Understanding New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Resident Visa

If you have the right skills, relevant experience, and a job offer in New Zealand, the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa could be your route to permanent residency. This visa is intended for skilled workers under the age of 55 who can contribute to New Zealand’s economy.

What is the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa?

The SMC Resident Visa allows qualified professionals who have a job or job offer in New Zealand to live and work there permanently. To be eligible, applicants must score at least six points based on qualifications, work experience, and employment with an accredited employer.

What This Visa Allows You to Do

With this visa, you can:

• Live, work, and study in New Zealand long-term

• Include your partner and dependent children (under 25) in your application

• Traveled in and out of New Zealand for the first two years

• Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after the initial period

Understanding the Points System

To be eligible, you must earn at least six points. Here’s how:

Primary Points (Choose one category only):

• 3 to 6 points based on:

  • Your qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher)

  • New Zealand occupational registration

  • Your income must be at least 1.5 times the median wage.
    Note: These categories are not combinable. You must select only one.

Additional Points:

• 1 point per year of skilled work experience in New Zealand (up to 3 points)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SMC Resident Visa, you must:

• Be 55 years of age or younger

• Have a job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer

• Be in good health and of good character

• Meet English language proficiency requirements

Required Documentation

You will need to provide the following:

• Passport and proof of identity

• Police clearance certificate

• Medical certificate

• Proof of English language ability

• Employment contract

• Proof of income or qualification

• New Zealand occupational registration (if applicable)

Application Process

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Use the online calculator to check your points

• Submit your EOI online (no charge)

• If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
  You have four months to submit your complete application after receiving the ITA

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• Complete the online application form

• Upload all required documents

• Pay the NZD 6,450 fee (includes a non-refundable immigration levy)

• Immigration New Zealand may request more information or invite you for an interview

• If applying from within New Zealand, ensure you hold a valid visa throughout processing

Processing Timeline

• 80 percent of new SMC applications are processed within six months

• Older applications under previous rules may take up to 25 months

Job Offer Requirements

To be eligible, your job or job offer must:

• Be for skilled work

• Be full-time

• Be with an accredited employer

• Be permanent, fixed-term for at least 12 months, or a service contract of at least 6 months

Travel and Entry Requirements

• Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arriving

• Entry may be denied if your character has changed or biometric requirements are not met

• You can travel freely in and out of New Zealand for the first two years

• Afterward, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa or request a variation to your travel conditions
  Note: Your visa becomes invalid if your travel conditions expire while you are overseas

Payment Options

Visa fees can be paid online via:

• Visa

• Mastercard

• UnionPay (credit or debit)

Contact Information

If you have questions, Immigration New Zealand is available:

• Monday to Friday, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (New Zealand time)

• Phone: +64-9-914-4100 or 0508-558-855 (within New Zealand)

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