If you’re aiming to settle in New Zealand as a skilled worker, the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is your gateway to achieving permanent residency. With the 2023 overhaul of the immigration system, New Zealand introduced a simplified points-based system designed to make the process more transparent, fair, and aligned with the nation’s long-term workforce needs.
This new structure eliminates the complex 180-point system that many migrants previously found difficult to navigate. Instead, it focuses on core skills, qualifications, and real work experience in New Zealand, making it easier for migrants to understand where they stand and what steps they need to take.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key changes in the system and offer actionable strategies to boost your points so you can confidently apply for your skilled migrant residence visa.
What’s Changed? Understanding the Simplified Points System
The Need for Change
Under the old 180-point system, many skilled migrants found themselves caught in a backlog or uncertain about their eligibility due to shifting thresholds and unclear requirements. The system also didn’t always align with the demands of the New Zealand labour market. As a result, many qualified candidates were left waiting, while employers continued to face skill shortages.
To address this, Immigration New Zealand implemented changes under the Immigration Rebalance initiative, which now prioritizes migrants with higher skills and wages, offering a more targeted and streamlined pathway to residency.
Key Features of the New System for Skilled Migrant Resident Visa
The new skilled migrant category points system revolves around a simple requirement: applicants must score at least 6 points to be eligible to apply. Here’s how it works:
- A job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer is mandatory.
- The job must be full-time and pay at least the median wage (or 1.5x median wage if the role is under ANZSCO level 4-5).
- There are no longer pool selections or caps, if you meet the criteria, you can apply immediately.
This makes the process much more predictable and applicant-friendly, especially for those ready to contribute to the New Zealand economy.
How the 6-Point Threshold Works
Applicants accumulate points in two main ways:
1. Core Points (3–6 points) based on:
- Qualifications, or
- Professional registration, or
- Income level
And if the applicant needs more points to qualify for “6 points”, they can obtain the final point(s) through :
2. New Zealand Work Experience (1–3 points)
- 1 point per year of skilled work experience in NZ (up to 3 years)
You only need 6 total points, so a combination of your core skillset and local work experience can quickly add up.
Breaking Down the Core Points
1. Professional Registration
If your profession requires official registration in New Zealand, like electricians, healthcare workers, or teachers, this can earn you between 3 to 6 points, depending on how long your registration-required training took (e.g., 6+ years of training = 6 points).
2. Qualifications
Academic achievements play a major role. Here’s how they translate to points:
- PhD – 6 points
- Master’s Degree – 5 points
- Honours or Graduate Diploma – 4 points
- Bachelor’s Degree – 3 points
If you’ve studied in New Zealand, your qualification may also make it easier to meet local employer expectations, boosting your employability and income.
3. Income Level
Another way to score points is through your remuneration:
- Earning 3× the median wage = 6 points
- Earning 2× the median wage = 4 points
- Earning 1.5× the median wage = 3 points
For those in lower-skilled occupations (ANZSCO Level 4–5), meeting at least 1.5× median wage is mandatory to qualify for points.
Adding Points Through New Zealand Work Experience
If you’re already working in New Zealand in a skilled role, you can gain:
- 1 point for each year of full-time employment (up to 3 years)
Work must be:
- Paid
- Full-time (30+ hours/week)
- At least the median wage (or at least 1.5× median wage for lower-skilled roles)
This is an excellent way for migrants already in the country, on a Post Study Work Visa or Accredited Employer Work Visa, to build their points toward the skilled migrant category resident visa.
Sample Scenarios to Understand Point Combinations
Here are a few realistic examples of how points can be combined:
- Scenario A: A PhD holder (6 points) with a job offer = eligible immediately.
- Scenario B: A Bachelor’s degree (3 points) + 3 years NZ work (3 points) = 6.
- Scenario C: Licensed professional (4 points) + 2 years work (2 points) = 6.
- Scenario D: High earner at 2× median wage (4 points) + 2 years NZ experience (2 points) = 6.
Eligibility and Additional Requirements SMC Visa
Apart from accumulating points, you must also meet basic eligibility criteria:
- Be under 56 years of age
- Have good health and character
- Meet English language proficiency
- Hold a job offer from an accredited employer, permanent or fixed-term
for at least 6 months.
These requirements ensure that applicants are ready to contribute positively to New Zealand society and the workforce.
Why the New Points System Works Better
Compared to the outdated 180-point model, the new system is:
- Simpler: Only two components, core skills and NZ experience
- Faster: Apply Expression of Interest (EOI) once eligible for the 6 points , and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) within the same day, if eligible. It is important to be sure of your eligibility before lodging an EOI.
- Fairer: Focused on what matters, skills, experience, income
- Transparent: Clear scoring method and predictable outcome
It’s a refreshing shift that rewards real value and makes the process more accessible for genuine skilled migrants.
Final Thoughts: Your Path to Residency Starts Here
If you’re serious about applying for the skilled migrant residence visa, now is the time to take control of your journey. Understand where your current profile stands, and explore opportunities to boost your points, whether by advancing your qualification, earning a higher salary, or gaining skilled work experience in New Zealand.
With the new system in place, securing your skilled migrant category resident visa is more achievable than ever, especially if you plan strategically and stay informed.
How Immigration Chambers Can Assist
At Immigration Chambers, we turn complexity into clarity. Our expert immigration lawyers don’t just guide you, they strategically map your profile to the new points system. From eligibility checks to job offer alignment and documentation, we help you navigate every step with precision. Whether you’re just starting out or boosting your points, your future in New Zealand starts here. Get in touch with our Licensed Immigration Lawyer New Zealand today and take the first confident step toward your Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
FAQs
1. How can I earn points under the new Skilled Migrant Residence Visa system?
Points can be earned through:
- Qualifications (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Professional registration in NZ
- Income level (1.5× to 3× median wage)
- Skilled work experience in New Zealand (1 point per year, up to 3 years)
2. Do I still need a job offer to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa?
Yes. A full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer, paying at least the median wage, is mandatory.
3. Does overseas work experience count towards points?
No. Only skilled work experience within New Zealand qualifies for points under the new system.
4. How are qualifications assessed for points?
Points are awarded based on the level of your qualification:
- PhD – 6 points
- Master’s – 5 points
- Honours/Graduate Diploma – 4 points
- Bachelor’s – 3 points
5. Can I apply directly or do I need to go through an Expression of Interest pool?
There is no longer a pool or selection process. If you meet the 6-point threshold and all eligibility criteria, you can apply directly.