Thinking about building a new life in New Zealand? You’re not alone. With its peaceful lifestyle, career opportunities, and family-friendly environment, New Zealand continues to be one of the most desired countries for skilled professionals to settle in.
If you’re planning to apply for permanent residency (PR), the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is one of the most common ways to get there. But before you start your journey, it’s important to understand how the points system works.
🌏 What Is the Skilled Migrant Category Visa?
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is a program managed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). It’s designed to bring in skilled workers who can fill roles that are in demand and help the country’s economy grow.
Every year, the New Zealand government invites thousands of skilled migrants to apply for residency — currently aiming for about 26,000 immigrants per year under this category.
The visa is based on a points system, which determines if you’re eligible to apply for residence. The more points you have, the stronger your chances of getting invited.
🎯 How the Points System Works
To apply for this visa, you’ll need to score at least 6 points.
You can earn points from one of three main areas:
1. Your qualification (degree or higher education)
2. Your income in New Zealand
3. Your occupational registration (for professions that need it)
You can also gain extra points for work experience in New Zealand, up to 3 points.
However, you can’t mix points from different areas. You must reach the required 6 points within one category.
🎓 Points for Educational Qualifications
If you’ve completed higher education, you may qualify for points under NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) recognition.
Level 7 – Bachelor’s Degree: 3 points
Level 8 – Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma or Bachelor’s Honours: 3–4 points
Level 9 – Master’s Degree: 5 points
Level 10 – Doctoral Degree (PhD): 6 points
💰 Points for Income in New Zealand
If you’re working or have a job offer in New Zealand, your income can also help you qualify.
1.5x median wage (NZD $44.49/hr): 3 points
2x median wage (NZD $59.32/hr): 4 points
3x median wage (NZD $88.98/hr): 6 points
🧾 Points for Occupational Registration
For certain professions like healthcare, teaching, or engineering, occupational registration is required in New Zealand. The number of years of training or experience needed determines your points.
2+ years of training/experience: 3 points
4+ years: 4 points
5+ years: 5 points
6+ years: 6 points
👔 Skilled Work Experience in New Zealand
Each year of work experience in New Zealand adds one point, up to 3 points.
1 year (in last 2 years): 1 point
2 years (in last 4 years): 2 points
3 years (in last 5 years): 3 points
🗣️ English Language Requirement
You must show English proficiency through IELTS or PTE Academic.
Competent: IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50
Proficient: IELTS 7.0 / PTE 65
Superior: IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79
✅ Eligibility Criteria
– Under 55 years old
– Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher
– 6–8 years of work experience
– Meet English language requirements
– Be in good health and character
– Have a skilled job offer or work for a recognized employer
– Earn at least 1.5x the median wage
🌟 Benefits of New Zealand PR
– Live, work, and study in New Zealand without restrictions
– Access public healthcare and social benefits
– Free education for children at public schools and universities
– Sponsor family members
– Apply for citizenship after required stay
– Children born in New Zealand become citizens automatically
✈️ Final Thoughts
The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Visa offers a fair and clear pathway to permanent residency. With a straightforward 6-point system, it’s easier than ever for skilled professionals to build a new life in one of the world’s most peaceful and progressive countries.
Stay tuned to EventsNotification.com for the latest immigration updates and visa news
