I just want to say thank you to everyone here for your advice and support and wish all the best to all of those who are still in the process.
Just for future reference, here are my details and timeline.
- Came to NZ 30th October 2013 (Working Holiday Visa)
- Found a job as a hospitality manager in June 2014 and received my Essential Skills Work Visa on 4th of September
SMC Timeline (Lodged in Auckland Central):
17/3 2015 - EOI filed (165 points)
18/3 2015 - EOI selected
27/3 2015 - Invitation to apply
02/4 2015 - SMC Application lodged
11/5 2015 - Contacted by Case officer, some questions asked and additional documents requested to be submitted within 4 days
15/5 2015 - Employer contacted by email
04/6 2015 - Online status changed to approved
09/6 2015 - Approval in Principal send by email
Now im off to hand in my passport.
I realize that my process went through really quickly (just like my essential skills visa a year prior, which was done in 4 days), but it was all still pretty stresful due to some things at work. All in all, I am a happy man now.