Overview

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a points-based pathway to residence for people who have skilled employment in New Zealand and meet other key requirements.

Who Can Apply?

To apply under the Skilled Migrant Category, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for residence.

Basic Eligibility to Submit an EOI

You may be invited to apply for residence if you confirm the following in your Expression of Interest:

• You are 55 years old or younger
• You and any family included meet character and health requirements
• You meet the minimum English language standard or intend to pre-purchase ESOL tuition (if allowed)
• You meet the skilled employment criteria (explained below)
• You can claim 6 points from one skill category, or from a combination of one skill category and your skilled work experience in New Zealand

Key Requirements to Apply

If invited, you must apply within 4 months. To be approved, you must:

• Meet health and character requirements
• Show English language ability
• Be 55 years or younger
• Have skilled employment in New Zealand with an accredited employer
• Earn a wage that meets the required threshold
• Have at least 6 points from the points system (explained below)

Skilled Employment Criteria

You must have a full-time job offer (30+ hours per week) that is:

• With an accredited employer
• Paid at or above:
  • $33.56/hour if your job is listed at ANZSCO skill level 1–3
  • $50.34/hour if your job is listed at skill level 4–5 or not in ANZSCO
• Ongoing (permanent or fixed term for at least 12 months)
• Genuine and lawfully obtained

Points System

To qualify, you need to claim at least 6 points. Points can be earned from:

1. Income

• 6 points: Income of $100.68/hour or more (3x median wage)
• 4 points: Income of $67.12/hour or more (2x median wage)
• 3 points: Income of $50.34/hour or more (1.5x median wage)

2. Qualification (based on NZ Qualifications Framework)

• 6 points: Level 10 – Doctoral Degree
• 5 points: Level 9 – Master’s Degree
• 4 points: Level 8 – Honours/Postgraduate Diploma
• 3 points: Level 7 – Bachelor’s Degree or Level 8 – Postgraduate Certificate

Overseas qualifications must be assessed by NZQA unless exempt.

3. New Zealand Registration, Licence or Certification

Points range from 3 to 6, depending on your profession and licensing body. This includes fields such as health, engineering, education, law, accounting, and trades.

(Example: Registered Nurse – 3 points, Chartered Accountant – 6 points)

View the full list of eligible registrations in New Zealand regulations.

Skilled Work Experience in New Zealand (Optional for Additional Points)

You can claim extra points for New Zealand skilled work experience in the 1–5 years before your application:

• 1 year: 1 point
• 2 years: 2 points
• 3 years: 3 points

Your work must have been full-time and paid at the required wage level during the relevant time.

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) – Key Criteria

1. Job Must Match the Right Occupation

Immigration NZ will check if your job or job offer closely matches a role listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

• Your job must include most of the key tasks described for that occupation.
• The officer may also consider your employer’s size, structure, and whether key tasks are handled at your workplace or elsewhere.

 2. Employment Must Be Genuine

• Jobs where money was paid to secure the offer are not accepted.
• Pay must be at market rates for the type of job in New Zealand.

3. Employment Must Be Legal

• Your employer must comply with all NZ employment and immigration laws.
• Your job must be genuine, legal, and follow NZ standards (like minimum wage, leave entitlements, etc.).

 4. Remuneration (Pay) Must Meet the Minimum

Your hourly rate is calculated based on:

• Guaranteed hours in your job contract
• If paid salary: Salary ÷ 52 weeks ÷ weekly hours
• If the pay range is given: Immigration NZ will use the lowest rate in the range
• Bonuses and commissions don't count unless guaranteed
• Accommodation may be included if it's listed in the contract

5. Variable or Overnight Hours

• If your job has variable hours, immigration may use the maximum hours listed to check if your pay meets the threshold.
• If your role includes overnight shifts (like in aged care), sleeping hours may be excluded — but only if:
  • You’re paid at least minimum wage while sleeping
  • You’re guaranteed at least 30 hours/week at normal pay

English Language Requirements

For Principal Applicants

You must meet the minimum English standard by providing:

• A valid English test result (like IELTS 6.5 overall), or
• Proof of citizenship + 5 years of work/study in an English-speaking country (e.g. UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, or NZ), or
• A degree taught in English in those countries (2 years study for bachelor's, 1 year for postgraduate)

 INZ may still ask for a test result even if other evidence is provided.

For Non-Principal Applicants (Partner/Children 16+)

They must either:

• Meet the English test standard (e.g. IELTS 5.0), or
• Pre-purchase ESOL (English) tuition through Immigration NZ

ESOL Tuition Fees (If English Test Not Met)

• The fee must be paid before the visa is granted
• ESOL classes must be taken within 5 years
• Refunds (minus admin fees) may be available if you don’t move to NZ

Important Notes

• All income and wage thresholds are based on the current median wage ($33.56/hour as of August 2025)
• You must be invited before you can apply for this visa
• False or misleading information in your EOI can lead to declined applications

For further information or to assess your eligibility, please contact a licensed immigration adviser at JD Immigration.