The Skilled Migrant Category addresses applicants who are planning to take up skilled employment in New Zealand.

Minimum requirements for a resident application under the Skilled Migrant Category are:

• Good health.
• Good character.
• Good English language capabilities.
• Age limit of 55 years.
• Point score of at least 100 under the points system.
• Occupation should be in the Skilled List of occupations.
• Additional points are scored if the occupation is on Long term skill Shortage list
  
  http://skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/long-term-skill-shortage-list.pdf

In principle every applicant who meets the above criteria might be eligible for a resident visa.

The application process under the Skilled Migrant Category consists of two main stages:

• Expression of Interest.
• Residence Application. In some cases a third stage, an assessment of the applicant`s qualifications, will be necessary.

Visa Fees :

Main Applicant:

• ONLINE SUBMISSION - NZD 2470
• PAPER SUBMISSION – NZD 2980

Parent/Spouse Dependent:

• ONLINE SUBMISSION - NZD 1220
• PAPER SUBMISSION – NZD 1530

Children Dependent:

• ONLINE SUBMISSION - NZD 610
• PAPER SUBMISSION – NZD 760

EOI Fees:

• ONLINE SUBMISSION - NZD 530
• PAPER SUBMISSION – NZD 620