Overview: Residence Pathways in 2026
For most skilled migrants, there are three main routes to New Zealand permanent residency in 2026:
Pathway A
AEWV → SMC
Work in NZ on an AEWV, accumulate NZ skilled work experience, then reach 6 points under the SMC. Most common route.
Pathway B
Green List Tier 1
Straight to Residence if your occupation is Tier 1. No points pool, no waiting — apply directly with a qualifying job offer.
Pathway C
Green List Tier 2
Work to Residence — 2 years in a Tier 2 role at the required pay threshold, then apply for residence.
This guide covers Pathway A — the AEWV → SMC 6-point route — in detail.
How the SMC 6-Point System Works (Quick Summary)
Under the current system (introduced October 2023), you need 6 skilled resident points to apply for residence. Points come from one primary category only:
- Occupational registration: 3–6 pts depending on years of training required
- Qualifications: 3 pts (Bachelor's) up to 6 pts (PhD); overseas quals assessed by NZQA
- Income: 3 pts (1.5× median), 4 pts (2× median), 6 pts (3× median wage)
If your primary category gives you 3–5 points, you can top up with NZ skilled work experience: 1 point per year, up to 3 points maximum. Points from different primary categories cannot be combined.
There is no annual quota and no competitive selection round. If you meet 6 points and all other requirements, you can apply.
Stage 1: Before You Arrive — Preparation
Get your NZQA assessment done early
If your qualification was obtained outside NZ/Australia, apply for an NZQA overseas qualification assessment well before you need it. Processing takes 4–8 weeks.
Check your occupation against the Green List
If you are on Tier 1, you may not need the SMC pathway at all — the Straight to Residence route is faster. If Tier 2, the Work to Residence path gives you a 2-year timeline.
Identify accredited employers
You must have a job from an INZ-accredited employer. Use the INZ accredited employer search to find and verify employers in your field before applying.
Sort your English language evidence
Most applicants need IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0), OET Grade B, or equivalent. From August 2026, test results are valid for 5 years for registered professionals.
Stage 2: Getting Your AEWV
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the primary temporary work visa for skilled migrants. To obtain one:
- Your employer must hold current INZ accreditation.
- For most roles, the employer completes a Job Check — confirming the role is genuine, the salary meets the median wage ($35.00/hr as of March 2026), and local recruitment was attempted.
- Once the Job Check is approved, you apply for your AEWV.
- The AEWV is typically granted for up to 3 years and can be extended.
Stage 3: Accumulating Your 6 SMC Points
Once in NZ on an AEWV, focus on reaching 6 points. The most common combinations:
PhD or NZ Master's (Aug 2026+)
6 pts from qualification alone → apply for residence immediately with job offer
Overseas Master's + 1 yr NZ work
5 pts (qualification) + 1 pt (experience) = 6 pts
Bachelor's + 3 yrs NZ work
3 pts (qualification) + 3 pts (experience) = 6 pts
Honours/PGDip + 2 yrs NZ work
4 pts (qualification) + 2 pts (experience) = 6 pts
NZ registration (6 yrs training)
6 pts from registration alone → apply immediately
Earning 3× median wage (~$105/hr)
6 pts from income alone → apply immediately
Stage 4: Applying for the SMC Resident Visa
Unlike the old 180-point system, there is no Expression of Interest pool or waiting roundunder the current 6-point system. Once you have 6 points and meet all other requirements, you apply directly for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
Your application must include:
- Evidence of your primary points category (NZQA assessment, registration certificate, or payslips showing income)
- Evidence of NZ skilled work experience if claiming top-up points (employment agreement, payslips, IRD records)
- Current job offer or employment agreement from an accredited employer
- English language test results (if required)
- Medical examination and police clearances
- Application fee (~NZD $3,310 for principal applicant — verify current fee at INZ)
Stage 5: Visa Decision and Life After Residence
INZ will assess your application and issue a decision. Processing times vary — typically 6 to 18 months depending on complexity and documentation quality. Prioritised applications (for some occupations) may be processed in 4–7 weeks.
If approved:
- You receive a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa — permanent residence
- After 2 years on a resident visa, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (enables unrestricted travel in/out)
- After 5 years of residency (1,350 days physically present), you may apply for NZ citizenship
- NZ citizenship gives visa-free access to Australia and 185+ countries
August 2026 Changes — What's Coming
- Skilled Work Experience Pathway: ANZSCO Level 1–3, 5+ yrs experience, 2 yrs NZ work at 1.1× median wage
- Trades & Technician Pathway: Level 4+ qualification, 4+ yrs post-qualification experience, 18 months NZ work at median wage
- NZ university Master's degree → 6 pts (currently 5 pts for overseas Master's)
- Max NZ work experience drops from 3 years to 2 years for most pathways
Realistic Timeline (AEWV → SMC Route)
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| NZQA qualification assessment | 4–8 weeks |
| AEWV application & Job Check | 4–10 weeks |
| Accumulate NZ work experience (if needed) | 1–3 years |
| SMC resident visa application processing | 6–18 months |
| Total (Bachelor's + 3 yrs experience route) | ~4–5 years |
| Total (PhD or high income — no experience needed) | ~6–12 months after arrival |