New Zealand · skilled migration · Leads to settlement
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Points-based residence visa for skilled workers — New Zealand's primary pathway to permanent residence for skilled migrants.
- Processing time
- 6–12 months post-invitation (variable).
- Government fees
- NZD 4,290 principal applicant (verify on INZ).
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is New Zealand's flagship points-based residence pathway. Points are awarded for skilled employment or a job offer, qualifications, age, and work experience in New Zealand. The system was substantially reformed in October 2023: a simplified 6-point system replaced the older 180-point model. Applicants must have skilled employment or a job offer from an accredited employer, and claim points that meet the threshold. Residence is granted directly (not provisional) for successful applicants.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian nationals are the largest SMC applicant group. IT, engineering, and healthcare are the primary occupational flows…
British applicants
British nationals benefit from strong qualification recognition (UK degrees are well-regarded by NZQA) and English-langu…
South African applicants
South Africans are a top-five SMC source nationality. Engineering, healthcare, and IT are the primary occupational flows…
Filipino applicants
Filipino SMC applicants concentrate in healthcare (NZRN-registered nurses, aged care), trades, and IT. Nursing registrat…
Chinese applicants
Chinese SMC applicants concentrate in IT, engineering, and accountancy. NZQA qualification assessment for Chinese degree…
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Skilled employment in New Zealand, or a job offer from an accredited employer in a role on the Green List or at or above the median wage.
- ✓Meet the points threshold under the reformed 6-point system (points for salary level, qualifications, NZ work experience, and other factors).
- ✓Age: generally 55 or under at the time of application.
- ✓Meet health and character requirements.
- ✓English-language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent.
Common blockers
- !Occupation not on the Green List and salary below the median wage threshold.
- !Insufficient points under the reformed system.
- !Age over 55.
Typical evidence
- ·Employment contract or job offer from an accredited NZ employer.
- ·Qualifications assessment (NZQA for most qualifications).
- ·IELTS or equivalent English test results.
- ·Police certificates from every country lived in for 5+ years since age 17.
- ·Medical and chest X-ray certificates.
Application pathway
Secure skilled employment in NZ
Most successful SMC applicants already hold an AEWV or other work visa in New Zealand. A job offer from an accredited employer is the starting point.
Obtain qualifications assessment
Submit overseas qualifications to NZQA for recognition and comparability assessment. This can take 4–8 weeks.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI via INZ's online system with your points claim.
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
INZ selects EOIs by points ranking in regular selection rounds.
Lodge full residence application
Submit the full application with supporting documents within 4 months of invitation.
Residence visa granted
On approval, you receive a resident visa. After 2 years of meeting residence conditions, you can apply for permanent resident status.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantSubmit Skilled Migrant EOI ↗
Applicant submits an expression of interest, then completes the resident visa application if invited.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) · verified
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Related routes
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa — New Zealand's main route for skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited employer.
Post-Study Work Visa
Open work visa for international graduates of eligible New Zealand qualifications — 1 to 3 years depending on qualification level and location.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need for the Skilled Migrant Category?+
Under the reformed system (October 2023), the points model was simplified to 6 points. Points are awarded for salary level, qualifications, NZ work experience, and other factors. The exact threshold and point values are set by INZ — check the current SMC points table on the INZ website before submitting an EOI.
Do I need a job in New Zealand to apply for the SMC?+
In practice, yes. While the rules technically allow applications without current employment, nearly all successful applicants have skilled employment or a confirmed job offer from an accredited employer. Securing an AEWV first and then transitioning to SMC is the most common pathway.
What is the Green List and how does it help?+
The Green List is a list of occupations that New Zealand considers to be in significant, sustained demand. Roles on the Green List may qualify for a direct pathway to residence (Straight to Residence) or a simplified work-to-residence pathway. If your occupation is on the Green List, your path to residence is generally faster and more certain.
Does the SMC give permanent residence immediately?+
Not quite. The SMC grants a resident visa, which allows you to live and work in NZ indefinitely but with travel conditions. After 2 years of meeting residence conditions (typically living in NZ), you can apply for a permanent resident visa — which has no travel conditions and never expires.
Is the SMC points system the same as Australia's?+
No. Although both are points-based, New Zealand reformed its SMC in October 2023 to a much simpler 6-point model focused on salary level, qualifications, and NZ experience. Australia's SkillSelect system scores across more factors. The two systems are not interchangeable — you need to assess your eligibility separately for each country.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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