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FRENZ can help you to get residency in New Zealand
In 2023, Immigration NZ announced the updates to the Skilled Migrant Category residency pathway.
The updates mean that there are a couple of different pathways in which to apply for Residence, via the:
- Skilled Migrant Residence Tier 2 Green List (SMRGL) ;or,
- new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC6)
A worker’s previous experience or qualifications will help to determine which is their fastest pathway.
If you’d like to have an assessment by a licensed immigration adviser to determine if you meet the criteria or to ensure that you’re on the right path for residence, click HERE
“We originally came to New Zealand with FRENZ as employees back in 2013; 5 years on, FRENZ have helped us achieve residency. A very complex process – fantastic support and great peace of mind that people with more understanding and experience could give us a better chance of success. We’re very happy to say we achieved it, without their guidance who knows… “ Jason & Lizzie
Skilled Migrant Residence Tier 2 Green List
The Skilled Migrant Resident Visa (SMR) now has different categories based on the “Green List” INZ designated, and ever changing, skill shortage occupations.
The different categories are:
- Skilled Residence : Straight to Residence visa
- Skilled Residence : Work to Residence visa
- Care Workforce -Work to Residence visa
- Transport – Work to Residence
You may include your partner and children in this application.
The ‘Green List pathway’ outlined in the graphic below allows applicants to become eligible to apply for residence after 24 months of work experience in New Zealand:
- Some roles may require a Level 4 NZQA certificate, some require registration or licensing in NZ, others require a minimum of 3 years’ experience at a relevant industry employer:
- Note that this experience and/or qualification can be obtained from outside New Zealand as long as it can be verified by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and NZQA.
- these qualifications/experience must be gathered before you commence your 24 months’ experience in NZ that counts for the residence visa application
- 24 months’ work experience in New Zealand in the Green List occupation;
- Please note that this 24 months skilled experience must also be paid at the RV median wage. Check with one of our immigration advisers to confirm you are accumulating your skilled experience.
If you think you work a Green list occupation, please get in touch with us to check whether your occupation or salary fits into one of the Skilled Residence categories.
INZ will also look at:
- Visa type- typically must be for Accredited Employer with some exceptions
- Personal characteristics (age of 55 or younger at application)
- Work experience
- Salary- at or above relevant median wage
- Health
- Character
- English language
Green List pathway for the dairy industry, for example:
Eligibility to apply for residence after 5 years of work experience in a commercial dairy farm which can be broken down as follows:
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience on a commercial farm:
- To meet this criterion, individuals must have worked in a relevant role on a commercial farm for at least 3 years. Note that this experience can be obtained from outside New Zealand as long as it can be verified by Immigration NZ (INZ).
- THEN 24 months’ work experience in New Zealand:
- Individuals must accumulate 24 months of work experience in New Zealand specifically as a Herd Manager, Assistant Farm Manager, or Farm Manager.
- Please note that skilled experience must also be paid at the RV median wage. Make sure to check with one of our immigration advisers to confirm you are accumulating your skilled experience.
If you work in another area of specialty that may appear on the Green List, please get in touch with us to check whether your occupation or salary fits into one of the Skilled Residence categories.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC6)
This pathway is often referred to as SMC6 as it requires individuals to obtain at least 6 points to be eligible to apply for residence in NZ.
At least your first three points have to be awarded based on one of the following three criteria:
- years of training in a registered occupation, OR
- qualifications; OR,
- income earned in their NZ employment.
To accumulate the additional 3 points, you need to work for 3 years in NZ in a skilled job. A skilled job also has remuneration requirements – so please check with FRENZ to see if your job will meet the pay threshold.
In the context of the dairy farming industry, the qualifications category is likely to be the most relevant. For instance, if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, you could be granted 3 points.
In the dairy farming industry, a skilled job refers to positions such as Herd Manager, Assistant Farm Manager, or Farm Manager. As per above, a skilled job for RV purposes also has a wage threshold – so make sure you check with an immigration adviser if you are meeting the pay rate criterion. Therefore, in this scenario, a worker would need to progress to the Herd Manager position to be eligible to apply for a resident visa in the future.
It is important to note that there are nuances in the application process. Any degree obtained must be equivalent to a qualification in NZ. The higher the qualification, the more points it can be worth towards the total 6-point requirement.
Again, as per the Green List pathway there are other specifics around the type of visas the worker must hold when they commence their work experience in NZ, wage requirements, being in full time employment; along with age restrictions, character, medical and English language requirements.
Important to Note:
- Rolled out 9 October 2023
- INZ have said that straight-forward SMC applications will be decided in six to eight weeks (optimistically).
If you would like to make sure you’re on the right path, you can call us at 021 711 071 or email us here CONTACT US
