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NEW ZEALAND SKILLED MIGRANT

Points-Based Resident Visa System

Expert guidance for New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category applications. We help you navigate the SMC points system with 95% success rate. From SMC 1 to SMC 3, we optimize your profile for maximum points.

Skilled Migrant Categories

Choose the right category based on your profile and circumstances. We provide specialized support for all SMC categories.

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SMC 1 - Skilled Employment

Skilled Migrant Category 1

For skilled workers with expertise in occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand.

Points Required
100 points
Processing Time
6-9 months
No job offer required
Direct pathway to PR
Long-term resident visa
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SMC 2 - Skilled Employment with Job Offer

Skilled Migrant Category 2

For skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.

Points Required
50 points
Processing Time
3-6 months
Job offer bonus points
Faster processing
Employer support
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SMC 3 - Work to Residence

Skilled Migrant Category 3

For workers already in New Zealand on a work visa who want to transition to residence.

Points Required
50 points
Processing Time
4-6 months
Already in NZ
Work experience bonus
Faster pathway

New Zealand Points Test Breakdown

Understand how points are calculated in the Skilled Migrant Category system. We help you maximize your points for better invitation chances.

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Age

Points awarded based on your age at the time of invitation:

Maximum Points
30 points
20-39 years30 points
40-44 years20 points
45-49 years10 points
50-56 years5 points
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English Language

Points based on IELTS scores in all four bands:

Maximum Points
20 points
IELTS 6.5+ each20 points
IELTS 6.0 each17 points
IELTS 5.5 each16 points
IELTS 5.0 each12 points
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Work Experience

Points for skilled employment experience outside New Zealand:

Maximum Points
50 points
8-9 years40 points
6-7 years30 points
4-5 years20 points
2-3 years10 points
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Education

Points based on your educational qualifications:

Maximum Points
50 points
PhD50 points
Master's Degree40 points
Bachelor's Degree30 points
Trade Certificate20 points

Skilled Migrant Application Process

Step-by-step guidance through the SMC application process. We handle everything from EOI to resident visa grant.

1

Skills Assessment

Get your skills assessed by the relevant New Zealand authority.

2

Expression of Interest

Submit EOI with your points score and occupation preferences.

3

Invitation to Apply

Receive invitation from Immigration New Zealand when points threshold is met.

4

Resident Visa Application

Submit complete resident visa application within 4 months of invitation.

Ready for New Zealand Permanent Residency?

Let our expert team guide you through the skilled migrant process. With our comprehensive support, your New Zealand PR journey is just a few steps away.