Immigration & Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category 6-Point System is a simplified points-based framework introduced by New Zealand in October 2023, completely replacing the former complex 180-point system. The core logic is “Core Points (choose one of three options) + NZ Work Experience Top-up >= 6 points”. There is no annual quota and processing is more efficient, making it the most popular pathway to New Zealand residence today. The August 2026 reform will further optimise the rules, significantly benefiting local graduates and highly skilled professionals.

Policy Overview

The 6-Point System uses a “1 core component + work experience top-up” combination. The core component (qualification / professional registration / high salary) is a choose-one-of-three option and cannot be stacked. Combined with New Zealand local skilled work experience points, applicants who reach a total of 6 points can apply for a New Zealand Resident Visa (RV).

1. Baseline Eligibility (Mandatory Requirements)

• Age: Principal applicant must be 55 years old or under
• Employment: Must hold a full-time skilled job offer or be employed by an Accredited Employer in New Zealand, with a salary at or above the New Zealand median wage
• English: IELTS General or Academic overall 6.5, or equivalent
• Health and Character: Good health with no serious communicable diseases; clean criminal record
• Qualifications: If using the qualification pathway as the core component, the qualification must be NZQA-recognised (NZQF Level 7 or above, i.e. bachelor’s degree or higher)

2. Core Scoring Components (Choose One, 3-6 Points)

(1) Qualification Points (Most Common — Enhanced under 2026 Reform)

Current Rules (2023 - July 2026)

• PhD: 6 points (meets the threshold outright, no work experience needed)
• Master’s degree: 5 points
• Bachelor’s degree (NZQF Level 7) / Postgraduate Diploma (NZQF Level 8): 4 points
• Overseas qualifications: Must be recognised by NZQA; equivalent levels correspond to the same points

August 2026 Reform (Key Benefits)

• New Zealand master’s degree (NZQF Level 9): 6 points outright — no work experience accumulation required upon graduation
• New Zealand bachelor’s degree / postgraduate diploma: 5 points
• Overseas master’s degree: 5 points; overseas bachelor’s degree: 4 points (unchanged)

(2) Professional Registration Points (For Regulated Occupations)

For occupations regulated by professional registration in New Zealand (e.g. doctors, nurses, engineers, accountants, electricians), points are awarded based on the years of professional training required for registration:

• 6 or more years of professional training/registration: 6 points
• 5 or more years of professional training/registration: 5 points
• 4 or more years of professional training/registration: 4 points
• 2 or more years of professional training/registration: 3 points

(3) High Salary Points (Fast Track for High Earners)

Based on the New Zealand median wage:

• 3x the median wage: 6 points
• 2x the median wage: 4 points
• 1.5x the median wage: 3 points

3. Work Experience Top-up (Maximum 3 Points)

Skilled work experience gained in New Zealand on a valid visa: 1 year = 1 point, up to a maximum of 3 points. These points are used solely to make up the shortfall from the core component:

• 1 year of local skilled work: +1 point
• 2 years of local skilled work: +2 points
• 3 or more years of local skilled work: +3 points

Application Process

1. Free Eligibility Assessment by a Licensed Adviser: A professional licensed immigration adviser conducts a one-on-one review of your background, qualifications, occupation, and work experience to determine whether you meet the SMC entry threshold.
2. Tailored Migration Plan: A customised plan based on your individual circumstances, covering study + work + migration in a single integrated pathway. We match you to the best route — Green List, 6-Point System, or trades pathway — to identify the optimal path to permanent residence.
3. End-to-End Planning and Guidance: Comprehensive support from pre-departure to settlement, including school enrolment arrangements, study and living assistance, partner work visa planning, and post-graduation work visa transition — seamlessly connected at every stage.
4. Document Preparation and Formal Submission: Our professional team compiles all notarised documents, qualification assessments, employment history evidence, language test results, medical examinations, and police clearances, ensuring everything is properly formatted for formal submission.
5. Progress Tracking Through to Approval: Full case progress monitoring, expert guidance on any additional information requests, and real-time policy updates, supporting you all the way to approval of your New Zealand Resident Visa and permanent residence entitlements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How does the 6-Point System differ from the old points system? The new policy places greater emphasis on actual employment and qualifications in New Zealand, removes older criteria such as age-based points, and is overall simpler and more predictable.

Q2: Can I apply without a New Zealand job offer? No. Skilled employment is a mandatory requirement of the 6-Point System — without a job offer, an application cannot proceed.

Q3: Is there an English language requirement? Yes. The principal applicant typically needs IELTS 6.5 (Academic or General) or an equivalent score.