Who the SMC is for
INZ says applicants must be 55 or younger, be working for or have a job offer from an accredited employer, meet the requirements for one of the SMC pathways, and speak and understand English. The visa lets you live, work and study in New Zealand, and include a partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger.
The Points-based pathway
INZ says applicants need 6 points, claimed from a qualification, income or occupational registration. Where 6 points cannot come from one of those, 1 to 3 further points may be claimed from skilled work experience in New Zealand.
The Skilled Work Experience pathway
For people whose skills come from work rather than a formal qualification. INZ says applicants need at least 5 years of directly relevant work experience, including at least 2 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand.
The Trades and Technician pathway
For eligible trades and technician roles. INZ says applicants need a relevant qualification and at least 4 years of post-qualification work experience, including at least 18 months of skilled work experience in New Zealand. INZ publishes the list of eligible occupations.
Expression of interest first
The SMC starts with an expression of interest. INZ says that if the EOI is accepted, you are invited to apply for the resident visa.
The pathway that fits depends on the job, the qualification and the experience in each case. Read our Skilled Migrant Category guide, or talk to our Licensed Immigration Adviser about your own situation.
Last checked against Immigration New Zealand:
Official sources
Visa guides: Skilled Migrant Category · Residence and permanent residence
Immigration settings change. Check the current requirements on the Immigration New Zealand website, or talk to us about your own situation.
