Should you can attain 6 skilled-resident factors, maintain (or have a proposal for) a expert job, and meet well being/character/English necessities, you’re within the recreation for the Expert Migrant Class (SMC) Resident Visa. Factors come from one of three ability pillars — qualification, occupational registration, or revenue — and you may high up with NZ expert work expertise (as much as +3) if wanted.
No, you don’t must work in NZ first if you have already got the 6 factors. You’ll be able to apply now (topic to the opposite necessities, like having a talented job provide).
How the present 6-point system works
- Select your principal pillar (one solely):
Qualification or NZ occupational registration or revenue. Every can provide 3–6 factors relying on degree. - High up with NZ expert work expertise:
Add as much as 3 factors for time in expert work in New Zealand to succeed in the 6-point threshold. - Earnings route
Greater pay bands earn extra factors; the highest band is 3× median wage = 6 factors. Verify INZ’s pay-rate steering earlier than you intend. - You continue to want the fundamentals:
Expert employment (or a talented job provide), be 55 or youthful, plus well being/character/English.
How one can earn factors now (sensible routes)
Qualification route
- Map your highest diploma and ensure degree/recognition (NZ or abroad).
- If abroad, plan for NZQA comparability the place wanted so your factors are literally recognised.
- Construct a clear proof pack (certificates, transcripts, official letters).
(Factors for {qualifications} sit inside the 3–6 band; verify your precise degree/recognition earlier than you depend on it.)
Occupational registration route
- In case your occupation requires NZ registration or practising certificates, this may be your single, strongest pillar.
- Begin early: some boards have multi-step processes or English/competency checks.
Earnings route (NZ Job)
- Use your present pay price towards INZ’s median-wage bands (proof should match contracts, payslips, and tax data).
- Bear in mind: the high band (3× median) yields 6 factors; decrease bands yield fewer factors.
NZ expert work expertise (top-up)
- In case your pillar provides you as much as +3 for expert NZ work expertise.
- Maintain the paper path tight: contracts, payslips, IR filings, job descriptions that match expert duties — not simply job titles.
What’s altering from August 2026 (and why to plan now)
The Authorities has introduced two further SMC residence pathways to retain skilled staff — focused launch August 2026. Count on:
- A Expert Work Expertise pathway (for expert roles with set expertise/wage standards), and a Trades & Technician pathway (for specified trades/tech roles with outlined qualification and NZ work elements).
- Changes that recognise NZ university-level {qualifications} extra and scale back some NZ work-experience necessities for sure pathways.
- Clarification that wage must be maintained by means of the required NZ expertise interval moderately than re-tested at residence software.
Closing operational settings will probably be revealed nearer to go-live; use the time to get evidence-ready
Construct an approval-grade proof pack (what INZ truly checks)
- Duties vs. occupation: Map actual duties to a expert occupation; titles alone don’t win factors.
- Pay proof: Contracts, payslips, and tax/IRD data should align with the wage band you declare.
- {Qualifications}/registration: Certificates, transcripts, board verifications, and (if wanted) NZQA comparability.
- Work historical past: Begin/finish dates, referees, and letters on letterhead for any abroad expertise you depend on.
(INZ’s public pages emphasise the pillars/factors, pay-rate thresholds, and that NZ work expertise factors are “expert” and evidence-based.)
Fast choice map
- Already at 6 factors by way of one pillar?
Apply (assuming you meet job/provide + different necessities). You don’t have to attend to construct NZ expertise. - Sitting at 3–5 factors?
Plan a top-up: both improve revenue band, safe registration, or accumulate expert NZ expertise (+1 to +3). - Eyeing 2026 pathways?
Use 2025–26 to assemble proof (wage, duties, quals) and shut gaps so you’ll be able to transfer the day settings open.
Backside line
The SMC 6-point system is designed to be clearer: one ability pillar does the heavy elevate; NZ expertise simply tops you up. Should you plan your route (and proof) now, the 2026 settings ought to broaden, not restrict, your choices — however provided that your documentation is audit-ready.
Disclaimer: Normal info solely — not immigration recommendation. For tailor-made recommendation, you will need to interact a Licensed Immigration Adviser below a written settlement.
Writer Particulars
Vandana Rai
(LIA 201400900)
Director
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has constructed a repute round her uncommon set of expertise, which might be thought-about perfect for her authorized career.
