
ContextUp to three additional points can be claimed from skilled work experience in New Zealand; the exact points combination depends on the applicant profile.
Language
ContextThe applicant must speak and understand English.
Education
Selection threshold
Points6
CompetitionUnknown - confirm with the official source
Health and character
Medical examYes
Police certificateYes
Costs · 1 of 2 fields sourced
Funds and fees
Settlement funds
No settlement-fund table is published.
Application fees
- 6450 NZDResident visa application fee from
Outcomes · 5 of 7 fields sourced
Residence, work, and family
Permanent residence
WorkYes
StudyYes
ContextAfter holding the resident visa for two years in a row, the holder can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa that permits indefinite travel in and out of New Zealand.
Family
PartnerYes
ChildrenYes
ContextThe SMC page allows inclusion of a partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in the application.
Citizenship
ContextThe page links citizenship guidance but does not establish an individual citizenship outcome.
Processing time
ContextThe visa lets the holder stay indefinitely. The application requires an expression of interest and invitation to apply.
Sources
Official sources
Citations
Field provenance
Information only, not legal advice. Rules, fees, and processing times change. Confirm the linked official pages before acting.