New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence for Indians
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Overview
Permanent residence through the points system, restructured on 24 August 2026 into three pathways: the existing 6-point route, plus new Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways. You need six points from qualifications, occupational registration or income, and the changes made this friendlier — New Zealand master's degrees now score 6 points against 5 for overseas master's, and wage assessment at the residence application stage was removed, so you only need to meet the median wage when your skilled work experience begins rather than continuously. Green List Tier 1 occupations, covering many health, engineering and ICT roles, skip all of this: a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer takes you Straight to Residence without doing the AEWV first.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 16–40 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $3,000. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Identify which of the three pathways fits you
- Calculate your six points
- Obtain an International Qualifications Assessment if needed
- Secure skilled employment with an accredited employer
- Accumulate the required skilled work experience
- Obtain occupational registration if your role requires it
- Complete medicals and police certificates
- Submit your residence application
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Is the Skilled Migrant Category Residence right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 16–40 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Skilled Migrant Category Residence cost?
- The government fee is approximately $3,000. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Skilled Migrant Category Residence?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in New Zealand is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Skilled Migrant Category Residence?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other New Zealand visas for Indians
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Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.