The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a 6-point pathway to NZ residence and permanent residency (PR) for skilled workers building a life here.
This is general guidance only and visa rules change often. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Immigration New Zealand website.
A quick look at what this visa typically asks for. Tick most of these and you're in good shape, and we'll help you sort the rest.
6 needed
Earn 3–6 points for your qualification, plus up to 3 points for NZ skilled work experience.
Accredited employer
You need skilled work, or a skilled job offer, with an INZ-accredited employer.
55 or under
You must be 55 or younger when you apply.
IELTS 6.5+
Meet the English standard, around IELTS 6.5 overall.
Meets standard
Pass the standard health and medical checks.
Police clearance
Provide police certificates to show good character.
We guide you through your application in three simple steps, from eligibility check to visa in hand.
What you'll need
How we help
The SMC needs 6 points: 3–6 from your recognised qualification, plus up to 3 from NZ skilled work experience. Your partner adviser runs your full points calculation so you know exactly where you stand against the six-point threshold before spending a cent on the application.
What you'll need
How we help
We gather every document that backs your points claim. Residence applications get scrutinised closely, so your partner adviser makes sure each point you claim is supported by evidence that holds up.
What you'll need
How we help
Your partner adviser submits your application and manages all correspondence with Immigration NZ, responding to any request for further information on your behalf, right through to your residence being granted.
Immigration is an investment, but expert advice shouldn't cost you a fortune. Here's the full picture for a residence visa.
Typical residence adviser
For eligible, partner-funded applicants
Don't take our word for it. Hear from the people we've helped call New Zealand home.
“I recommend Jumpstart International for those who want to apply for a student visa. Thankful for your great service in helping me process my application visa.”
“New Zealand was only a dream for us. But the team at Jumpstart was very responsive. They are a start-up company but they're professional, and experts. They guided us and helped us from the time we processed, until we arrived in NZ. Highly recommend. Your money will not be put to waste.”
“Jumpstart International made my student visa process smooth and stress-free. Very professional, reliable, and 100% recommendable!”
“Thank you, Jumpstart International, for helping and guiding us throughout the journey. Yehey! Nandito na kami sa New Zealand. Dati pangarap lang namin ito, pero ngayon nakakapag-practice drive na kami dito. Not just five-stars, a million-stars! Truly a top international agency.”
“I recommend Jumpstart International for those who want to apply for a student visa. Thankful for your great service in helping me process my application visa.”
“New Zealand was only a dream for us. But the team at Jumpstart was very responsive. They are a start-up company but they're professional, and experts. They guided us and helped us from the time we processed, until we arrived in NZ. Highly recommend. Your money will not be put to waste.”
“Jumpstart International made my student visa process smooth and stress-free. Very professional, reliable, and 100% recommendable!”
“Thank you, Jumpstart International, for helping and guiding us throughout the journey. Yehey! Nandito na kami sa New Zealand. Dati pangarap lang namin ito, pero ngayon nakakapag-practice drive na kami dito. Not just five-stars, a million-stars! Truly a top international agency.”
Immigration rules can feel confusing. Here are the most common questions we get about this visa type.
The Skilled Migrant Category awards 3 to 6 points for your recognised qualification, plus up to 3 points for New Zealand skilled work experience. You need a total of 6 points, a skilled job with an accredited employer, and to be 55 or under. Your partner adviser runs your full calculation so you know exactly where you stand.
You're likely eligible if you reach 6 points (from your qualification plus NZ work experience), have a skilled job or offer with an accredited employer, are 55 or younger, and meet English, health, and character standards. Your partner adviser confirms each one before you apply.
It grants you a resident visa first. Once you meet the residence conditions, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PR), which lets you live in New Zealand indefinitely. Your partner adviser plans the route from your SMC residence through to PR.
Yes, you must be 55 or younger when you apply. Age doesn't earn points itself, but it's a threshold you have to meet to be eligible.
You'll usually need around IELTS 6.5 overall or an accepted equivalent. Your partner adviser confirms which tests qualify, and we make sure your result is current before lodging.
Skilled Migrant residence applications can take several months, often in the 6–12 month range. Because they're scrutinised closely, your partner adviser makes sure every point you claim is backed by evidence that holds up, which avoids delays.
Have a specific situation or just want to talk it through? We're here.
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