Points-based pathway.

The SMC points-based pathway, provides a pathway to residence for those with specific qualifications, skills or earning potential.

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What is the points-based pathway?

The points-based pathway is one route within the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). You need six points, together with qualifying New Zealand skilled employment or a job offer from an accredited employer and the other standard residence requirements.

Choose one main skill category: qualifications, eligible New Zealand occupational registration or income. You cannot add points from these three categories together. Where necessary, qualifying skilled work in New Zealand can supply additional points. For example, a person cannot combine qualification points and income points to reach six.

Points from qualifications

Qualification points depend on the recognised level, qualification type and whether the qualification was gained in New Zealand or overseas. Common examples include:

  • Six points: a recognised doctoral degree, or an eligible New Zealand master’s degree with the required bachelor’s qualification and study conditions.

  • Five points: a New Zealand bachelor’s degree, an eligible New Zealand Level 8 qualification with the required bachelor’s degree, or an eligible overseas master’s degree with the required bachelor’s degree.

  • Four points: an overseas bachelor’s degree or an eligible overseas Level 8 qualification with the required bachelor’s degree.

A New Zealand master’s degree used for six points must include at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. A New Zealand master’s degree that does not meet the six-point conditions may qualify for five points.

These examples are not a complete qualification assessment. Overseas awards may need an NZQA International Qualification Assessment unless an exemption applies.

An assessment that recognises only a framework level, rather than a specified qualification type, can lead to a different points outcome.

Points from income

Income points are based on pay from qualifying New Zealand employment:

  • At least 1.5 times the applicable SMC wage threshold: three points.

  • At least twice the applicable SMC wage threshold: four points.

  • At least three times the applicable SMC wage threshold: six points.

The assessment uses the relevant hourly rate, not simply the annual salary headline. Contracted hours and the threshold date must be checked. If income points are combined with New Zealand work points, the qualifying work must meet the required income multiple as well.

Adding New Zealand work-experience points

The additional points are:

  • One point for one year of qualifying skilled work within the previous two years.

  • Two points for 18 months within the previous three years.

  • Three points for two years within the previous four years.

This means a five-point skill category can generally be combined with one qualifying year, four points with 18 months, and three points with two years.

Work must meet the occupation, hours and pay requirements. Overseas work does not supply these additional New Zealand work points.

Six skill points can remove the usual need to add work points, but special rules apply to contract-for-services employment.

Applicants claiming six skill points and relying on such contracts must still complete one year of qualifying New Zealand work within the previous two years.

Other requirements and applying

The principal applicant must be 55 or younger and meet the applicable English-language, health and character requirements. Eligible family members may be included, subject to their own requirements.

The process starts with an Expression of Interest and, where accepted, an invitation to apply. Six points establish one part of eligibility; they do not guarantee a residence approval.

This guide explains the category in general terms. Immigration instructions can change; eligibility depends on the rules and circumstances applicable to your application.

Points from occupational registration

An eligible New Zealand registration, licence or certification can provide three to six points. The precise registration and its listed requirements determine the entitlement; membership of a professional organisation is not automatically sufficient.

The registration must be recognised for SMC points, and any requirements concerning registration status or scope must be met. If relying on registration and additional New Zealand work points, that work must have been gained after obtaining the relevant registration.

The job and pay still matter

Even with six points, qualifying employment is required. Generally, ANZSCO skill level 1–3 roles must meet the applicable SMC wage threshold; skill level 4–5 or unlisted roles must meet at least 1.5 times that threshold. Higher multiples apply where income points are claimed.

The threshold can depend on when qualifying work began. Do not assume every month on a work visa counts, or use today’s headline rate without checking the history.

Preparing an evidence-based points claim

Prepare a clear calculation identifying the main skill category, its evidence and any additional work points. Check that dates, hours, pay and qualification or registration details agree across the records.

Useful records include qualification certificates and transcripts, an NZQA assessment where required, registration evidence, employment agreements, job descriptions and earnings records.

Notes on this guide…

This guide explains the category in general terms. Immigration instructions can change; eligibility depends on the rules and circumstances applicable to your application.

Check your points-based eligibility

Try our online assessment form, which will give us all the information we need to determine the most suitable option for your circumstances.