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The SMC Points System

You need 6 points to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

YOU CAN CLAIM 3 TO 6 POINTS FROM one of the following:

New Zealand occupational registration

You will be able to use your New Zealand occupational registration to claim points if it is on our list of eligible New Zealand occupational registrations.
The points available for occupational registration are:

  • 6 points for registration requiring a minimum of 6 years of training (for example Physiotherapist, Cadastral Surveyor, Maritime Master, Phycologist etc)
  • 5 points for registration requiring a minimum of 5 years of training (for example Registered Teacher, Osteopath, Pharmacist, Marine Chief Mate etc)
  • 4 points for registration requiring a minimum of 4 years of training (for example Anaesthetic Technician, Barrister or Solicitor, Certificate of Fitness vehicle Inspector, Drainlayer etc)
  • 3 points for registration requiring a minimum of 2 or 3 years of training (for example Electrician, Distribution Line Mechanic, Marine Engineer Class 3or4, Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician, Paramedic etc)
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Qualification

You will be able to use your New Zealand tertiary qualification or your international qualification after an NZQA International Qualification Assessment.

The points available for qualification are:

  • 6 points for a Level 10 Doctoral Degree
  • 5 points for a Level 9 Master’s Degree
  • 4 points for a Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma
  • 3 points for a Level 8 Postgraduate Certificate or a Level 7 Bachelor’s degree qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher)

High income from your job or job offer

The points available for high income are:

  • 6 points for a job or job offer in New Zealand at 3 times the median wage or more
  • 5 points for a job or job offer in New Zealand at 2 times the median wage or more
  • 4 points for a job or job offer in New Zealand at 1.5 times the median wage or more
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Other Requirements

  • The job or job offer must be by an Accredited Employer, genuine, full time, permanent or for at least 12 months (or six months for contractors), and Skilled
  • Applicants must meet Residence class visa character requirements
  • Applicants must meet Residence class visa health requirements
  • Applicants must meet Residence class visa English Language requirements
  • Principal applicants must be 55 years old or younger
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