WR5 Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Instructions

1. Subject to WR5 (b) to (f) below, principal applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) who:
   1. do not qualify for points for an offer of skilled employment or current skilled employment in New Zealand; and
   2. have not undertaken full time study for at least two years in New Zealand that has resulted in the award of a Doctorate or Master’s degree; and
   3. whose SMC application otherwise meets all requirements for approval

   may be granted a work visa and entry permission for the purpose of obtaining an offer of ongoing skilled employment in New Zealand.

2. If the principal applicant is in New Zealand and currently holds, or in the last 24 months has held, a work visa granted under the WD Study to Work instructions then they are not eligible for a work visa under these instructions.
3. An application for a work visa must be made within three months of the date of advice from INZ that the principal applicant may apply for the grant of a work visa under these provisions.
4. Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to maintain themselves for a period of at least three months in New Zealand, such funds being:
   1. (if they have pre-paid accommodation) a sum of NZ$400, per month; and
   2. (if they do not have pre-paid accommodation) a sum of NZ$1,000 per month.
5. Applicants must also provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to purchase an outward ticket from New Zealand for themselves.
6. Applicants under these Instructions must be assessed as bona fide applicants for a temporary visa.
7. Work visas granted under these instructions will allow work for any employer in New Zealand.

Note: Applicants who made an application under the SMC before 21 December 2005, may be granted a work visa in accordance with the SMC instructions that were in effect at the time their SMC application was made.

Note: Applicants who made an application under the SMC on or after 21 December 2005 and before 10 April 2007, may be granted a work visa in accordance with the SMC instructions that were in effect at the time their SMC application was made.

Effective 28/08/2017