New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence for Filipinos
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 — the last of which matters for Filipino tradespeople and carers, whose experience previously counted for less than academic qualifications. You need six points from qualifications, occupational registration or income. Wage assessment at the residence application stage has been removed, so the median wage need only have been met when your skilled work experience began. Green List Tier 1 roles, including many nursing and health occupations heavily recruited from the Philippines, go Straight to Residence with a qualifying job offer, skipping the work visa stage entirely.
Requirements for Filipinos
| 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
- Choose the pathway that matches your strengths
- Calculate your six points
- Obtain an NZQA International Qualifications Assessment if needed
- Obtain New Zealand occupational registration
- Secure and hold skilled employment with an accredited employer
- Accumulate the required skilled work experience
- Complete medicals and police certificates
- Submit your residence application with family included
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 Filipinos?
- 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 Filipinos 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 Filipinos
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Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.