Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
🇳🇿 New Zealand visas · Work
What it is
Points-based residence visa for skilled workers with a job offer or current employment from an accredited NZ employer. Requires 6 skilled resident points from qualifications, registration, or income. Submit an EOI, receive an invitation, then apply within 4 months.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Indefinite (travel conditions expire after 2 years; then apply for Permanent Resident Visa)
- Processing time
- See official page for current processing times
- Extendable
- No
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- Dependants
- Yes
- Age
- Under 56
- English requirement
- speak and understand English
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Not required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee
- NZD 6,450
Key requirements
- Aged 55 or younger
- Working for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer in a skilled role
- Minimum 6 skilled resident points (qualifications, registration, or income)
- Wage of at least NZD $35.00/hour (ANZSCO 1-3) or NZD $52.50/hour (ANZSCO 4-5)
- Speak and understand English
- Meet health and character requirements
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation
Working on this visa
full work rights (resident visa)
Bringing family
Partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 26 July 2026.