New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category resident visa needs 6 points. You score them from one of three things (a qualification, an occupational registration or your income) and can top up with up to 3 points for skilled work in New Zealand. Check where you stand below.
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How the 6-point system works
You pick the one category that gives you the most points. Points from different categories don’t add together. You can then add New Zealand skilled work experience: 1 point for 1 year, 2 for 18 months and 3 for 2 years.
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (NZ or international) | 6 |
| NZ master’s with 30+ weeks of full-time study in NZ | 6 |
| NZ bachelor’s, honours or postgraduate diploma; other NZ master’s; international master’s | 5 |
| International bachelor’s, honours or postgraduate diploma | 4 |
| Occupational registration needing 2 / 4 / 5 / 6 years’ training | 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 |
| Income at 1.5× / 2× / 3× the wage threshold ($52.50 / $70 / $105 an hour) | 3 / 4 / 6 |
You also need a job or job offer with an accredited employer for at least 30 hours a week, paid at least the wage threshold ($35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026) for skill level 1–3 jobs, or 1.5 times it for skill level 4–5 or unlisted jobs. You must be 55 or younger and meet the English, health and character requirements.
Worked examples
These are made-up profiles to show how the points add up.
1. An overseas graduate in an accredited job
An international bachelor’s gives 4 points. After 18 months working in New Zealand in a skilled role paying $40 an hour, NZ experience adds 2, making 6. With only a year of NZ work it would be 5, so timing the application matters.
2. A high earner with no degree
A software lead paid $72 an hour earns more than 2 times the $35 threshold, worth 4 points. Two years of NZ experience adds 3. The total is capped at what’s needed, so 6. Paid $105 an hour or more, income alone gives 6 points from day one.
3. A registered professional
A registered nurse whose registration needs 4 years of training scores 4 points. One year of NZ nursing work after registration adds 1, and the second year takes the total to 6.
Other routes to residence
- Skilled Work Experience pathway: 5 years’ experience in a skill level 1–3 job, including 2 years in New Zealand, paid at least 1.1 times the threshold ($38.50 an hour).
- Trades and Technician pathway: a level 4 or higher qualification in an eligible trade plus post-qualification experience, part of it in New Zealand.
- Green List roles may qualify for a straight-to-residence or work-to-residence visa instead.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need for the NZ Skilled Migrant Category?
6 points. They come from one of qualification, occupational registration or income, plus up to 3 for skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Can I combine qualification and income points?
No. You claim points from only one of the three categories, the one that gives you the most, then add NZ work experience points.
What is the SMC wage threshold?
$35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026. Income points need at least 1.5 times this, and skill level 4–5 jobs must pay at least 1.5 times it too.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. The principal applicant must be 55 or younger.
Is this immigration advice?
No. It’s a guide to the published rules. Check Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser before applying.
Sources
- Immigration New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Immigration New Zealand: SMC wage thresholds
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