Pathway · Skilled Migrant

Skilled Migrant Category

Points-based residence for skilled migrants — the main residence pathway.

Professional fees: $3.5k–$8k; NZD, GST incl., 2026 typical band
INZ application fee: $5,610; Includes Immigration Risk Levy. Separate from adviser fees.
Processing time: 16–48 weeks; After file is filed; INZ official median, not the marketing number

What this pathway actually is

The points-based residence-from-the-start route. Since the 2023 changes, SMC awards 6+ points across qualifications, occupational registration, income, and partner support — with a 6-point threshold to be selected. NZQA assessment of overseas qualifications is the single biggest source of points-anxiety, and the single most common reason a confident applicant misses the bar.

Good fit for

Skilled migrants planning long-term residence in NZ
Applicants with NZ-recognised occupational registration (medical, engineering, teaching, trades)
Bachelor's-or-higher qualification holders, ideally from a recognised list
High-income earners (NZ$58k+ entitles 1 point; >2× median entitles 6 points outright)

Not the right pathway if

Applicants without overseas qualification recognition or occupational registration
Applicants under 6 points — better to consolidate experience first
Anyone with a complex character or medical history (consult before paying NZQA)

Field notes

If you can clear 6 points cleanly, SMC is the cleanest residence route. Pay for the points-pre-check before you pay for the application — it saves you the most expensive surprise in this category.