Skilled Migrant Category reopening
When we will select expressions of interest for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
Selections of expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa will resume on 9 November 2022. We will select all EOIs with at least 160 points. From 18 January 2023, EOIs will need to have at least 180 points to be selected.
NOTE
There is a delay for NZQA international qualification assessments and English language tests. You may not be able to receive your assessment or sit your test before 9 November 2022.
We are updating the EOI form so you can tell us if you are waiting on an NZQA assessment, for test results or a booked test. The updated form will be available after 8pm on 3 November 2022 (NZDT). You will need to upload your assessment or test results if you are invited to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
The long-term direction of the Skilled Migrant Category is being reviewed and there may be changes in the future.
If you have previously submitted an EOI, you can choose to continue or withdraw it. If you withdraw your EOI before it is selected you can request a refund.
If you want to continue, you should check your details are correct and add any new information before 9 November 2022. You can also claim any additional points.
You must ensure your EOI is up to date before selection begins.
Update your SMC expression of interest
You can withdraw your EOI
You can choose to withdraw your EOI at any time, but you cannot get a refund if your EOI has been selected. This is because the fee you pay covers the costs of assessing your EOI.
If you withdraw before selections begin on 9 November 2022 you can request a refund.
To withdraw, you need to complete and send us a Customer Refund Request Form.
Selection process
When we start selection, we will check your EOI to ensure the right number of points for your age, experience, employment, and qualifications.
If you meet the points threshold, you will be invited to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
NOTE
The first selection in November is expected to have a large number of EOIs. You may have to wait to hear from us as we work through the initial selection.
EOIs submitted before 9 May 2022 which do not result in an invitation to apply will expire and will not be reselected.
How a Skilled Migrant Category EOI expires
Invitations to apply
If you are invited to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa you will have four months to submit your application.
Submissions are made online.
You should have all your information and documents ready when you submit your application. Check the file size requirements in the form when you are making your application and make sure the files you have are not too big to upload.
NOTE
If you apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident visa on or after 24 October 2022, you must meet the 2021 median wage of NZD $27.76.
File formats for uploading documents and photographs
You will need to supply these documents:
a photo of yourself and of each person included in your application
a copy of your passport and a copy for each person included in this application. Include the page with the photo and details on it.
police certificates for you and any family member 17 years or older. Include certificates for any country you or your family member have lived in for more than 12 months and any country where you hold citizenship.
Who needs to provide police certificates
You may also need to supply:
your EOI
employment documents
evidence of your qualifications or your partner's qualifications
skilled work experience documentation for you and your partner
a timeline and supporting evidence of your relationship with your partner
proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate, for any dependent children you have included in this application.
a completed Employer Supplementary form (INZ1235).
a completed Resident Visa Declaration form (INZ1242) if someone helped you complete this form or if you are including a partner or children who are over 18 years old in your application.
a completed Additional Dependants for Residence in New Zealand form (INZ1001).
You may need to upload evidence of your English language background or English language test results. If you submitted your EOI on or before 8 November 2022 and you are invited to apply, you can upload English test results that are more than 2 years old. If you submitted your EOI after 9 November 2022, your test results must be less than 2 years old.
Application fees must be paid when you complete the online form.
We will contact you if we need more information or any extra documents.
Selection Dates
Selections are due to resume.
The first selection will be on 9 November 2022. All EOIs with at least 160 points will be selected.
The second selection will be on 18 January 2023. All EOIs with at least 180 points will be selected.
After 18 January 2022, selections will be monthly, occurring on the third Wednesday of each month. All EOIs with at least 180 points will be selected.
Consultation on future changes
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment is consulting on the long-term direction of the Skilled Migrant Category.
