Skilled Migration

Skilled Migration to New Zealand: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency

Skilled Migration is one of the most popular pathways for individuals seeking to live and work in New Zealand permanently. Immigration New Zealand offers several visa options for skilled migrants, allowing them to contribute to the country’s economy while enjoying the benefits of living in a vibrant, diverse, and thriving environment. These pathways include the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List: Straight to Residence, Green List: Work to Residence, and Residence from Work.

At Innovius, we have successfully helped a large number of skilled workers secure their Skilled Migration Visas and establish a new life in New Zealand. Our expertise and tailored approach ensure that your application process is smooth, efficient, and stands the best chance of success.

What is Skilled Migration?

Skilled Migration is an immigration pathway designed for people with skills, qualifications, or work experience that are in demand in New Zealand. This pathway enables skilled migrants to apply for residency, either directly or through a work visa that leads to residency. New Zealand values skilled workers who can contribute to its economy, address skill shortages, and support business growth.

The main visa options for skilled migrants are:

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
Green List: Straight to Residence
Green List: Work to Residence

1. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is one of the primary pathways to permanent residency in New Zealand for skilled workers. It is a points-based system that allows candidates to apply for residence based on their qualifications, work experience, age, and job offers in New Zealand.

Key Features of the Skilled Migrant Category:

Points-Based System: Applicants must score a minimum of 180 points to be eligible for this visa. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, skilled employment, work experience, qualifications, and adaptability.
Work in New Zealand: You can apply for a job and start working while your residence application is being processed.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Once approved, you will be granted a resident visa, allowing you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.

Eligibility Requirements for the SMC:

Age: You must be 55 years old or younger.
Skilled Employment: You must have a job offer or current employment in New Zealand that is classified as skilled work.
Qualifications and Experience: You must have relevant qualifications and work experience that align with the needs of New Zealand’s labor market.
Health, Character, and English Language: You must meet New Zealand’s health, character, and English language requirements.

Innovius Advantage: At Innovius, we have helped countless skilled professionals navigate the complexities of the Skilled Migrant Category application. Our expert team guides you through every step, from assessing your points to gathering the necessary documentation, ensuring your application is comprehensive and stands the best chance of approval.

2. Green List: Straight to Residence

The Green List: Straight to Residence visa is a fast-track pathway to permanent residency for individuals who have qualifications or work experience in occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand. This list includes professions that are critical to the country’s economic growth and development, and applicants can directly apply for residency without the need for a temporary work visa.

Key Features of the Green List: Straight to Residence:

Direct Pathway to Residency: This visa allows you to apply for permanent residency immediately if your occupation is on the Green List.
No Work Visa Required: You do not need to hold a temporary work visa before applying for residency.
High Demand Occupations: This list includes roles in healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, and other critical sectors.

Eligibility Requirements:

Job Offer: You must have a job offer in an occupation listed on the Green List.
Qualifications and Experience: You must meet the specific qualification and work experience requirements for your occupation as outlined on the Green List.
Health and Character: You must meet the health and character requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.

Innovius Advantage: Our team at Innovius has extensive experience in helping applicants secure residency through the Green List: Straight to Residence pathway. We work closely with you to ensure that your qualifications, work experience, and job offer meet the criteria, providing personalized support throughout the process.

3. Green List: Work to Residence

The Green List: Work to Residence pathway is designed for skilled migrants whose occupations are on the Green List but who need to work in New Zealand for a set period before becoming eligible for residency. This option allows you to obtain a work visa and, after gaining sufficient work experience, apply for permanent residency.

Key Features of the Green List: Work to Residence:

Pathway to Residency: You can apply for a work visa and later transition to residency once you have met the required work experience in New Zealand.
Occupation on the Green List: Your job must be on the Green List, and you must meet the qualifications and experience criteria.
Temporary Work Visa: Initially, you’ll be granted a work visa that allows you to live and work in New Zealand.

Eligibility Requirements:

Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a New Zealand employer for an occupation listed on the Green List.
Qualifications and Work Experience: You must meet the qualifications and experience criteria outlined for your occupation.
Work Experience in New Zealand: You will need to work in your Green List occupation for at least two years before you can apply for residence.
Health and Character: You must meet the health and character requirements.

Innovius Advantage: Innovius has helped many skilled migrants navigate the Work to Residence pathway, providing expert advice on securing the right job offer and managing the transition to residency. Our support ensures that you meet all the requirements, from the initial work visa application to your eventual residency.

How Innovius Can Help You with Skilled Migration

At Innovius, we take pride in our exceptional track record of helping skilled professionals secure residency in New Zealand. Here’s why you should choose us for your skilled migration journey:

Expert Guidance and Assessment: Our experienced immigration consultants will assess your eligibility for different skilled migration pathways and recommend the most suitable option based on your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Comprehensive Application Support: We assist you in preparing and submitting a strong application, ensuring that all necessary documents and information are included.
Tailored Solutions: Every skilled migrant’s journey is unique. We provide personalized support to address your specific needs and circumstances.
End-to-End Assistance: From the initial assessment to the final visa approval, Innovius is with you every step of the way, offering guidance, support, and expertise to maximize your chances of success.
Proven Success Rate: Our team has successfully helped a large number of clients secure their skilled migration visas, making us one of the most trusted immigration consultants in New Zealand.

Take the First Step Toward Your New Life in New Zealand

If you’re ready to take the first step toward skilled migration to New Zealand, let Innovius be your guide. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you navigate the process, ensuring that your application is successful and that you can begin building a new life in this beautiful country.

Contact Innovius today to learn more about how we can assist you with your Skilled Migration journey and help you achieve your dream of living and working in New Zealand!