New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is New Zealand’s premier points-based immigration pathway for skilled professionals who want to live, work, and settle permanently in New Zealand. The new SMC system, effective from 9 October 2023, provides a clear, streamlined, and fairer points system to attract highly skilled workers in occupations critical to New Zealand’s economic growth.

• Be aged 55 or under
• Have a skilled job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand
• Meet the points threshold (minimum 6 points)
• Hold a valid AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa) or apply simultaneously
• Meet English language, health, and character requirements

1. New Zealand Occupational Registration

If your role requires registration in NZ (e.g., nurse, teacher, electrician):

6 Points

2. Qualification

Note: Overseas qualifications must be comparable to NZ standards and certified by NZQA if not on pre-approved list.

3. Income from Skilled Job

Points are awarded based on income relative to NZ median wage (currently NZD $31.61/hour or $65,748/year)

4. Skilled Work Experience (in NZ only)

Your job must be:

• Full-time (30+ hours/week)
• Paid at or above the median wage
• Listed in ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) at Level 1–3 or Level 4–5 (if Green List or registered)

Examples:

1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an online EOI if you can claim 6 points or more. You may apply at the same time as your AEWV or while already in NZ.
2. Invitation to Apply: Immigration NZ will invite you to apply if your EOI is accepted and ranked.
3. Apply for Residence: Submit your application with proof of employment and earnings, NZ qualifications or NZQA-comparable foreign degrees, work experience (especially in NZ), English test results (if applicable), medical and police clearance.
4. Decision: You’ll receive a decision granting you a resident visa or a request for further documents.

• IELTS: Overall 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 79
• PTE Academic: 58
• Cambridge: 176
• NZ qualifications taught in English

Processing Time: 4 to 7 months (depends on completeness and complexity)

• You can include your partner and dependent children (under 24, unmarried, no children of their own)
• They’ll be granted residence if your application is approved

• Live permanently in New Zealand
• Work for any employer
• Access to public health and education
• Sponsor family members
• Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) or NZ Citizenship