Immigration through work in New Zealand: work visas and three SMC pathways
A work visa does not automatically become a resident visa. Skilled Migrant Category has three pathways: Points-based, Skilled Work Experience, and Trades and Technician. Occupation, qualifications, experience and pay requirements differ. Applicants must also meet the common SMC requirements, including being aged 55 or younger when applying.
Contents
Does every SMC application need six points?
No. Six points apply to the Points-based pathway. Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician have their own occupation, pay, qualification and experience requirements.
Check the work visa first
AEWV requires an eligible offer from an accredited employer, suitable skills and the INZ conditions. It is tied to the approved job; changing employer, role or location may need further permission.
Temporary work may help you gain eligible experience, but residence has its own requirements.
Three SMC pathways from 24 August 2026
The Points-based pathway requires six points from one eligible skill category: qualification, registration or income, plus eligible New Zealand work experience where needed. Do not combine points from different skill categories.
Skilled Work Experience considers required experience including New Zealand work, occupation and pay. Red List occupations are excluded and Amber List roles have additional conditions. Trades and Technician requires an eligible occupation, qualification and post-qualification experience, including a New Zealand component.
Source: Getting New Zealand residence through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) :: Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15); Final details about changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and work to residence visas :: Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15).
Common requirements and evidence
The age limit of 55 or younger is specific to SMC, rather than every visa. Suitable skilled employment, English, health and character also matter.
Use the updated INZ tables and points calculator after the August 2026 changes. Applicable wage thresholds depend on the pathway and experience period; one rate does not cover every case.
Source: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa » Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15).
Before applying
Collect qualification, registration, duties, hours and actual pay evidence. Residence supporting documents not in English need certified translations.
Check your pathway before submitting an Expression of Interest. An invitation to apply and the issue of a resident visa are separate stages.
Source: Providing English translations of supporting documents :: Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15).
| Pathway | What to investigate |
|---|---|
| Points-based | Six points; eligible skill category and New Zealand experience where needed |
| Skilled Work Experience | Occupation, pay, relevant and New Zealand experience; Red and Amber Lists |
| Trades and Technician | Eligible occupation and qualification; post-qualification experience including the New Zealand component |
Getting New Zealand residence through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) :: Immigration New Zealand; Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa » Immigration New Zealand
Related reading
- Work in New Zealand: where to find jobs and how to apply
- CV for New Zealand: prepare an application for the role
- How to move to New Zealand: a step-by-step plan
FAQ
Does every SMC application need six points?
No. Six points apply to the Points-based pathway. Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician have their own occupation, pay, qualification and experience requirements.
Sources for independent verification
A check date is shown beside sources reviewed for this update.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand. Checked:
- Getting New Zealand residence through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) :: Immigration New Zealand. Checked:
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa » Immigration New Zealand. Checked:
- Final details about changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and work to residence visas :: Immigration New Zealand. Checked:
- Providing English translations of supporting documents :: Immigration New Zealand. Checked: