02/10/2023
๐Adviser Immigration Update๐
๐New Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa opening
The new, simplified Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa opens for applicants on 9 October 2023.
A simpler points system will come into effect that sets a clear skills threshold for residence and offers several ways for applicants to demonstrate their skill level.
There will also be a new List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), and a new interim visa for SMC Resident Visa applicants.
From 5 November 2023, SMC Interim Visa holders will also be able to apply to vary the conditions of their interim visas.
๐Simplified points system for SMC
From 9 October 2023, applicants will need 6 points to apply for an SMC Resident Visa. They can claim points from their New Zealand occupational registration, qualification (as long as it is a Bachelorโs degree or higher) or income.
Applicants must have a skilled job or job offer in New Zealand to apply. Most people will need to spend time working in New Zealand before they can apply for residence.
Under the new settings, there will be no cap on the number of people who can gain residence if they meet the skills threshold. The simpler settings also mean that applicants can expect faster decision times where they provide complete information to Immigration New Zealand.
A new priority processing order will mean that SMC applicants with 6 points without work experience will be prioritised for processing.
Employers can continue to bring skilled workers to New Zealand on temporary work visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, or employ migrants on other work visas, such as the Working Holiday Visa, even if they do not meet residence criteria.
๐Changes to the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA)
Applicants claiming points for overseas qualifications should note that changes to the LQEA came into effect on 29 September 2023, as part of a wider review. If an applicantโs overseas qualification is not on the LQEA, they will need to apply for an International Qualifications Assessment from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to claim points for their qualification.
