Steps We Took in Applying for Resident Visa under Skilled Migrant Category

Though the following information can be found on the INZ website, I have outlined the steps to give you an overview of what you'll need to go through. I will be tackling specifically on how to get a resident visa under Skilled Migrant Category which is the visa type we applied for, not to mention the subject I am familiar with.

Step 1- Check Visa Options 

• Go to:  https://visaoptions.immigration.govt.nz/Home/Landing.aspx
• Then: https://visaoptions.immigration.govt.nz/Home/CommonPersonal.aspx 

Step 2 - Check eligibility (succeeding steps and links are specific to SMC)

• Quick Check  - minimum criteria for health, character and English ability ->   
• http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/skilledmigrant/caniapply/
• Compute total points (points threshold is 100) 
• Calculator-> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/pointsindicator/
• How points are assigned-> http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/skilledmigrant/caniapply/points/default.htm
• Proceed to the next step if total number of points equals 100 or above

Step 3 - Submit EOI

• Read details here -> 
• https://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/skilledmigrant/apply/
• For online EOI, create account here-> 
• https://www.immigration.govt.nz/secure/default.htm
• No need to complete online EOI all at once. As indicated on the site, you can save it and come back to it anytime you want. It is better to have all the documents and requirements ready before finally submitting your EOI so you don't get pressured completing everything down the road once deadlines are set by INZ. 
• Check requirements here-> http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/skilledmigrant/apply/evidence/

Step 4 - Wait for notification. If EOI is selected from the pool, you'll get notified  and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and a form that includes all information you indicated on your EOI. Check for discrepancies and inform the processing staff immediately if there's any.

Step 5 - Within 4 months upon receiving the ITA, send the hardcopy of the ITA application form, all relevant documents, proofs, evidences and application fee to INZ. Fees are subject to change so make sure you check the INZ site before making payments.

Step 6 - Allocation to case officer. A notification will be received in 1 to 2 months about allocation of your application to a case officer. This is under normal circumstances. Complexity of your case or availability of case officer might affect the turnaround time.

Step 7 - Interview with case officer over the phone. This will take several months depending on the complexity of your case or availability of CO. Ours took 9 months before interview was scheduled since our CO took a medical leave from work and was not endorsed to another CO. 

Step 8 - Wait for Approval. Within 1 to 3 months, you'll receive an invitation to apply for Job Search Visa (JSV), sometimes referred to as Work-to-Residence (WTR) or a Resident Visa (RV) if you're one of those lucky applicants. All requirements should be submitted within 3 months before the given expiration date. 

Step 9 - Send forms (JSV or RV), passports, and fees to  INZ for labelling or stamping. We paid 40 USD ($30 courier fee +  $10 bank fee). Labelling takes 10 working days.

Step 10 - Wait for your passport with visa stamp. We got our passports back with visa labels/stamps after 9 days.

* Steps above do not include other assessments (e.g., PAR, NZQA).

If JSV is granted instead of RV, another set of requirements have to be submitted. Check this post for the details: http://rovingfeet.blogspot.co.nz/2014/07/from-job-search-visa-to-residence-visa.html.