Skilled Migrant Category Residence Pathways
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Requirements
The Skilled Migrant Category requires you to have a suitable job (or job offer) with an accredited employer, be aged under 56, meet English language, health, and character requirements, and achieve a total of 6 points under the simplified points regime.
The policy allows applicants to immediately progress from an Expression of Interest to lodging a residence application, and introduces a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa.
Employment Requirements
Points can be claimed under only ONE skill category - occupational registration, qualification, or income - plus additional points for New Zealand skilled work experience.
Applicants must first have (or have an offer of) "skilled" employment. Assessment of whether employment is "skilled" is based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO 1.3 version).
Points System
The required 6 points can be achieved from one of the following:
- 6 points - NZ vocational or professional registration in a specified occupation requiring at least 6 years of training; or a PhD or doctorate; or a job paying at least 3x the current NZ median wage.
- 5 points - NZ registration in a specified occupation requiring at least 5 years of training; or a Master's degree.
- 4 points - NZ registration in a specified occupation requiring at least 4 years of training; or an Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma; or a job paying at least 2x the median wage.
- 3 points - NZ registration in a specified occupation requiring at least 2 years of training; or a Bachelor Degree or Postgraduate Certificate; or a job paying at least 1.5x the median wage.
There is no benefit in claiming more than the required 6 points. Points for qualifications can only be awarded if the qualification is recognised in policy settings.
NZ Skilled Work Experience Points
Additional points can be claimed for skilled work experience gained in New Zealand:
- 1 point - one year of skilled work experience
- 2 points - two years of skilled work experience
- 3 points - three years of skilled work experience
Current Pay Rates
The current median pay rate is $35ph (effective 09 March 2026). This rate applies to all median-indexed pay rates.
Key Considerations
The job must be deemed skilled, and you must be qualified by work experience or qualifications to perform it. Evidence of any required registration or licensing is mandatory for roles where this applies in New Zealand. Pay rates are also a key factor.
Get Advice from Pathways
Pathways immigration advisers are fully conversant with all new policy detail and application processes. With any new policy it is especially important to be guided by professionals who have the knowledge and understanding of the policy and can apply it correctly from the outset. Contact a Pathways adviser today to learn more about the new SMC policy and get your application started.
