The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is New Zealand's flagship points-based residence pathway for skilled workers. Since the system was rebuilt in October 2023, it is far simpler than the old version: you need just 6 points, and almost everyone earns them from a single qualification, occupational registration, or their pay rate — topped up by skilled work experience in New Zealand.
This guide explains the current 6-point rules, how the free Expression of Interest (EOI) works, and what the residence application costs.
Important — this is NOT the old 160-point system. Until 2023 the SMC used a 160-point table that awarded points for age, partners, regional employment and bonus categories. That system is gone. If you find a guide quoting "160 points," "age points," or "partner points," it is out of date. The current system caps out at 6 + 3 points and ignores age entirely.
At a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Points needed | 6 (plus up to 3 for NZ work experience) |
| Points come from | One of: qualification, occupational registration, or income |
| Age limits | None |
| EOI fee | Free |
| Residence application cost | From NZ$6,450 (NZ$2,880 fee + NZ$3,570 immigration levy) |
| Typical processing | 12–18 months for the residence application |
| Outcome | Resident visa → pathway to permanent residence and citizenship |
How the Points Work
You claim points from one primary factor (worth 3–6 points), and can add up to 3 more points for skilled work experience in New Zealand. You need 6 points in total.
Primary factor — choose the one that gives you the most points
Option A — Qualification
| New Zealand qualification level | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree (Level 10) | 6 |
| Master's degree (Level 9) | 5 |
| Bachelor honours / postgraduate diploma (Level 8) | 4 |
| Postgraduate certificate (Level 8) or bachelor's degree (Level 7) | 3 |
Option B — Occupational registration (for regulated professions that require NZ registration)
| Registration requires a minimum of | Points |
|---|---|
| 6 years' training | 6 |
| 5 years' training | 5 |
| 4 years' training | 4 |
| 2 years' training | 3 |
Option C — Income (based on your hourly pay rate against the median wage, currently NZ$35.00/hour)
| Hourly pay rate | Multiple of median | Points |
|---|---|---|
| NZ$105.00+ | 3× median | 6 |
| NZ$70.00+ | 2× median | 4 |
| NZ$52.50+ | 1.5× median | 3 |
Top-up — New Zealand skilled work experience (up to 3 points)
| Skilled work in NZ | Points |
|---|---|
| 3 years (within the last 5) | 3 |
| 2 years (within the last 4) | 2 |
| 1 year (within the last 2) | 1 |
Worked example: A registered nurse on the occupational-registration route claims 4 points for a profession requiring 4 years' training, then adds 2 points for two years of skilled work in New Zealand — reaching the 6 points needed.
The EOI and Application Process
Unlike the old competitive pool, the current SMC is threshold-based: if you meet the 6-point requirement and the other criteria, you are selected.
Step 1 — Submit an EOI (free)
Submit an Expression of Interest online, setting out how you meet the 6 points. There is no fee to submit an EOI and you don't upload documents at this stage — just the details of your claim.
Step 2 — Invitation to Apply
If your EOI meets the requirements, INZ invites you to apply. You then have 4 months to lodge your full residence application.
Step 3 — Residence application
Submit documentary evidence for every point you claimed — qualifications, registration, employment and pay records. INZ verifies all claims and may request further information. The application costs from NZ$6,450 (a NZ$2,880 application fee plus a NZ$3,570 immigration levy).
Two New Pathways from August 2026
From 24 August 2026, the government is adding two further routes into the SMC for people whose skills are better recognised through experience than a single qualification:
- Skilled Work Experience Pathway — for migrants in higher-skilled roles (National Occupation List Skill Level 1–3) with 5+ years' experience (2 years in New Zealand), earning at least 1.1× the median wage (currently NZ$38.50/hour).
- Trades and Technician Pathway — for trades and technician roles with a Level 4+ qualification and 4 years' post-qualification experience (1.5 years in New Zealand).
A key improvement: the "double wage check" is removed — you only need to meet the wage threshold at the start of your qualifying work experience, not again at application time. Find an adviser to assess which route fits your situation.
Other Requirements (Everyone)
Points get you selected, but you must also meet standard residence criteria:
Skilled employment
Your role generally needs to be at ANZSCO / National Occupation List Skill Level 1–3, or paid at or above the median wage (NZ$35.00/hour), with qualifications or experience relevant to the role.
English language
- IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0), or
- PTE Academic 58 overall, or
- another accepted test at an equivalent level.
- Exemptions may apply for some English-speaking backgrounds.
Health and character
- Medical examination showing acceptable health
- Police certificates from every country lived in for 5+ years
- Character declarations
Costs
| Stage | Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| EOI submission | Free |
| Qualification assessment (if required) | $1,300+ |
| IELTS test | $400+ |
| Medical examination | $400–600 |
| Police certificates | Varies by country |
| Residence application (fee + immigration levy) | $6,450 |
Your partner and dependent children can be included in the residence application; each additional applicant attracts their own fee. Partners receive open work rights and children attend school as domestic students.
Processing Times
- EOI: selected on an ongoing basis once requirements are met
- Invitation to application: you have 4 months to lodge
- Residence application: typically 12–18 months, varying with INZ workload
Maintain your work visa status throughout — your employer may need to renew it while the residence application is processed.
After Residence
Once approved, your SMC resident visa provides:
- Indefinite stay in New Zealand
- Full work rights
- Access to public services
- A pathway to permanent residence and, later, citizenship
- Travel conditions (typically 2 years)
After meeting your travel conditions you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which removes travel conditions entirely.
Thinking about applying through the Skilled Migrant Category? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can confirm your points, identify the strongest route, and guide your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for the Skilled Migrant Category?
You need 6 points. You claim 3–6 points from one primary factor — a qualification, occupational registration, or your income (pay rate) — and can add up to 3 more points for skilled work experience in New Zealand. The old 160-point system was replaced in October 2023.
Does my age affect my SMC points?
No. The current 6-point system does not award or deduct points for age. Age points only existed under the pre-2023 system.
Is there a fee to submit an SMC Expression of Interest?
No — submitting an EOI is free. You only pay when you lodge the full residence application after being invited, which costs from NZ$6,450 (a NZ$2,880 fee plus a NZ$3,570 immigration levy).
How long does Skilled Migrant Category residence take to process?
After submitting a full application, processing typically takes 12–18 months, though it varies with INZ workload. Check the INZ website for current processing times. Your employer may need to renew your work visa during this period.
Can I include my partner and children in an SMC application?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children under 24 can be included in your residence application. Each additional applicant attracts their own fee. Your partner also receives open work rights, and children can attend school as domestic students.