Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa New Zealand

What Is the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa?

The SMC is New Zealand's flagship skilled migration residence visa. It grants permanent residence, letting you live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely and eventually apply for citizenship. The current 6-point system replaced the old 180-point model in October 2023.

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SMC Visa Points (Updated 2026)

Skill categories (pick one):

Qualification (NZQF level) Points
Level 10 — Doctoral degree 6
Level 9 — Master's degree 5
Level 8 — Bachelor Honours / Postgrad Dip or Cert 4
Level 7 — Bachelor's degree 3
Income (based on $35.00/hr median wage) Points
3× median wage — NZD $105.00/hr 6
2× median wage — NZD $70.00/hr 4
1.5× median wage — NZD $52.50/hr 3
NZ occupational registration (years of training required) Points
6+ years 6
5 years 5
4 years 4
2 years 3

Plus skilled work experience in New Zealand: 1 year = 1 point, 2 years = 2 points, 3 years = 3 points.

The SMC 6-Point System Explained

You need 6 points. You claim 3 to 6 points from ONE skill category

— qualification, registration, or income (you cannot mix categories)

— and top up with up to 3 points for skilled work experience in New Zealand (1 point per year).

Example: a Bachelor's degree (3 points) + 3 years of skilled NZ work (3 points) = 6 points. Overseas qualifications must be assessed by NZQA (an IQA) unless exempt. 

Try Our Free SMC Calculator

SMC Eligibility Requirements

To qualify you must:

  • Be 55 or younger

  • Have a skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer — at least 30 hours/week, permanent or a 12+ month contract

  • Have a role at ANZSCO skill level 1–3 paid at or above the median wage, or level 4–5 paid at 1.5× the median wage

  • Reach 6 skilled resident points

  • Meet English language requirements

  • Meet health (medical waivers may apply) and character standards (police certificates required)
Complete a free assessment
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Need help with your NZ Work Visa?

IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with work visa applications.

SMC Costs & Processing

  • Cost: from approximately NZD $6,450, including the migrant levy (varies by family size — confirm current fees before applying)

  • Processing: times vary by application volume and complexity; complete, well-evidenced applications move fastest

Because fees are non-refundable and the bar is now precise, preparation matters — see the top 10 reasons NZ visas are declined.

Changes Coming 24 August 2026

Immigration New Zealand has confirmed significant SMC reforms from 24 August 2026:

  • Two new residence pathways:
    • Skilled Work Experience pathway — for ANZSCO level 1–3 roles, with at least 5 years of directly relevant experience including 2 years in New Zealand at 1.1× the median wage

    • Trades and Technician pathway — for specified trades/technician roles with a Level 4+ qualification and at least 4 years' post-qualification experience, including 18 months in NZ at or above the median wage

  • Reduced NZ work experience — the maximum needed drops from 3 years to 2 years for most pathways

  • More points for New Zealand qualifications than overseas ones, helping local graduates

  • Red and amber lists that determine which roles can use the new pathways

  • Simplified wage rules — maintain the required median wage through your experience period rather than proving a higher wage at application

  • A new recognised occupational registration for accountants, and extended English test validity

These changes could materially shift your best pathway.

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The SMC Application Process

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) showing you meet 6 points

  2. Receive an Invitation to Apply if selected

  3. Submit your residence application with evidence — job offer, qualification/NZQA assessment, English results, police and medical certificates

Many applicants enter the SMC after time on an AEWV or via Work to Residence. See all residence pathways for skilled migrants.

Complete a free assessment
nz citizenship benefits

Need help with your NZ Work Visa?

IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with work visa applications.

Step by Step

Our Process

free evaluation

1. Free Eligibility Check

Complete our short questionnaire and attach your resume (or provide a summary of qualifications and work experience).

Within 48 working hours, we will provide a free written assessment of Visa options.

online consultation

2. Online Consultation

Book a 75–90 minute paid online consultation to explore your visa options and get answers to all your questions.

visa application

3. Visa Application 

Once you decide to proceed, we will handle the preparation and processing of your visa application.

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consultations held so far...
Yunus

Malaysia

"The only migration agency you need for AU and NZ. Heard a couple of bad experiences through my friends with other agencies. Ian, Jo and Hamish are thorough professionals and they mean business! It has been a wonderful journey indeed. Thank you IMMagine!"

Michael

South Africa

"A massive thank you to Tiffany, Hamish and Chen. Thanks to their knowledge, hard work and expertise, my family and I were fortunate to receive our 190 visa.

Chen and all the people we worked with at IMMagine, expertly guided us through this long process and we always knew that we couldn't be in better hands. They were professional, incredibly patient, understanding, knowledgeable and always a quick email away.

We will be eternally grateful for this wonderful opportunity!"

David

South Africa

"Immagine have to be the BEST immigration consultants. A thorough, professional team that get results. Outstanding in my experience."

Ian

South Africa

"Excellent service and very knowledgeable. We were guided through the entire process and ended up being invited to apply for the best visa of all... a 189! It's really hard to get into Australia... but Immagine made the process as enjoyable as it can possibly be."

Rit

Malaysia

"5 star service. Not only is the team knowledgeable but the level of execution and communication was outstanding. The whole process was stress free."

Mei

Singapore

"Very happy and grateful to have applied my permanent residency visa with IMMagine. The team there are professional and efficient. It was a long and patient wait with them for my visa to get approved but they have made the process easier. Kane was amazing with the whole process. Updates were sent frequently via email to notify the progress of the visa application. Made it worry free!"

Nikiko

South Africa

"Very happy with their services. They come highly recommended by us and are highly responsive and professional. Even though their fee is slightly more than others you will not regret and for those skeptical South Africans like us they are legit.. We have our VISA'S!!!"

Or

Israel

"We used the services of IMMagine for our permanent residency application, and April and Kane were fantastic and very supportive all through the process. They were always super quick to respond, and communication was effortless, which is extremly important in thsi proces. Our visa was unique and unusual, but April worked closely with my employer to receive all the needed information, and it was excepted.
I would highly recommend IMMagine services."

Viola

South Africa

"IMMagine supported us from day 1 with every submission, meticulously double checking all our documents. We received residency 16 days to the year since my arrival in NZ. IMMagine was on top of every announcement during COVID which allowed for a stress free and flawless application process. Thank you IMMagine, for making a dream come true."

Darmain

South Africa

"Immagine Immigration should no doubt be Your immigration company of choice , they dont sell You false promises and will never mislead You. I have used them and have never looked back . Kane Downs is indeed an awesome consultant and has been there for Myself and My Family every step of the way from start to finish for the last 7 years . A true Legend indeed who guided Us with honesty and integrity . Thanks Kane and Immagine Immigration , Highly Appreciated !!!"

Lafras

South Africa

"Very competent staff and very understanding of your conditions and needs. Thank you for a job well done over multiple applications."

Lauren

South Africa

"Excellent advice and outstanding service. The team at Immagine are fantastic and would highly recommend them to anyone needing their services."

FAQs

Browse our FAQs for Answers

Six. You claim 3–6 from one skill category (qualification, NZ registration, or income), plus up to 3 for skilled work experience in New Zealand.

Need Help With Your NZ Work Visa?

IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with NZ work visas. Contact us today!