Migrate to New Zealand
Discover pathways to residency in New Zealand, a country offering a unique work-life balance, friendly communities, and breathtaking scenery.
The Skilled Migrant Process for New Zealand
New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a points-based system that invites skilled workers to apply for residence.
Check Your Eligibility
You must have a skilled job or a job offer in New Zealand and meet the points requirement for your skills, qualifications, and experience.
Calculate Your Points
Use the points indicator on the Immigration New Zealand website to see if you meet the threshold. Points are awarded for your qualification, work experience, and having a skilled job in NZ.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI outlining your qualifications and experience. EOIs that meet the points threshold are entered into a selection pool.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Immigration New Zealand regularly selects EOIs from the pool and invites candidates to apply for residence.
Submit Your Residence Application
If invited, you must submit a full application with evidence of your health, character, and the claims made in your EOI.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The main pathway for skilled workers who have a job or job offer in New Zealand.
Points-Based System
You need to claim 6 points from a combination of your NZ occupational registration, qualification, and income. You must also have a skilled job or job offer.
Job or Job Offer is Key
Unlike some Australian visas, having a skilled job offer in New Zealand is a core requirement to meet the points threshold.
Direct to Residence
If your application is successful, you are granted a resident visa, allowing you to live, work, and study in New Zealand permanently.
Straight to Residence Visa (Green List)
A fast-tracked path to residence for migrants in highly skilled, hard-to-fill-roles that are on the "Green List".
In-Demand Occupations
The Green List contains a small number of highly skilled roles where New Zealand has a critical shortage (e.g., specific engineering, health, and tech roles).
Job Offer Required
You must have a job offer from an accredited employer that meets the specific requirements for your occupation on the list.
Fast-Tracked Process
This pathway allows you to apply for residence directly without needing to go through the points-based EOI system, making it much faster.