New Zealand
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
Also known as: SMC, 6-point system
- Pass mark
- 6 pts
- Model
- Fixed threshold
- Leads to
- Temporary → PR
- Path to PR
- 2 yr
- Job offer
- —
- Language test
- Yes
- Processing
- Varies
Points system
Skill category (one only)
6 ptsClaim from the single category worth the most: NZ occupational registration (3–6 by years of training required), recognised qualification (L7 bachelor 3 / L8 4–5 / L9–10 master–doctorate 6), or income (1.5× / 2× / 3× the median wage = 4 / 5 / 6).
Skilled work experience in New Zealand
3 pts1 point per year of skilled NZ work, up to a maximum of 3.
Pass mark: 6 points.
Path to permanent residency
- Grants PR directly: No
- Years to permanent residency: 2
Grants a Resident Visa first. After holding it for 2 consecutive years you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which adds indefinite travel rights (the Resident Visa already allows indefinite living and working).
Visas & streams
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Eligibility requirements
- At least 6 points from one skill category (plus optional NZ work experience)
- Skilled employment in New Zealand for most points routes
- Under 55 years of age
- Acceptable standard of English
- Health and character requirements
Disqualifiers
- Fewer than 6 points
- Over 55 years of age
- Job not assessed as skilled
Recent changes
- 2023-10-09
The previous 180-point system was replaced by the simplified 6-point system.
- 2026-08-24
Further reform changes how points are earned (e.g. maximum NZ work experience needed to reach 6 drops from 3 to 2 years); the 6-point threshold is retained.
Notes
The simplest qualifying bar of any system surveyed — a single PhD, a job paying 3× the median wage, or an occupation requiring 6+ years' registration each scores 6 points outright. No ranked pool, no competition: hit 6 and you qualify.
EasyPassport is a document-organization tool focused on citizenship by descent. This page is reference research, not legal or immigration advice. Points tables, thresholds, and salary floors change frequently — always verify with the official program authority before acting.