New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa: Your Pathway to Residence
If you have employment skills in New Zealand, or an employment offer, the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa might be your pathway to residence. Known as the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, the visa provides a pathway to live, work and study in New Zealand on a permanent basis. Included in the application are your partner and dependent children up to the age of 24.
Living Without Borders supports your application at every step - from initial point scoring to decision on your residence application.
How the 6-Point System Works
There is no competitive ranking of candidates in New Zealand. But rather, you need a minimum of 6 skilled resident points. 3 to 6 of those points are taken from one area of skill only:
A certified qualification, such as a bachelor's, master's or PhD degree
A specific sector such as registered nurse, electrician or engineer.
Incomes from the job or job offer you're heading to New Zealand for (work) (as a proportion of the median wage)
Your category is less than 6, up to 3 points may be awarded for skilled work in New Zealand, at the rate of one point per year.
What has changed? Immigration New Zealand revised the SMC criteria in August 2026. Overseas degrees gained more points and new pathways were introduced that relate to skilled work experience and trade qualifications. If you have received a previous notification that you did not qualify, it might be worth reviewing your profile.
Core Eligibility Requirements
- Aged 55 or younger when you apply
- A full-time skilled job or job offer with an accredited New Zealand employer that meets the pay threshold
- At least 6 skilled resident points
- Minimum English language standard
- Health and character requirements for you and any family members included
From Expression of Interest to Residence
Expression of Interest applications The Expression of Interest (EOI) opens and closes periodically. If you score high enough and are invited to apply, you will need to do a residence application and supply evidence of your quals, employment and police/medical clearances. Mistakes at this stage, such as over claiming points, can affect your migration for years to come.
Licensed Advice You Can Rely On
Our NZ work is run by Liza Ong (IAA 201700673), a licensed adviser in employment and skilled work – with over 8 years’ experience working with employer sponsored and skilled work visas. She will give you a straightforward assessment about whether you qualify today, what to do if you don't and how to present your case.
Curious about where you fit? Submit your details and resume below to get a NZ Skilled Migrant Visa assessment.