New Zealand Skilled Residence — Auckland Immigration Advisers
There are now more routes to skilled residence in New Zealand than at any point in the last decade, and choosing between them is a real decision rather than a formality.
The Skilled Migrant Category has three pathways: points-based, skilled work experience, and trades and technician. The Green List offers Straight to Residence for Tier 1 occupations and Work to Residence for Tier 2. There are sector-specific routes as well. Some people qualify under more than one, and the best choice depends on which pathway's evidence you can actually produce.
Where cases run into trouble is usually one of four places. Whether your duties substantially match the occupation you've claimed. Whether you are suitably qualified for the role — a separate test from points, and the one applicants most often overlook. Whether your overseas qualification needs an International Qualification Assessment, which takes longer than people expect. And whether your wage has held at the required rate across the whole qualifying period, not just today.
We assess which pathway fits, identify the gaps before Immigration New Zealand does, and prepare the application so those four questions are answered in it rather than asked about it.
Situations we often help with
- Choosing between the three Skilled Migrant Category pathways and the Green List
- Checking whether your actual duties substantially match your occupation
- Overseas qualifications that need an NZQA International Qualification Assessment
- Wage histories with job changes, pay changes or gaps
- Including your partner and dependent children
- Moving from a work visa to residence before your visa expires
Questions clients often ask
Which residence pathway is right for me?
It depends on your occupation, qualifications, pay and New Zealand work history, and some people qualify for more than one. Our free SMC Pathfinder and Residence Pathway Checker give you a first view, and we confirm the best route in your consultation.
Do I need an NZQA assessment?
Often, yes, if you're relying on an overseas qualification, unless it appears on NZQA's list of qualifications exempt from assessment. Assessments take time, so it's worth starting early.
Does a pay rise or a job change affect my application?
It can. For the Skilled Migrant Category, the wage threshold that applies to you is fixed when your pay first met it, and every job you count afterwards must pay at least that rate. Gaps or drops in pay can break a qualifying period, so we check your whole history, not just your current job.
Book a 30-minute consultation ($99 incl. GST where applicable, credited to your professional fee if you engage us within 3 months) or call +64 9 213 1677.
Working with us
Here's what to expect when you engage us.
How it works
- Initial consultation. We talk through your situation, your goals and anything in your history that Immigration New Zealand will want to know about.
- Case analysis and quote. We assess your options against current Immigration New Zealand rules and give you a written quote.
- Service agreement. We agree the scope of work and our fees with you in writing before any work starts, as the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct requires.
- Document checklist. You receive a checklist tailored to your application, so you know exactly what to gather.
- Preparing your application. We prepare your application and any supporting submissions, and check every document before anything goes to Immigration New Zealand.
- Submission with your approval. Nothing is lodged until you have reviewed and approved the final application.
- Through to a decision. We handle all contact with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf until a decision is made.
Fees
Our initial consultation is 30 minutes for $99 (incl. GST where applicable), invoiced afterwards and credited to your professional fee if you engage us within 3 months. Every case is different, so we quote after the initial consultation, once we understand your situation. Your quote, and exactly what it covers, is confirmed in your written service agreement before any work begins.
Timelines
We can usually meet you the same day or the next day, or at another time that suits you. Once your application is lodged, the processing time is set by Immigration New Zealand and varies by visa type. INZ publishes its current processing times here: How long it takes to process an application (Immigration New Zealand).
Your adviser
Your application is handled by Ishvinder Singh, Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA licence 201401130).
Our results
You can see examples of our published ministerial and appeal outcomes on our homepage.