Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Points-based residence for skilled workers, scored against the NZ median wage.
Official New Zealand pageWho this route is for
Skilled migrants with NZ registration, a recognised qualification, or income at or above median-wage multiples who can claim 6 points and have a skilled job or job offer.
Eligibility requirements
- Claim a total of 6 points from a single mix of registration, qualification, NZ occupational registration, or income (e.g. 6 points for a PhD or income at 3x the median wage)
- Be paid at least the median wage (NZD $35.00/hour) for ANZSCO level 1-3 roles, or NZD $52.50/hour (1.5x) for level 4-5 roles
- Be aged 55 or younger when you apply
- Meet health, character and English language requirements
Requirements reviewed July 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Points come from one of several combinations rather than being added across all categories. Income thresholds rose with the NZD $35.00/hour median wage on 9 March 2026. New Zealand's SMC rules change on 24 Aug 2026; verify the current rules with Immigration New Zealand before relying on any pre-change points estimate.
Check your points first
Use the free Skilled Migrant 6-Point Calculator to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.
Other New Zealand routes
Straight to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 1)
PermanentImmediate residence for people with a Tier 1 Green List job offer.
Work to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 2)
PathwayResidence after 24 months working in a Tier 2 Green List role.
Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
PathwayResidence pathway for care workers after 24 months in the sector.
Active Investor Plus Visa
PermanentResidence for high-net-worth investors via a Growth ($5M) or Balanced ($10M) category.