SMC — Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

New Zealand•Oceania

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SMC — Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-18 months

Estimated Cost

NZ$4,290 NZD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Varies (Permanent residency once granted)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Points-based residence visa for skilled professionals aged 55 or under with a job offer from an accredited NZ employer; indefinite stay and PR after 2 years.

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is New Zealand's points-based residence pathway, run by Immigration New Zealand for mid-career professionals in skilled jobs. Applicants must be 55 or younger, hold a skilled job or offer from an accredited employer, and claim at least 6 skilled resident points from occupational registration, qualifications, income, or skilled NZ work.

The visa grants indefinite right to live, work and study in New Zealand and to include a partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger. Total cost is NZD 6,450 (application fee plus migrant levy). Principal applicants need IELTS 6.5 or accepted equivalents (TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 58). After two years on the SMC, holders can apply for the Permanent Resident Visa.

This visa is ideal for skilled professionals under 55 with an accredited-employer job offer in New Zealand who hold a relevant qualification, registration, or median-wage income and want a family-inclusive route to permanent residence.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be 55 years of age or younger.

Must have a skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer.

Must meet the 6-point requirement (based on occupational registration, qualifications, or income).

Must meet English language requirements.

Must meet health and character standards.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Employment agreement and job description.

Evidence of qualifications (e.g., degree certificates, NZQA assessment).

Evidence of occupational registration (if applicable).

English language test results (e.g., IELTS, PTE).

Medical and X-ray certificates.

Police certificates.

Passport and photographs.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Indefinite right to live, work and study anywhere in New Zealand from day one.
Direct pathway to a Permanent Resident Visa after holding the SMC for 2 years.
Partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included in one application.
Partners receive open work rights with no employer restriction.
Access to publicly funded healthcare, schooling and most social services as a resident.
Points can be earned through multiple routes (registration, qualification, income, or NZ work experience).

Worth Knowing

Hard age cap: applicants must be 55 or younger at the date of application.
Requires a skilled job or job offer from an Immigration New Zealand accredited employer.
Must claim at least 6 skilled resident points and provide evidence for each claim.
Total application cost is NZD 6,450, with no fee reduction for partners or children.
English language evidence (e.g. IELTS 6.5) is mandatory for the principal applicant and adult dependants.
Aged over 55 at the date of application.
No skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer.
Unable to claim the minimum 6 skilled resident points.
Fails Immigration New Zealand health or character requirements.

Application Process

Register with INZ: Create account and start expression of interest

Calculate points: Assess points using points table (need 6+ points)

Get job offer: From New Zealand employer

Submit full application: When your EOI is selected

Provide documents: Qualifications, work history, employment contract

Health and police checks: Medical and character assessment

Pay fee: NZD 4,290

Await decision: Usually 6-12 months

Application Forms

Skilled Migrant Category Application

—

Verified Claims (4)

Last verified May 31, 2026

English Min Score

6.5

immigration.govt.nz

Job Offer Required

true

immigration.govt.nz

Max Age

immigration.govt.nz

Pr Pathway

true

immigration.govt.nz

Official Information

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Overview

Points-based residence visa for skilled professionals aged 55 or under with a job offer from an accredited NZ employer; indefinite stay and PR after 2 years.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be 55 years of age or younger.

Must have a skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer.

Must meet the 6-point requirement (based on occupational registration, qualifications, or income).

Must meet English language requirements.

Must meet health and character standards.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Employment agreement and job description.

Evidence of qualifications (e.g., degree certificates, NZQA assessment).

Evidence of occupational registration (if applicable).

English language test results (e.g., IELTS, PTE).

Medical and X-ray certificates.

Police certificates.

Passport and photographs.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Indefinite right to live, work and study anywhere in New Zealand from day one.
Direct pathway to a Permanent Resident Visa after holding the SMC for 2 years.
Partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included in one application.
Partners receive open work rights with no employer restriction.
Access to publicly funded healthcare, schooling and most social services as a resident.
Points can be earned through multiple routes (registration, qualification, income, or NZ work experience).

Worth Knowing

Hard age cap: applicants must be 55 or younger at the date of application.
Requires a skilled job or job offer from an Immigration New Zealand accredited employer.
Must claim at least 6 skilled resident points and provide evidence for each claim.
Total application cost is NZD 6,450, with no fee reduction for partners or children.
English language evidence (e.g. IELTS 6.5) is mandatory for the principal applicant and adult dependants.
Aged over 55 at the date of application.
No skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer.
Unable to claim the minimum 6 skilled resident points.
Fails Immigration New Zealand health or character requirements.