Skilled Migrant Category Residence
The SMC EOI system is now under the new 6 point instructions. However the main requirements such as having a job offer at median wage, English, and qualifications are all the same as before. There is a good indication that this category will be revised early to mid 2025, and may end up looking like it was before with more opportunities for a wider range of applicants. One the biggest issues with the current settings is that actual skilled migrants are not eligible for residence, and this needs to be fixed.
How does it work?
The overall intent and balance of the new SMC is very similar overall to the old SMC. Skilled occupations, qualifications, English, high pay rates, skilled work experience and age are all rewarded the same in both old and new. The main difference with the new system is that it will be harder to gain points for applicants with no qualifications or occupational registration. For applicants with a qualification lower than a university degree, a higher payrate or occupational registration will be necessary to qualify for residence.
There are only 6 points compared to 180 previously, so it is more difficult to get these rare 6 points for many applicants. The limit on numbers of applicants has been removed because far fewer people will meet the criteria than before. There is rumour that the system will be changed again by the Minister, but while this is reasonably likely this is not confirmed and we do not encourage people to rely on this.
Points allocation
Points are allocated for: NZ occupational registration, qualification, income and skilled work experience in NZ. The basic allocations are set out below but there are many other rules and requirements withing these that applicants need to meet to be able to claim the points. To make an application, 6 or more points are necessary, you can gain points by any of the following ways.
1. Occupational registration:
Not all occupations will have occupational registration, but if you are able to get registration you will be eligible for a certain number of points depending on the registering body, etc.
| Points | Requirements |
| 6 | A minimum of 6 years of training is required to gain registration. |
| 5 | A minimum of 5 years of training is required to gain registration. |
| 4 | A minimum of 4 years of training is required to gain registration. |
| 3 | A minimum of 2 years of training is required to gain registration. |
2. Qualification
| Points | Qualification (Equivalent under the NZQF) |
| 6 | Level 10 Doctoral Degree |
| 5 | Level 9 Master’s Degree |
| 4 | Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma |
| 3 |
Level 8 Postgraduate Certificate Level 7 Bachelor’s degree |
3. Income
| Points | Wage threshold |
| 6 | Job or job offer in New Zealand at 3 times the median wage (currently NZD $88.98 an hour) or more. |
| 4 | Job or job offer in New Zealand at 2 times the median wage (currently NZD $59.32 an hour) or more. |
| 3 |
Job or job offer in New Zealand at 1.5 times the median wage (currently NZD $44.49 an hour) or more. |
4. Skilled work in NZ
| Points | Working duration in NZ |
| 1 | 12 months during the 24 months before you apply |
| 2 | 24 months during the 48 months before you apply |
| 3 | 36 months during the 60 months before you apply |
Next steps?
If applicants would not meet the criteria for the new 6 points SMC then we advise moving very quickly to do what is ncessary to meet the points threshold and make sure you have your English test and qualifications assessment done.
Applicants who meet the new points threshold will still need to prepare a very solid application because if INZ decide that you have not proved the criteria for a certain element, the application will fail. Under the previous system applicants could have 210 points for example and not be affected when the case officer feels that something worth 20 points hasn't been proved properly. You would still have 190 points, which would still be comfortably over the threshold. Now mistakes in the application or self-made applications with poorly evidenced requirements are going to be punished harder.
As with all applications, merely meeting the points threshold or eligibility requirements does not mean that the visa will be approved, the evidence provided in the application and how the application is made will determine the outcome.
Start your application now, contact us to get started