Changes to Skilled Migrant Work to Residence Timescales

April 10, 2007


Immigration New Zealand have today announced changes to the Work to Residence component of the Skilled Migrant Category.

  • The Work to Residence period has been extended to allow principal applicants nine months in New Zealand to obtain an offer of skilled employment. This was previously six months.
  • Principal applicants who obtain an offer of skilled employment during this period will be granted residence with the requirement to remain in their skilled employment for three months.

These changes are effective from 10 April 2007 and apply to residence applications made on or after that date.