NEW ZEALAND – Skilled Migrant Update

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced a new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) in June 2023. The purpose of this new SMC is to further support economic growth by providing a pathway for residency for highly-skilled and higher-income individuals. The new category is built around a simple six-point skills assessment, and has no annual cap on the number of immigrants who may be allowed into New Zealand under the scheme. To qualify for residency under the new SMC, applicants must: Be 55 years old or younger when they submit their application Meet health and character requirements Demonstrate an acceptable level of English proficiency Have skilled employment with an accredited employer. Employment will be considered skilled if it meets: ANZSCO level 1-3 with payment at median wage (NZ$29.66 hourly); or ANZSCO level 4-5 with payment at 1.5x median wage (NZ$44.49 hourly). Claim six eligibility points. Between three and six points can be earned for: Occupational registration; or A recognised qua...