New Zealand•OceaniaSMC — Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
At a Glance
4-18 months
NZD $6,450
Live, work and study indefinitely
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
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.
Cost Breakdown
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 6,450 (NZD 2,880 application fee + NZD 3,570 immigration levy)
Await decision
Usually 6-12 months
Application Forms
| Skilled Migrant Category Application | — |
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