How It Works
A Competitive Pool System
The SMC is applicant-driven — you calculate your points, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and enter a pool. INZ selects from the pool fortnightly. If your score meets the current selection mark, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for residence.
A skilled job offer or current skilled employment in New Zealand earns the most points and signals the settlement intent INZ is looking for. Applicants without a NZ job offer typically need strong qualifications and overseas experience to compensate.
Points System
How Points Are Calculated
Points are awarded across four core categories. Skilled employment in New Zealand is the highest-value factor — with bonus points for shortage occupations, regional roles, and senior positions.
| Factor | Details | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Employment | ||
| Current skilled employment in NZ | Job offer or current role at ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 | 3 |
| Occupation on Long-Term Skill Shortage List | Role is on INZ’s shortage list (bonus, stacks with above) | +2 |
| Employment located outside Auckland | Role is based outside the Auckland region | +1 |
| Senior, supervisory or leadership role | Demonstrated management or team leadership responsibility | +1 |
| Qualifications | ||
| Recognised overseas qualification (bachelor’s or above) | Degree comparable to NZ standard (NZQA or professional body) | 1 |
| New Zealand qualification | Bonus for qualification completed in New Zealand | +1 |
| Qualification directly relevant to employment | Qualification is in the same field as your NZ skilled job | +1 |
| Post-graduate or doctoral qualification | Master’s or PhD-level study | +1 |
| Work Experience | ||
| 2 years skilled NZ work experience | In addition to any points scored for current employment | 1 |
| Each additional year NZ skilled experience | Capped at 2 additional points total | 0.5 |
| 2 years overseas skilled work experience | Relevant to the skilled occupation | 0.5 |
| Each additional 2 years overseas experience | Capped at 1 additional point total | 0.5 |
| Age & Partner Bonus | ||
| Age 20–39 years | At time of EOI submission | 2 |
| Age 40–44 years | At time of EOI submission | 1 |
| Partner with skilled employment or qualification | Included partner meets their own skilled criteria | 1 |
Eligibility
Core Requirements
All applicants must satisfy these criteria before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Minimum 6 Points
You must score at least 6 points under the SMC framework to submit an EOI. Higher scores improve your chances of selection in each fortnightly draw.
Skilled Occupation
Your job or job offer must be classified at ANZSCO Skill Level 1, 2, or 3 — covering professional, technical, and trades roles requiring post-secondary training or above.
Under 56 Years of Age
You must be under 56 at the time your EOI is submitted. Age also affects your score — applicants aged 20–39 receive 2 points, those aged 40–44 receive 1 point.
Health & Character
You and included family members must meet INZ’s health and character requirements — including medical examinations and police clearance certificates from all relevant countries.
Recognised Qualifications
Overseas qualifications claimed for points must be assessed as comparable to NZ standards — via NZQA or a recognised professional body, depending on your occupation.
English Language
Sufficient English must be demonstrated via IELTS, OET, TOEFL, or PTE results, or by holding a passport from an exempt country (UK, Australia, Canada, USA, Ireland).
Documents
What You’ll Need to Prepare
A complete SMC application requires thorough documentation across employment, qualifications, identity, and health. We conduct a full document audit before lodgement to prevent delays.
Time-Limited Documents
Police certificates are valid for 6 months. Medical results are valid for 36 months. Refresh all time-limited documents before lodgement — not just when starting your EOI.
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Current NZ visa label or e-visa
- Birth certificate
- Marriage / relationship certificate
- Children’s birth certificates
- Passport-sized photos
- Current employment contract
- Job offer letter (if applicable)
- Employer reference letters
- Payslips (3–6 months)
- IRD earnings history
- Prior employer references (for experience points)
- Degree certificates & transcripts
- NZQA qualification assessment
- Professional registration certificates
- Trade or vocational certificates
- Certified translations (non-English)
- Continuing education records
- INZ medical examination results
- Chest X-ray (all applicants 11+)
- Police certificates (all relevant countries)
- IELTS / OET / TOEFL / PTE results
- OR exempt-country passport copy
- Statutory declarations (if required)
Our Process
How We Guide Your Application
The SMC is complex — EOI strategy, points accuracy, and documentation quality all directly affect your outcome. We manage the entire process end-to-end.
Points Assessment & Strategy
We review your employment, qualifications, age, experience, and partner situation to calculate an accurate score. We identify bonuses you may have missed and advise whether your current score is competitive or if strengthening it first is the better move.
Document Collection & Verification
We provide a tailored document checklist and review every piece of evidence before it goes to INZ. Overseas qualifications are assessed, employment letters are checked for INZ-compliance, and all translations are certified.
EOI Preparation & Submission
We prepare and submit your Expression of Interest with precision — every points claim backed by the correct evidence. Errors or unsupported claims in the EOI can lead to delays or lower awarded points at application stage.
Pool Monitoring & ITA Response
We monitor each fortnightly draw and alert you immediately when you receive an Invitation to Apply. We begin residence application preparation ahead of time so there is no deadline pressure when the ITA arrives.
Residence Application Lodgement
We compile and lodge your complete residence application, including all family members. Every form, declaration, and supporting document is reviewed before submission. We liaise with INZ on any Requests for Further Information.
Residence Approval & Next Steps
Once approved, we walk you through your residence conditions, travel documents, and the path to a Permanent Resident Visa after two years. Our team remains available post-approval for any follow-up questions.
FAQ
Common Questions
Do I need a job offer to apply for SMC?
A job offer is not mandatory, but it is strongly beneficial — skilled employment in NZ is the single highest-scoring factor (3 points base, up to 7 with bonuses). Without NZ employment, you need strong qualifications and overseas experience to reach a competitive score.
How long does the SMC process take?
Timing depends on two stages: how long until you are selected from the pool (which depends on your score and INZ’s demand), and then how long INZ takes to process your residence application. Total timelines commonly range from 12 to 24 months, though higher scores can accelerate selection significantly.
Can I include my partner and children?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your residence application and will receive residence on the same approval — granting them the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand. Including a qualifying partner may also add a point to your EOI score.
What happens if I am not selected from the pool?
Your EOI remains active in the pool for up to 2 years. You can update it to reflect changes — such as a new job, promotion, or additional qualification — that may increase your score. We actively manage this and advise on the fastest path to a competitive score if needed.
Does my overseas qualification automatically count?
No. Overseas qualifications must be assessed as comparable to NZ standards — either via NZQA or through a recognised professional body (e.g., Engineering NZ, MCNZ). We coordinate these assessments and advise which pathway is fastest for your field.
What is a Permanent Resident Visa and when can I apply?
After holding residence for 2 years and meeting a minimum time-in-NZ requirement, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa — which has no expiry and carries unrestricted travel rights. We plan for this milestone well in advance so you are ready to apply as soon as eligible.
Get Started
Find Out If SMC Is Right for You
The first step is a free points assessment. We review your full profile, calculate your realistic score, and give you an honest picture of your options — including whether a different pathway might suit you better.
