New Zealand

New Zealand Skilled Migration Visa

For the one who acquire New Zealand visa, the Skilled Migrant Category gives most of the rights including-

  • The ability to enter and leave the country,
  • To work for any employer,
  • Full access to health care benefits and educational subsidies,
  • For the New Zealand visa holders and their dependents.

There are two steps in applying for residence under the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category.

Stage one

One has to complete an EOI (expression of interest), in this EOI you can claim points for age, skilled employment, work experience, qualifications etc. your total points will help you to determine whether to submit your EOI for the selection process. At this stage, documentation is not a mandate

Stage two

If your EOI is shortlisted from the EOI pool, the government has to decide whether they will invite you to apply for residence in New Zealand; based on the points you have claimed.

The general time taken for processing the application of EOI is 8-12 weeks, The ITA contains a set of mandate rules and a list of documents that will be needed to be submitted to the nearest office.

Once the residence application with documents is submitted, an immigration officer will assess and decide if residence will be granted. They will communicate further if information is required.

The time taken for processing is 6-9 months
You will be required to submit your resident application within six months on the form which is in turn provided to you by the government. If it turns out to be successful, you will be issued either the resident visa or the job search New Zealand visa. Or bonus points will be compensated for work experience in an area of absolute skill shortage.

How many points do I need?

  • The Expression of Interest determines the points one has to claim for a skilled migrant, and 100 points will get your EOI into the pool, but the more points you have, the more likely you are to be selected. There are bonus points also awarded in some cases for you to work in an identified future growth area or in absolute skills shortage you get 10 points for that.
  • There are 10 points given if you work in a region outside Auckland, and 20 points more if your partner presently has a skilled job or job offer.
  • If you have 140 points over your EOI; it will be selected automatically for an ITA.
  • If you have points between 100-135 you are able to submit an EOI but it may not be selected.
  • You are more likely to be successful if you have - a job offer for skilled employment,

Following are the requirements

  • Be under 55 of age while invited to apply.
  • Required level of qualification and work experience
  • Fine health and character standards.
  • Appropriate English language proficiency

Why Choose Cosmos Visa for Your Skilled Migration Visa Application

  • Registered immigration consultancy based in Abu Dhabi for over a decade, serving applicants across the UAE.
  • Direct access to licensed consultants in destination countries through our partner network — RCIC for Canada, MARA for Australia, OISC for the UK.
  • Free initial eligibility assessment so you know whether to invest your time and fees before you commit.
  • Document preparation, application filing, and post-decision support are all included in our service.
  • Consultations available in person at our Abu Dhabi office or via video call for applicants outside Abu Dhabi.

How the Skilled Migration Visa Application Process Works

  1. Book a free eligibility check with our Abu Dhabi team on +971 2 645 8723, by WhatsApp, or by submitting the assessment form below.
  2. Submit the requested documents through our secure intake — we verify completeness and flag anything missing before filing.
  3. We prepare and file your application with the destination country's immigration authority and handle any clarifications they request.
  4. Track progress with your consultant until decision, and receive guidance on post-approval steps like landing, biometrics, or appeals if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Skilled Migration Visa application typically take?

Processing times vary by category and destination. Most Skilled Migration Visa applications take between three and twelve months from the date of complete submission. We give a specific estimate during your initial consultation based on your profile, current immigration backlogs, and the route you choose.

Can I apply for a Skilled Migration Visa while living in the UAE?

Yes. Cosmos Visa is built to assist applicants living in the UAE — particularly Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Northern Emirates. The majority of applications can be submitted from the UAE without requiring you to leave the country during processing.

What documents will I need to start the Skilled Migration Visa process?

Common requirements include a valid passport, educational and professional certificates, employment records, an English-language test result (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent), and proof of funds. The specific list depends on the visa category — your consultant provides a personalized checklist after the assessment.

How do I reach Cosmos Visa to begin?

Call our Abu Dhabi office on +971 2 645 8723, message us on WhatsApp at the same number, or fill in the assessment form on this page. Enquiries are answered within one business day, and consultations are free of charge.

Speak to a consultant about your Skilled Migration Visa options today. Call our Abu Dhabi office on +971 2 645 8723 or scroll down to the assessment form to start with a free eligibility check.

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