New Zealand's New 6-Point
Skilled
Migrant
System (2026)
How the
6-Point System
Works:
To be eligible for the Skilled Migrant
Category (SMC)
visa, you must have a job offer from an accredited employer and
claim a
total of 6
points. You can claim points from only one category below.
- • 3 to 5 points from your NZ occupational
registration,
qualification, or income.
- • 1 point for each year of skilled work in
New
Zealand (up to a
maximum of 3 points).
- • You must have a total of exactly 6 points
to be
eligible.
Core
Eligibility
Requirements:
- • Job Offer: A skilled job offer from an
accredited
NZ
employer.
- • English: Meet the standard English
language
requirements.
- • Character & Health: Meet standard health
and
character
checks.
- • Age: Must be 55 years of age or under.
- • Points: Claim exactly 6 points from the
framework.
Claiming Your 3-5 Core
Points:
- • NZ Registration (5-6 points): For
occupations
requiring
registration (e.g., teachers, electricians, doctors).
- • Qualifications (3-6 points): Based on
Bachelor's,
Master's,
or PhD level.
- • Income (3-6 points): Based on earning
1.5x to 3x
the median
wage.
- You can only claim points from one of the above
categories.
Claiming Your 1-3 Work
Experience Points:
- • 1 Point: 1 year of skilled work in NZ.
- • 2 Points: 2 years of skilled work in NZ.
- • 3 Points: 3 years of skilled work in NZ.
- This is the only way to claim the remaining points to
reach the
total of
6.
2026 Updates & Important
Notes:
The 6-point SMC framework remains active in 2026: direct application (no EOI pool), age 55 or under, skilled accredited-employer job, and standard health/character/English checks. Current practice also places strong focus on role alignment and wage evidence, so applicants should prepare complete employment agreements and qualification/registration evidence before lodgement.
New Zealand Student Visa
Pathway
2026
Studying in New Zealand remains a strong
pathway to
residency. The
new 6-point system values NZ qualifications, making it a strategic
choice for
future
migrants.
Study Options
&
Duration:
- • Bachelor's Degree: 3-4 years full-time
- • Master's Degree: 1-2 years full-time
- • PhD Programs: 3-4 years
- • Graduate Diploma: 1 year
- • Diploma Courses: 1-2 years
- • English Language: 12-52 weeks
Student Visa
Benefits:
- • Work Rights: 20 hours/week during studies
- • Full-time Work: During scheduled breaks
- • Partner Work Visa: Partner can work
full-time
- • Children Education: Free
primary/secondary
education
- • Post-study Work: 1-3 year work visa
available
- • Residency Pathway: NZ qualifications earn
points
for SMC.
How to Apply: Skilled Migrant Category
Step-by-Step Process
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the 6-point threshold
(Registration, Qualification, or Income) + Job Offer.
- Secure Job Offer: Must be from an Accredited Employer,
full-time (30+ hrs), and meet wage thresholds (Median Wage or 1.5x).
- Gather Documents: English results, police certificates,
medicals, and skills evidence.
- Apply Online: Submit the Skilled Migrant Category Resident
Visa application via the INZ online portal.
- Assessment: INZ verifies your points and documents.
Key Forms & Documents
- • Online Application: Primary method (no specific form
number)
- • INZ 1000: Residence Application (if applying by paper -
rare)
- • INZ 1242: Employer Supplementary Form (often required)
- • INZ 1007: Medical Certificate
- • INZ 1209: Police Certificate Guide
New Zealand Family
Category Visas
2026
Family visa policies remain stable, providing
pathways
for
partners, parents, and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and
residents
to join
them.
Partner of a
New
Zealander
Resident Visa
If you have been living with your NZ
partner for
12
months or more, you may be eligible for residency. This is a
direct
pathway that
requires substantial evidence of your relationship.
Parent
Retirement
Resident Visa
For parents who can invest NZD 1
million in New
Zealand for 4 years. This category has specific income and
investment
requirements but offers a priority pathway.
Dependent Child
Resident Visa
For dependent children aged 24 and
under who are
single and financially dependent on their parents. This allows
children to
join
their parents permanently in New Zealand.
* Note: The Parent Resident Visa
(non-retirement) is currently subject to a ballot system with capped numbers. Please
contact us for the latest draw dates and selection criteria.
How to Apply: Family Visas (Partner &
Parent)
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather Evidence: For partners, prove 12+ months of living
together (bills, lease, joint account). For parents, check ballot/income
requirements.
- Sponsor Support: Your NZ family member must complete a
sponsorship/support form.
- Medical & Police: Obtain chest x-rays, medicals, and police
certificates for all applicants 17+.
- Apply Online: Submit the specific "Partner of a New
Zealander" or "Parent Resident" application via INZ.
Key Forms & Documents
- • Online Application: Primary method
- • INZ 1178: Partnership Support Form (for sponsor)
- • INZ 1025: Sponsorship Form (for temporary entry/parents)
- • INZ 1200: Additional Information Form (if needed)
New Zealand Work Visas
2026
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is
the
primary work visa
and is now closely aligned with the new 6-point skilled migrant system.
Accredited
Employer
Work Visa
(AEWV)
This is the main temporary work visa.
A job
offer from an
INZ-accredited employer is required. The role must meet current skill and wage rules. In practice, AEWV applicants are generally expected to show either 2+ years of relevant experience or an eligible Level 4+ qualification, and lower-skill roles can face tighter English/time-on-visa settings.
Green List Work Visa
A fast-track 'Work to Residence' pathway for highly
skilled professionals in specified occupations. This remains a priority route for
those on the Green List, often leading directly to residency or providing a clear
pathway after two years.
How to Apply: Work to Residence (Green List
& Care Workforce)
Step-by-Step Process
- Check List: Confirm your role is on the Tier 1 (Straight to
Residence) or Tier 2 (Work to Residence) Green List or Care Workforce list.
- Secure Job: Get a job offer from an Accredited Employer
meeting specific wage/hours requirements.
- Apply for AEWV: Most applicants start on an Accredited
Employer Work Visa.
- Complete Service: Work for 24 months (if Tier 2/Care) or
apply immediately (if Tier 1).
- Apply for Residence: Submit the specific residence
application online.
Key Forms & Documents
- • Online Application: "Straight to Residence" or "Work to
Residence"
- • INZ 1306: Education/Work History (often needed)
- • Employment Agreement: Must contain specific clauses
- • Job Description: Matching ANZSCO tasks
