Skilled Migrant
New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category is designed to attract people with the skills, experience, and qualifications that contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.
The SMC system has several separate pathways, where applicants must meet a minimum threshold to be invited to apply for residence. It is one of the most important pathways for skilled workers who want to make New Zealand their permanent home.
For many migrants, the SMC offers the opportunity to secure stability, bring their families with them, and build a future in a country recognised for its lifestyle, safety, and strong labour market.
The current system focuses on rewarding genuine skills shortages and clear evidence of employability in the New Zealand labour market. As a result, successful applicants tend to be those who can demonstrate a strong connection to NZ, usually through skilled employment or a long-term job offer.
Green List
New Zealand’s Green List pathway allows highly skilled workers in select occupations to apply for residence either immediately or after a period of two years of work experience in New Zealand, without needing to meet a specific points profile.
This pathway identifies roles that are in critical shortage and essential to New Zealand’s long-term economic, health, and infrastructure needs.
The process is designed to be simpler and more direct than traditional residence routes, offering eligible migrants a streamlined way to secure their future in New Zealand.
For individuals with recognised expertise in science, health, engineering, ICT, construction, and other priority sectors, this pathway represents a significant opportunity. It provides a clear, predictable immigration route that helps attract top-tier global talent.
Points Pathway
New Zealand’s Points Based SMC pathway allows skilled workers in a range of occupations and skill levels to qualify for residence in New Zealand.
You need a total of six points to qualify, along with having an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand, with an accredited employer.
Points are awarded to applicants on a sliding scale and for three main areas - qualifications, whether you are in a registered profession in New Zealand or the income you earn here.
Depending on how many points you secure, you may have to “top-up” your total with work experience in New Zealand.
If your occupation is not on the Green List, the points based pathway offers an alternative route to residence and with changes coming in August 2026, this process might be about to get a lot quicker.