🇳🇿 New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence (SMC)
Also known as: SMC, Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Last verified: October 1, 2026
What is the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence?
Permanent residence through the points system, restructured on 24 August 2026 into three pathways: the existing 6-point route, plus new Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways. You need six points from qualifications, occupational registration or income, and the changes made this friendlier — New Zealand master's degrees now score 6 points against 5 for overseas master's, and wage assessment at the residence application stage was removed, so you only need to meet the median wage when your skilled work experience begins rather than continuously. Green List Tier 1 occupations, covering many health, engineering and ICT roles, skip all of this: a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer takes you Straight to Residence without doing the AEWV first.
This overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $3,000 |
| Processing time | 16–40 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians and Filipinos.
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $3,000 | 16–40 weeks | — | — |
| 🇵🇭 Filipinos | $3,000 | 16–40 weeks | — | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence
- Identify which of the three pathways fits you
- Calculate your six points
- Obtain an International Qualifications Assessment if needed
- Secure skilled employment with an accredited employer
- Accumulate the required skilled work experience
- Obtain occupational registration if your role requires it
- Complete medicals and police certificates
- Submit your residence application
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Skilled Migrant Category Residence right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in New Zealand. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians and Filipinos; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence cost?
- The government fee is about $3,000 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence processing time?
- Typical processing takes 16–40 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Do I need a job offer for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in New Zealand is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the SMC the same as the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence?
- Yes. SMC and Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa are other names people use for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence.
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Residence guides by nationality
Other New Zealand visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: immigration.govt.nz. This guide is general information, not legal advice.