New Zealand offers a clear route to residence for skilled workers through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa. Since late 2023 it uses a simple 6-point system instead of the old long points table. Most successful applicants first move to New Zealand on a work visa, gain local experience and then apply for residence. This guide explains how the system works and the steps from job offer to PR.
Skilled Migrant Category at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Resident visa (permanent-type residence) |
| Points needed | 6 points |
| Job requirement | Skilled job or job offer in New Zealand, usually paid at least the median wage |
| Age limit | 55 or under |
| English | Usually IELTS 6.5 overall or an equivalent test |
| Process | Expression of Interest → Invitation → Residence application |
How the 6-Point System Works
You need 6 points. You can claim points from one of three skill categories, and add points for skilled work in New Zealand.
| Category | How to get points | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational registration | Registration with a New Zealand professional body (e.g. doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers), depending on the length of training | 3 to 6 |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (3), post-graduate / master’s (5), doctorate (6), assessed against NZ standards | 3 to 6 |
| Income | Job or offer paying at least 1.5x, 2x or 3x the NZ median wage | 3 to 6 |
| Skilled work in New Zealand | 1 point per year of skilled work in NZ | Up to 3 |
Example: an engineer with a bachelor’s degree (3 points) who has worked 3 years in New Zealand (3 points) reaches 6 points. A doctor with full NZ registration may reach 6 points straight away.
Other Routes to New Zealand Residence
- Green List – Straight to Residence: for occupations such as certain doctors, engineers and specialists. You can apply for residence once you have a qualifying job offer.
- Green List – Work to Residence: for occupations such as some trades and nurses, after working in New Zealand for a set period (commonly 2 years).
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): the main work visa. It does not give residence directly, but most SMC applicants start on it.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Get a job with an accredited employer
Most foreign workers need a job offer from an accredited employer and an AEWV to start working in New Zealand. Search openings and compare offers carefully.
Step 2: Check your points
Choose your strongest category – registration, qualification or income – and count your New Zealand work experience.
Step 3: Get qualifications assessed
Overseas qualifications may need an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from the NZ Qualifications Authority, unless they are on the exempt list.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your EOI online and pay the fee. Immigration New Zealand selects EOIs that meet the points threshold.
Step 5: Apply for residence
After an invitation, lodge your residence application with medical certificates, police certificates, English results and proof of employment.
Step 6: Decision
Processing times vary. Once approved, you can live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely, subject to travel conditions.
Documents You Will Need
- Passport and photos
- Employment agreement and payslips from your NZ job
- Qualification certificates and IQA (if required)
- Occupational registration certificate (if claiming registration points)
- English test results
- Medical and chest X-ray certificates
- Police certificates from countries you have lived in
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Target Green List occupations if they match your skills.
- Negotiate a salary that meets higher income thresholds – it can earn more points.
- Keep your employment continuous and documented in New Zealand.
- Take your English test early and aim above the minimum.
Check your profile with our free New Zealand PR points calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for NZ PR from India directly?
It is possible if you already meet 6 points without NZ work (for example through registration or a doctorate) and have a qualifying job offer. Most applicants first work in New Zealand.
Is a job offer compulsory?
Yes. The SMC requires skilled employment or a job offer in New Zealand that meets the wage threshold.
Can my family come with me?
Your partner and dependent children can usually be included in your residence application.
What is the difference between resident and permanent resident in New Zealand?
A resident visa lets you live in New Zealand indefinitely, but has travel conditions. After meeting requirements, usually 2 years, you can apply for a permanent resident visa with no travel conditions.
Related Guides
Compare New Zealand with other options in PR visa for Indians and how to get a PR visa.
Rules and wage thresholds change regularly. Always check the latest information on Immigration New Zealand.
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