New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: A Complete Guide to the Three Pathways
New Zealand continues to attract qualified professionals, experienced workers, tradespeople and technicians from around the world. For individuals who want to build a long term future in New Zealand, the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa may provide a pathway to residence.
This visa allows successful applicants to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely. Eligible applicants may also include their partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in their application.
However, eligibility is not determined by qualifications alone. Applicants must meet the requirements of one of the three Skilled Migrant Category pathways, have an eligible skilled job or job offer and satisfy all other immigration requirements.
What Is the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa?
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is designed for people who have skills, qualifications, occupational registration, income or work experience that can contribute to New Zealand.
Before applying for the visa, an eligible person must submit an Expression of Interest to Immigration New Zealand. If the Expression of Interest is accepted, Immigration New Zealand may issue an invitation to apply for residence.
The visa application fee starts from NZD 6,450. Fees and immigration requirements may change, so applicants should always confirm the latest information before applying.
The Three Skilled Migrant Category Pathways
Immigration New Zealand provides three pathways under the Skilled Migrant Category.
1. Points Based Pathway
Applicants need six skilled resident points to qualify under the Points Based Pathway.
Points can be claimed from one of the following categories:
A recognised qualification
Eligible New Zealand occupational registration
Income from a current New Zealand job or job offer
Applicants who cannot claim all six points from one category may be able to claim additional points from skilled work experience gained in New Zealand.
Up to three additional points may be available for eligible skilled work experience in New Zealand.
One year of skilled work experience may provide one point.
One and a half years of skilled work experience may provide two points.
Two years of skilled work experience may provide three points.
Applicants cannot combine points from qualifications, occupational registration and income. They must select one main skill category and, if necessary, add eligible New Zealand skilled work experience points.
Qualification Points
The number of points available depends on the level of the qualification, where it was completed and whether it is recognised in New Zealand.
For New Zealand qualifications, applicants may be able to claim:
Six points for a Level 10 doctoral degree.
Six points for an eligible Level 9 master’s degree completed through at least 30 weeks of full time study in New Zealand, provided the applicant also holds a bachelor’s degree.
Five points for certain other Level 9 master’s degrees.
Five points for eligible Level 8 qualifications.
Five points for a Level 7 bachelor’s degree.
International qualifications may also qualify for points. However, an International Qualification Assessment from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority may be required unless the qualification is exempt from assessment.
International qualifications generally receive:
Six points for a recognised Level 10 doctoral degree.
Five points for a recognised Level 9 master’s degree.
Four points for a recognised Level 8 qualification.
Four points for a recognised Level 7 bachelor’s degree.
A qualification does not automatically guarantee eligibility. The level, recognition requirements and supporting evidence must be carefully reviewed.
Occupational Registration Points
Applicants with eligible New Zealand occupational registration may claim between three and six points. The number of points depends on the minimum period of training or experience required to obtain the registration.
Applicants may also use eligible skilled work experience gained in New Zealand after obtaining their occupational registration to reach the required six points.
Income Points
Applicants may be able to claim between three and six points based on the income from their current New Zealand job or job offer.
The income must meet the relevant multiple of the Skilled Migrant Category wage threshold. The applicable wage threshold can change, so applicants should check the current rate directly with Immigration New Zealand.
If an applicant cannot claim all six points from income, eligible skilled work experience in New Zealand may be used to reach six points.
2. Skilled Work Experience Pathway
The Skilled Work Experience Pathway is intended for people who have developed their expertise through substantial work experience rather than formal university or trade qualifications.
To qualify, an applicant generally must:
Have a job or job offer in an eligible ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 occupation.
Earn at least 1.1 times the applicable Skilled Migrant Category wage threshold.
Have at least three years of directly relevant work experience.
Have an additional two years of eligible skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Relevant work experience must relate to the applicant’s current job or job offer. Self employment cannot be included as relevant work experience for this pathway.
Additional conditions may apply to occupations included on the Amber List. Applicants working in occupations on the Red List, or in ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 roles, are not eligible under this pathway.
3. Trades and Technician Pathway
The Trades and Technician Pathway is designed for people working in eligible trade and technician occupations.
Applicants generally need:
Employment or a job offer in an eligible trade or technician occupation.
A relevant qualification at Level 4 or higher, or a qualification comparable to this level.
At least two and a half years of relevant work experience gained after completing the qualification.
An additional one and a half years of eligible skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Pay that meets the applicable Skilled Migrant Category wage threshold.
Applicants with overseas qualifications must generally obtain an International Qualification Assessment from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
Requirements That Apply to All Three Pathways
Regardless of the pathway selected, applicants must normally:
Be aged 55 or younger when applying.
Have a skilled job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
Work at least 30 hours per week.
Meet the relevant employment duration and pay requirements.
Meet the required health standards.
Meet the required character standards.
Speak and understand English.
Provide evidence supporting their claimed pathway.
The job must be permanent, fixed term for at least 12 months, or based on an eligible contract or continuous contracts for at least six months. The duties of the role should also closely match the relevant ANZSCO occupation description.
Can You Include Your Family?
Eligible applicants may include their partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger.
Applicants must provide evidence that their relationships are genuine. This may include marriage certificates, birth certificates, identity documents and other supporting evidence.
Partners and dependent children aged 16 or older must also meet the applicable English language requirements. If they do not meet these requirements, the applicant may need to purchase English language lessons for them.
Documents You May Need
The documents required will depend on the applicant’s circumstances and chosen pathway. Common documents may include:
A valid passport and acceptable photograph.
An employment agreement and detailed job description.
Qualification certificates and academic transcripts.
An International Qualification Assessment, where required.
Evidence of eligible occupational registration.
Evidence of income and skilled employment.
Medical examination and chest X ray results, where required.
Police certificates from relevant countries.
Evidence of relationships for any family members included.
Certified English translations of documents that are not in English.
Incorrect, incomplete or inconsistent information can delay an application and may affect the final decision. Applicants should make sure all personal details match their official identity documents.
What Does This Mean for International Students?
For international students, choosing the right qualification can be an important part of long term career planning. However, completing a qualification in New Zealand does not automatically provide residence.
Students should consider how their chosen programme connects with:
Their previous qualifications and experience.
Employment opportunities in New Zealand.
Professional or occupational registration requirements.
The ANZSCO classification of their intended occupation.
Skilled employment and income requirements.
Potential residence pathways available after graduation.
Course selection should be based on genuine academic and career goals. Immigration settings, occupation requirements and wage thresholds can change, so students should avoid making decisions based only on the expectation of obtaining residence.
How GRI Education Can Support You
GRI Education can help prospective students explore suitable New Zealand study options based on their academic background, professional experience and career goals.
Our team can assist with course and institution selection, admission applications, student visa documentation and preparation for studying in New Zealand. Where personalised immigration advice is required, we can connect students with a Licensed Immigration Adviser.
Every immigration case is different. Before making a major study, career or financial decision, obtain advice based on your individual circumstances and confirm the latest requirements with Immigration New Zealand.
Final Thoughts
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa provides three pathways that recognise different combinations of qualifications, income, occupational registration, trade skills and work experience.
The most suitable pathway will depend on your occupation, qualifications, New Zealand employment, income and work history. Careful planning, accurate documentation and a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements are essential.
Information correct as at 24 August 2026. Immigration policies, visa fees, wage thresholds and eligibility requirements may change.
Source
This article is based on the official Immigration New Zealand information:
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa/