The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa is one of the most popular pathways to New Zealand permanent residence. It is a points-based system designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to New Zealand's economy. If you are working in Auckland — or planning to — understanding how the points system works is essential to a successful application.

How Does the Points System Work?

To be eligible for an SMC resident visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Immigration New Zealand with a points claim of at least 160 points. Points are awarded across several categories:

  • Skilled employment — Points are awarded for having a current job offer or being in skilled employment in New Zealand. Additional points may be available if your employment is outside Auckland, in an identified future growth area, or if you have earned an income above a specified threshold.
  • Qualifications — Recognised qualifications earn points based on their level. A bachelor's degree earns fewer points than a master's or doctoral qualification. Qualifications must be assessed by NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) if obtained overseas.
  • Work experience — Points are awarded for years of skilled work experience, with additional points available for New Zealand work experience specifically.
  • Age — Applicants between 20 and 55 are eligible, with the highest points awarded to those aged 20 to 39.
  • Partner qualifications and employment — If your partner has a recognised qualification or skilled employment, additional points may be available.

What Counts as Skilled Employment?

For your employment to be considered "skilled" for SMC purposes, it must meet certain requirements. The role must substantially match an occupation on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) at skill level 1, 2, or 3, and the pay must meet or exceed the relevant median wage threshold. Roles below the median wage, or roles that do not correspond to a skilled occupation, will generally not qualify.

Recent Policy Changes

Immigration New Zealand regularly reviews the SMC policy settings. Recent and upcoming changes that applicants should be aware of include:

  • Median wage adjustments — The median wage threshold is updated periodically, which can affect whether your employment qualifies as skilled.
  • Green List — Certain occupations on the Green List provide a direct pathway to residence without needing to go through the SMC points system. If your occupation is on the Green List, this may be a faster route.
  • Processing times — SMC applications can take six months or more to process. Planning your application timeline carefully is important, particularly if you have visa conditions or expiry dates approaching.

Maximising Your Points

If you are close to the 160-point threshold, there are strategies that may help:

  • Having your overseas qualifications assessed by NZQA early in the process
  • Ensuring your employment agreement accurately reflects the skilled nature of your role and meets the wage threshold
  • Claiming points for your partner's qualifications or employment
  • Gaining additional New Zealand work experience before applying
  • Checking whether your role qualifies for bonus points (for example, employment in a regional area or an identified future growth sector)

Common Mistakes

  • Claiming points for a qualification that has not been assessed or recognised in New Zealand
  • Applying with employment that does not meet the skilled employment definition
  • Not providing sufficient evidence of work experience
  • Failing to disclose relevant information, such as previous visa declines or health conditions

How Indus Legal Can Help

Our immigration team in Auckland advises skilled workers and their employers on SMC visa applications. We assess your eligibility, help you maximise your points claim, prepare a thorough application, and manage the process through to residence approval. If you are considering applying for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category, speak with us early so we can map out the best strategy.

Call us on 09 869 4888 or email office@induslegal.co.nz.