The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa in New Zealand is set to undergo significant changes, launching a new system on 9 October 2023. This new framework will move away from the previous 180-point system, simplifying to a requirement of just 6 points.

Points can be accrued based on one or more of the following criteria:

• Possession of NZ Professional Registration,
• Academic qualifications,
• Earnings that meet or exceed a specified threshold.

Should you not achieve the full 6 points from the criteria listed above, you can supplement your score with up to 3 additional points. These can be earned through ‘skilled’ work experience within New Zealand, specifically in roles classified as ANZSCO 1-3 that pay at least the median wage, or ANZSCO 4-5 positions earning at least 1.5 times the median wage.

The Green List Straight to Residence Visa offers a pathway for migrant workers in designated professions to obtain residency in New the Zealand. Eligible professions include roles in health and social services, construction, primary industries, science, engineering, ICT, and electronics and telecommunications.

To qualify for this visa, applicants must either be employed by, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer, and the job must be:

• Listed under Tier 1 of the Green List.
• Comply with the specific criteria outlined for that role.
• Considered full-time, entailing at least 30 hours per week, and be either a permanent position or a contract of at least 12 months’ duration. In some cases, independent contractors may also qualify for this visa.

Starting in September 2023, individuals who have been employed in specific positions for at least 24 months may qualify for a new residence route.

To be eligible for this residency option, candidates must be working for an accredited employer or have a job offer from one. Additionally, they must:

• Possess an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or another type of work visa (such as an Essential Skills Work Visa or Post Study Work Visa) that was applied for prior to 4 July 2022, at the time of applying for residency.
• Satisfy the employment standards for a position listed under Tier 2 of the Green List.
• Have completed at least 24 months of employment in New Zealand in a Tier 2 Green List role.

Beginning on 29 September 2023, a new two-year work-to-residence pathway will be available for individuals in specific roles with accredited employers, earning at least the Level 4 wage rate (currently NZD 28.25 per hour).

Eligible positions include:

• Māori Health Assistant (Kaiāwhina Hauora)
• Disabilities Services Officer
• Residential Care Officer
• Aged and Disabled Carers
• Nursing Support Worker
• Personal Care Assistant
• Therapy Aide
• Child or Youth Residential Care Assistant
• Diversional Therapist

To qualify for this pathway, applicants must:

• Possess an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or another type of work visa (such as an Essential Skills Work Visa or Post Study Work Visa) applied for prior to 4 July 2022, when the residence application is submitted.
• Earn a wage that meets or exceeds the Level 4 rate in an occupation listed under the Care Workforce sector.
• Have accumulated 24 months of employment in an occupation within the Care Workforce sector list.

Starting on 29 September 2023, a special two-year work-to-residence pathway will be open under the Transport Sector Agreement for professionals in specific roles. This opportunity provides a straightforward route to residency for those involved in the transport industry.

The positions eligible for this pathway include:

• Bus Drivers
• Truck Drivers
• Aircraft Refuellers
• Furniture Removalists
• Tanker Drivers
• Tow Truck Drivers
• Ship’s Masters
• Deck Hands

Parents who wish to permanently reside in New Zealand can apply if they have a child who is either a New Zealand citizen or resident. To be eligible, the child must meet specific income thresholds and agree to sponsor their parent(s). The initial step in the application process involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) reviews EOIs and selects candidates on a quarterly basis, occurring in February, May, August, and November, typically on the second Tuesday of these months. The selection process is divided into two groups:

• EOIs submitted before 12 October 2022 are part of a queue, with the first selection occurring on 14 November 2022.
• EOIs submitted after 12 October 2022 are placed in a ballot, with the first review scheduled for 8 August 2023.

If your EOI is selected, INZ may invite you to formally apply for a Parent Resident Visa. This system ensures that those who meet the necessary criteria and are ready to support their parents’ move have a structured path to do so.

This visa provides a pathway to New Zealand residency if you have a partner who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

To qualify for a resident visa, both you and your partner must meet certain requirements, including health and character standards, your partner’s immigration status, and the status of any dependent children.

You are required to demonstrate that your relationship with your partner is genuine and stable. You will need to provide proof that includes:

• The duration of your relationship.
• The length of time you have lived together.
• Shared financial responsibilities and other joint commitments.
• Quality time spent together, such as photographs, email exchanges, and social media interactions.
• Recognition of your relationship by others.

Any additional evidence that supports the authenticity of your relationship.