Selections of expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) will resume on 9 November 2022.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) uses a points-based system to assess EOIs. On 9 November we will select all EOIs with at least 160 points, which is the current threshold.
After 9 November, the threshold will increase to 180 points.
EOIs will be selected again on 18 January 2023.
The threshold increase will only affect EOIS after 9 November 2022.
More information is available the Immigration New Zealand website.
Time line
9 November 2022
Selections will resume from 9 November 2022. All EOIs with at least 160 points will be selected.
18 January 2023
The second selection will be on 18 January 2023. All EOIs with at least 180 points will be selected.
After 18 January 2023
Selections after 18 January 2023 will be on the third Wednesday of each month. All EOIs with at least 180 points will be selected.
Expression of interest selection
Those who have submitted EOIs can proceed, or withdraw and request a refund.
Proceed option
Those who wish to proceed must:
- ensure details are correct, and
- claim eligible points before 9 November 2022.
Immigration New Zealand will check selected EOIs to ensure the right number of points are claimed. Those who meet the points threshold will be invited to apply for an SMC Resident Visa.
Withdraw option
Those who wish to withdraw and request a refund should do so before 9 November 2022. Refunds are not available after the EOI has been selected.
EOI Expiry
EOIs submitted before 9 May 2022
EOIs submitted before 9 May 2022 that are not selected on 9 November 2022 will expire. They will not be reselected.
EOIs submitted after 9 May 2022
EOIs submitted on or after 9 May 2022 that are not selected will expire 6 months from the date of submission.
SMC Visa application process
Immigration New Zealand is asking for patience as they respond to the many EOIs expected in November.
Those invited to apply for an SMC Visa have four months to submit their application.
Submissions are made online.
Consultation on simplified points system for SMC
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is consulting on proposed new settings for the SMC to apply from mid 2023. Have your say:
Future of Skilled Migrant Category | MBIE.govt.nz
2021 Resident Visa
Immigration New Zealand encourages those who have already applied for a 2021 Resident Visa to continue with their application, rather than applying for an SMC Visa as well.
Currently, residence visa processing priorities are focused on completing the 2021 Resident Visa applications. INZ has committed to processing the vast majority of 2021 Resident Visa applications by June 2023.
