ISLAMABAD: New Zealand has introduced a new “Skilled Migrant Resident Visa” to streamline the process for obtaining permanent residency. Experts are hailing this as an important development for skilled professionals looking to settle in New Zealand.
Under this new scheme of visas, foreigners who practice skills and want to live in New Zealand permanently will get both employment and residence facility, along with the facility to take along their families.
As per reports of the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment, the sole aim behind this step was to make the population skilled enough in the country. Successful candidates of this program will be able to live in New Zealand indefinitely and apply for permanent residency for themselves, along with their wives/husbands and children below the age of 24 years.
The fee structure for obtaining this visa has been fixed at NZD 6450 for now. After spending two years in New Zealand, applicants will be granted permanent residency, providing them the facility to enter and exit the country without any hindrance.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants need to be below 55 years old. Moreover, they should satisfy certain health and character conditions and possess clean criminal records. It is mandatory that applicants know the English language.
Apart from these criteria, applicants need to obtain full-time skilled employment with a credible organization, and they must acquire at least 6 skilled points in total.
Job and Salary Criteria
It is important to note that such employment must entail at least 30 working hours per week, while the employment contract needs to be indefinite (a 12 months or even a 6-months contract).
In terms of income, there has been defined an explicit criterion, meaning that applicants need to earn at least NZD 35 per hour for ANZSCO Levels 1 to 3, and NZD 52.50 per hour for Levels 4 and 5.
Point System
In order to apply for this visa, applicants are required to get 6 points, which can be obtained on the basis of educational qualifications, professional registration and income levels, as well as 3 additional points (work experience in New Zealand).
English Language Requirement
Another important requirement for the candidate’s spouse and children above the age of 16 is English proficiency. If they fail to meet the requirement, the applicants will be responsible for covering the cost of acquiring the language proficiency requirement.
Application Process
The process starts with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). Those who meet the eligibility requirements are issued an Invitation to Apply where they are expected to present their passports, medical reports, and police certificate within four months.
Additional documentation or interviews may be required of the candidate.
Immigration specialists recommend thorough checking of all conditions by applicants prior to application submission to avoid any rejections.
