What is the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category?

It is New Zealand's main points based route to permanent residence for skilled workers. It grants an indefinite right to live, work, and study in New Zealand, and after two consecutive years on the resident visa, most people become eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa. Official source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

Is there still a points pool or a fortnightly ranked draw?

No. That system existed before 9 October 2023. Since then, the Skilled Migrant Category has used a flat 6 point qualifying threshold, with no ranked pool, no competitive draws, and no quota. Some older third party content still describes the previous system, a much higher, competitive ranked-points scale, quite different from today's flat 6 point threshold, but that no longer applies. Official source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

How many points do I need?

Currently 6 points, claimed from a single best category, being New Zealand occupational registration, qualifications, or income, plus up to 3 further points for skilled New Zealand work experience. This is the rule in force before the 24 August 2026 changes described on this page. Official source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

What is changing on 24 August 2026?

INZ is introducing two new pathways, the Skilled Work Experience Pathway and the Trades and Technician Pathway, alongside adjustments to the existing points pathway and a simplified way of assessing wage thresholds. Draft expressions of interest that have not been submitted by that date are deleted. Official source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, upcoming changes. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

Do I need to submit my expression of interest before 24 August 2026?

Only if you want to be assessed under the rules currently in force, described throughout this page. If you have started a draft expression of interest and do not submit it before 24 August 2026, INZ has stated it will be deleted when the change takes effect. If the new pathways or adjusted points rules suit you better, you can submit a fresh expression of interest after that date instead. Official source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

What wage do I need to be paid?

Under the current rules, a role at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3 needs to be paid at least NZD 35.00 an hour, and a role at Skill Level 4 or 5, or an unclassified role, needs to be paid at least NZD 52.50 an hour. Official source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

How much does the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa cost?

INZ's headline figure is from NZD 6,450, which reads as a starting figure rather than a fixed total, since it generally varies with family members included in the application. Medical examinations and police certificates are usually paid separately to third party providers. Official source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, fees. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

How long does the application take?

INZ publishes processing times weekly, and as of this review the average wait is around 11 weeks, with most applications completed within around 4.5 months. These figures update on a rolling basis, so check the current figure on INZ's website. Official source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, processing times. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

Can my family come with me?

Generally yes. A partner and dependent children aged 24 or under can usually be included, subject to health and character requirements, and partners generally need to provide evidence of a genuine and stable relationship. Official source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

How does the Skilled Migrant Category relate to the Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is generally the typical stepping stone route. Most people arrive on it, build up skilled New Zealand work experience or secure a qualifying job offer and salary, and then submit a Skilled Migrant Category expression of interest once they meet the 6 point threshold.

Is the Skilled Migrant Category the same as Active Investor Plus?

No. The Skilled Migrant Category is a route for skilled workers based on employment, qualifications, and points. Active Investor Plus is a separate residence route for people making a qualifying investment in New Zealand, and it does not depend on employment or points in the same way.

New Zealand's route to permanent residence for skilled workers

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) resident visa is New Zealand's main points-based pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers. It grants an indefinite right to live, work, and study in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is making significant changes to SMC from 24 August 2026, and anyone who wants to use the rules currently in force needs to submit their expression of interest before that date, since any expression of interest left in draft is deleted when the change takes effect. Official source: Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Reviewed 17 July 2026.

Who it is for

Skilled workers already in New Zealand on an Accredited Employer Work Visa who have built up qualifying skilled work experience or a qualifying job offer; Professionals with a job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer that meets the relevant wage threshold for their occupation's skill level; People with a recognised qualification, New Zealand work experience, or professional registration who can claim points from at least one of those categories; Anyone weighing whether to submit an expression of interest now, under the rules in force today, or wait for the pathways opening on 24 August 2026; People comparing this route with the Accredited Employer Work Visa or the Active Investor Plus visa.

How eMigr8 helps

eMigr8 gives you coaching and guidance to help you understand your options and prepare a strong application. We do not give legal advice or immigration consultation. Points values, wage thresholds, fees, and processing times are set by Immigration New Zealand and change periodically, so confirm the current figures directly with INZ, or take advice from a licensed immigration adviser, before you rely on them.