New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: The Simplified 6-Point System

Are you a skilled professional dreaming of a permanent life in Aotearoa New Zealand? The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is your pathway to a fulfilling new chapter. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has streamlined this crucial residence application with a new, clear 6-Point System, making the process more straightforward for highly skilled individuals.

The Core Requirement: 6 Points to Residence

To be eligible to apply for the SMC Resident Visa, you must meet the mandatory health, character, and English language requirements, and critically, demonstrate that you can claim a total of 6 skilled resident points.

You must first secure a skilled job or job offer from an Accredited Employer in New Zealand. This job must meet minimum wage and hour requirements.

The 6 points are calculated from two key areas:

1. Points from Primary Skill Indicators (3 to 6 Points)

You must claim your first set of points from ONE of the following three categories:

Primary Skill Indicator	Points Available	Highest Point Criteria
New Zealand Occupational Registration	3 to 6 Points	Registration requiring at least 6 years of training.
Recognised Qualification	3 to 6 Points	6 Points: Doctoral Degree
Income from Skilled Employment	3 to 6 Points	6 Points: Job or job offer paying at least 3 times the median wage.

Note: Points from these primary categories cannot be combined. For example, you cannot claim 3 points for your Bachelor's degree and 3 points for being paid 1.5 times the median wage. You must choose the category that gives you the highest initial score.

2. Points from Skilled Work Experience in New Zealand (0 to 3 Points)

If your Primary Skill Indicator does not give you the full 6 points, you can top up the remaining points by claiming for your skilled work experience gained in New Zealand.

New Zealand Skilled Work Experience	Points Available
One Year of Skilled Work in New Zealand	1 Point
Two Years of Skilled Work in New Zealand	2 Points
Three Years of Skilled Work in New Zealand	3 Points

Example Pathways to 6 Points

Pathway Scenario	Primary Indicator Points	NZ Work Experience Points	Total Points	Application Eligibility
Highly Qualified	6 Points (e.g., Doctoral Degree)	0 Points (Not required)	6	Eligible immediately upon securing a skilled job.
Mid-Level Qualification	3 Points (e.g., Bachelor's Degree)	3 Points (3 years NZ experience)	6	Requires 3 years of skilled work in New Zealand.
High Income Earner	4 Points (e.g., 2 times median wage)	2 Points (2 years NZ experience)	6	Requires 2 years of skilled work in New Zealand.

Let Us Simplify Your Journey

Navigating the New Zealand immigration landscape, especially the nuances of qualification recognition and the Accredited Employer requirements, can be complex.

At Aoye, we provide expert guidance to:

• Accurately calculate your potential 6-point score.

• Identify the most effective pathway for you to reach the 6-point threshold.

• Verify your qualifications and occupational registration status.

• Prepare and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) and full resident application.

Ready to turn your New Zealand dream into a reality? Contact us today for a comprehensive assessment of your eligibility under the SMC 6-Point System.