What Is the SMC 6-Point System?
New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) switched from its old 160–180 point pool system to a simplified 6-point threshold system. Instead of competing in a ranked pool, any applicant who can demonstrate 6 points and meets all other requirements is eligible to apply for residence. There is no longer an annual quota or a competitive selection round.
The key requirement is that you must have — or have a job offer for — a skilled job with a New Zealand accredited employer. All other criteria flow from there.
Core Eligibility Requirements
55 years or younger when you apply
Skilled job or job offer from an NZ accredited employer
Meet INZ's English language requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5+)
Pass medical examination and provide police clearances
Achieve 6 skilled resident points from one primary category
How the 6-Point System Works
You must claim points from exactly one primary category: occupational registration, qualifications, or income. You cannot mix and match points between these three categories. If your primary category gives you fewer than 6 points, you can top up with NZ skilled work experience (up to 3 additional points, at 1 point per year). Points from work experience can be combined with whichever primary category you choose.
Pillar 1 — Occupational Registration
If your profession requires formal registration in New Zealand (e.g. nursing, medicine, teaching, engineering), you can claim points based on how long the registration process takes:
| Training Required for Registration | Points |
|---|---|
| 6 or more years | 6 points |
| 5 years | 5 points |
| 4 years | 4 points |
| 2–3 years | 3 points |
Only registrations on INZ's approved list qualify. If you have fewer than 6 points from registration alone, you can add NZ work experience points to reach 6.
Pillar 2 — Qualifications
Points are awarded for your highest recognised qualification. Overseas qualifications must be assessed by NZQA unless they appear on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA).
| Qualification | Points (NZ) | Points (Overseas) |
|---|---|---|
| PhD / Doctorate | 6 | 6 |
| Master's degree | 6* | 5 |
| Honours / Postgrad Diploma | 5* | 4 |
| Bachelor's / Postgrad Certificate | 4* | 3 |
* Higher points for NZ qualifications apply from August 2026 (1 extra point for NZ-completed degrees, except doctorates). To claim postgraduate points, you must also hold a bachelor's degree. Current system awards 3–6 points based on level without the NZ/overseas split.
Pillar 3 — Income
If your job pays well above the NZ median wage, you may be able to claim points based on income alone — without needing a formal qualification or registration. The current median wage is NZD $35.00/hr (effective March 2026).
| Hourly Rate | Multiple of Median | Points |
|---|---|---|
| NZD $105.00/hr or more | 3× median | 6 |
| NZD $70.00/hr or more | 2× median | 4 |
| NZD $52.50/hr or more | 1.5× median | 3 |
Median wage figures are updated periodically. Always verify the current rate at immigration.govt.nz. Income points are only available if your job meets ANZSCO skill level and wage requirements for your specific occupation.
Top-Up — NZ Skilled Work Experience
If your primary category gives you 3–5 points, you can top up with NZ skilled work experience. You earn 1 point per year of NZ skilled work, up to a maximum of 3 points. The experience must be:
- In a skilled role (ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 for most pathways)
- Full-time (at least 30 hours per week)
- Paid at or above the median wage throughout the period
- Gained within specific recent timeframes (e.g. 12 months NZ experience within the last 24 months)
| NZ Experience Required | Within Timeframe | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years | Last 60 months | 3 points |
| 2 years | Last 48 months | 2 points |
| 1 year | Last 24 months | 1 point |
Common Pathways to 6 Points
Doctor / Nurse / Allied Health
NZ registration (6 yrs training) → 6 pts. No work experience needed.
Master's degree holder + 1 year NZ experience
Qualification (5 pts overseas Master's) + 1 yr NZ work (1 pt) = 6 pts.
High earner (no formal qualification)
Income at 3× median ($105+/hr) → 6 pts directly. No qualification needed.
Bachelor's degree + 3 years NZ experience
Qualification (3 pts overseas Bachelor's) + 3 yrs NZ work (3 pts) = 6 pts.
Honours degree + 2 years NZ experience
Qualification (4 pts) + 2 yrs NZ work (2 pts) = 6 pts.
What Changes in August 2026?
The NZ Government announced in September 2025 that the SMC will expand with two new pathways from late August 2026:
🔧 Trades & Technician Pathway
- • ANZSCO Level 1–3 trade/tech role
- • Level 4+ qualification in the trade
- • 4+ years of post-qualification experience
- • 18+ months NZ work at SMC median wage
- • Must be on the approved Occupations List
💼 Skilled Work Experience Pathway
- • ANZSCO Level 1–3 occupation
- • 5+ years of relevant skilled experience
- • 2+ years NZ work at 1.1× median wage
- • Not on the Red List
Additionally from August 2026: NZ-completed qualifications earn 1 extra point versus overseas equivalents; maximum NZ work experience required drops from 3 to 2 years for most pathways; migrants no longer need to meet a higher wage at the residence application stage (only at the start of work experience).
Red List & Amber List (August 2026)
New occupation lists will manage immigration risk from August 2026:
🔴 Red List
These occupations cannot use the new Skilled Work Experience or Trades & Technician pathways. Applicants must qualify under the standard 6-point SMC system instead.
🟡 Amber List
These occupations have specific additional requirements or restrictions when using the new pathways. Check INZ's published lists before applying.
Key Things That Have NOT Changed
- You must have a skilled job or job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
- The age limit remains 55 years or younger
- English language requirements still apply
- Health and character checks are still required
- The Green List (Tier 1 direct residence) continues to operate separately
- There is still no regional bonus — the old +30 Auckland outside bonus was removed when the 6-point system was introduced