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New Zealand's Highly Skilled Worker Visas

The Highly Skilled Worker Visa in New Zealand (also known as the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa) offers a pathway to residency and employment for qualified individuals with skills and experience that are in demand in New Zealand.

MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT

Discover the Highly Skilled Worker Visa in New Zealand

The Highly Skilled Worker Visa program in New Zealand provides an opportunity for skilled professionals to live and work in New Zealand permanently. This program is designed to attract talented individuals who can contribute to New Zealand's economy and fill skill gaps in various sectors.

New Zealand
Mobility Asset Index Score
63.30%
Mobility Asset Type
Highly Skilled Worker Visas
Official Name
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Launched in:
1991
Online Submission:
Yes
Residency Privileges
(in years)
60
Adjudication Time
(in months)
14
Minimum Stay Requirement
(in days)
183
In-Country Presence Requirement
(in months)
12

Overview

A Snapshot of Highly Skilled Worker Visa in New Zealand

A pathway to permanent residency and employment for skilled professionals in New Zealand

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals aged 55 or younger with work experience and a job offer that meet New Zealand's skill shortages. Skills must be proven on a points-based system

Anchor Ancestor restrictions

Months to citizenship

Length of Visa

Permanent residence

Months to Visa

4-6 months

Physical Presence Requirement

No specific requirement, but employment in New Zealand is expected

Availability

Moderate

Family Allowance

Spouse and children

Overview

How to Apply for the Highly Skilled Worker Visa in New Zealand

Submit an Expression of Interest, and if selected, you will be invited to apply for the visa.

Overview

Discover How GlobalPassport Simplifies the Application Process for New Zealand's Highly Skilled Worker Visas

Step-by-Step Guidance

Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.

Document Preparation

We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.

Application Submission

Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

How is the points-based system for the Highly Skilled Worker Visa calculated?

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Can I bring my family members with me on a Highly Skilled Worker Visa?

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Do I need a job offer to apply for the Highly Skilled Worker Visa?

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How long does it take to process a Highly Skilled Worker Visa application?

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Can Highly Skilled Worker Visa holders apply for New Zealand citizenship?

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DOCUMENTS

Documents Needed for New Zealand - Highly Skilled Worker Visas

Important Notes
• All documents must be original or certified copies
• Non-English documents require certified translations
• Documents must be apostilled where applicable
Personal Identification Documents
Core identity documents required from the applicantis is some text inside of a div block.

Passport

Vital Records Documents
Birth, marriage, and death certificates from applicant and ancestors

Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)

Proof of Residence Documents
Evidence of current residence status

Proof of accommodation

Criminal Clearance Documents
Background check documentation

A clean criminal record is required, confirmed through police clearance certificates from the applicant's country of origin and any country of residence in the past 5 years

Financial Documents
Proof of payment and financial requirements

Not applicable

DOCUMENTS

Costs Associated with New Zealand - Highly Skilled Worker Visas

Pre-Application Costs
Essential document preparation and verification costs

Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences

Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization

Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services

Government Application Fees
Official fees charged by government authorities

Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees

$2,700

Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing

Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing

Post-Submission Costs
Costs after submitting your application

Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates

Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)

Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests

Professional Services
Optional external support services

Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees

Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services

Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services

Post-Acceptance Costs
Costs after approval

Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates

Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees

Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees

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