The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is New Zealand’s primary points-based pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers. If you have a skilled job offer or are already working in a skilled role in New Zealand, and you meet the points threshold, the SMC provides a direct route to residency — no provisional period, no multi-step process. New Zealand’s immigration system was significantly reformed in late 2023, simplifying the SMC into a more streamlined, occupation-focused pathway.
Not sure if the Skilled Migrant visa is right for you? Take our 2-minute New Zealand Visa Match quiz to see all NZ immigration routes you qualify for.
Overview
Under the reformed system, the SMC uses a simplified 6-point scale (replacing the old 160-point system). Points are awarded based on your pay level relative to the New Zealand median wage, and bonus points for qualifications and work experience in New Zealand. The key requirement is that you must have a skilled employment — either a job offer or current employment — that pays at or above the median wage.
Eligibility Requirements
- Skilled employment: You must have a job or job offer in New Zealand that is skilled (ANZSCO Level 1-3) and pays at or above the median wage (currently NZD $31.61/hour or approximately NZD $65,700/year).
- Points: You need at least 6 points on the new simplified scale. Points are awarded for salary level above the median wage, NZ qualifications, and NZ work experience.
- Age: 55 or under at the time of application.
- English language: Must demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent).
- Health and character: Must meet standard requirements.
- Qualifications: Must be assessed as equivalent to NZ qualifications by NZQA (if obtained overseas).
Points System
- Pay at 1.0-1.5× median wage: 3 points
- Pay at 1.5-2.0× median wage: 4 points
- Pay at 2.0× median wage or above: 5 points
- NZ qualification (Level 7-8): 1 point
- NZ qualification (Level 9-10 / Master’s/PhD): 2 points
- NZ work experience (2+ years): 1 point
You need a minimum of 6 points. The simplest path: earning 2× the median wage (5 points) + any one bonus point. Or: 1.5× median (4 points) + NZ master’s degree (2 points).
Application Process
- Secure skilled employment in New Zealand (or already be employed).
- Get qualifications assessed by NZQA if they’re from overseas.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) through Immigration New Zealand’s online system.
- Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) — selections occur in regular rounds based on points ranking.
- Lodge full residence application with supporting documents, health checks, and police certificates.
- Attend any requested interviews or provide additional information.
- Receive Resident Visa.
Costs and Fees
- EOI fee: NZD $680
- Residence application fee: NZD $4,290
- NZQA qualification assessment: NZD $1,000-$1,200
- IELTS test: NZD $400-$500
- Medical examination: NZD $400-$700
- Police certificates: NZD $50-$200 per country
Total: approximately NZD $7,000-$8,000 for a single applicant.
Timeline
- Qualification assessment: 4-8 weeks
- EOI to ITA: Varies by points and selection round frequency
- Residence application processing: 6-18 months
- Total: 8-24 months from EOI submission
SMC vs. Other NZ Pathways
- Green List: Faster residence for specific in-demand occupations — but limited to the listed roles.
- AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa): A work visa, not residence. Can be a stepping stone to SMC.
- Partnership visa: Based on relationship with NZ citizen/resident — no employment requirement.
Tips
- Maximize your salary. Since points are primarily driven by pay level, negotiate the highest possible salary with your employer.
- Study in New Zealand. A NZ qualification adds points and strengthens your overall profile.
- Build NZ work experience first. Consider coming on an AEWV first to gain NZ experience, then transitioning to SMC once you meet the points threshold.
- Keep qualifications current. Ensure your NZQA assessment is completed before submitting your EOI — processing can take weeks.