Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is getting pressure from the number of Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and Residence from Work (RFW) Category applications. On 24 February 2020, INZ has spelt out how they will prioritise applications for people with occupational registration and high earners.

What has changed

The Deputy Chief Executive – Immigration has issued a new order to immigration officers on the order and manner of processing resident visa applications. In short, INZ will prioritise first applicants with current occupational registration or principal applicants who are paid an hourly rate at or above twice the median wage (from 24 February 2020 this will be NZD $51 per hour or NZD $106,080 a year).

To find the full list of all occupations requiring registration check on the official INZ website.

Why INZ is changing the process

As a result of receiving a large number of SMC and RFW applications, 90% of SMC applications were completed within 15 months in the last 3 months to 1 February 2020.

By making changes in the process, INZ expects approximately 20% – 25% of SMC and RFW applications received will be prioritised.

What this means for resident visas applicants

These changes will fast-track certain applications as the priority queue will be a smaller proportion of total applications on hand.

INZ has additionally provided the following information for applicants:

• INZ be able to resume allocating applications from the general queue that do not meet the priority criteria
• INZ will process the same number of resident visa applications as in previous years
• continue to prioritise people with occupational registration and those earning twice the median wage
• no longer prioritise applicants for Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visas unless they are either highly paid, or in an occupation requiring registration.

Applicants who are in New Zealand must remain on valid temporary visas while their resident visas are being processed. If your visa is due to expire soon, you must apply for a further temporary visa while your resident visa is processing.