The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Residence Visa is one of New Zealand’s most popular pathways to residence. It is designed to attract individuals who have skills and experience that are in demand in New Zealand, helping to fill skill shortages and support economic growth.
This visa category aims to bring in people who can make a meaningful contribution to New Zealand’s economy and society by sharing their expertise, working in critical industries, and integrating into local communities.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria—including a points-based assessment, health and character requirements, and employment conditions—can be granted a resident visa. This resident visa allows them to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, and is an important step toward obtaining permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
The SMC Residence Visa offers skilled workers and their families a clear and structured pathway to build a future in New Zealand while supporting the country’s long-term development goals.
The SMC visa uses a points-based system. You need to claim at least 6 points under specific criteria and meet mandatory health and character requirements.
To apply, you must have:
Minimum Pay Requirements:
ANZSCO Level 1–3: Minimum NZD 33.56/hour
ANZSCO Level 4–5: Minimum NZD 50.34/hour (i.e., 1.5 × 33.56)
To be eligible, you must earn at least 6 points. You can claim between 3 and 6 points from one of these three main skill indicators:
You can only choose one of the above as your main skill indicator.
Additionally, you can claim 1 point for each year of skilled work experience in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 extra points. These work experience points can be combined with your main skill indicator.
Processing times can vary:
If your temporary work visa expires while your Skilled Migrant Category residence application is in process, you’ll automatically be granted a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa. This interim visa starts the day after your current visa ends and remains valid until a decision is made on your residence application.
The advertised application fee is NZ$ 6,450. This fee covers the cost of processing the residence visa application for all family members included. It’s important to check the latest official guidance, as fees may change over time or vary depending on individual circumstances.
Map out your career goals and aspirations with the help of a CareerBricks expert. This first step makes the process highly student-centric fitting to your needs and requirements.
