Cracking the Code: How to Meet New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category Points Requirement

So, you’ve set your sights on living and working in New Zealand long-term.

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is one of the most popular pathways to residency — but the key to unlocking it lies in understanding one thing: points.
From your qualifications to your salary, every detail counts. Let’s break down exactly how you can meet the points requirement.

1. Understanding the SMC Points System

The Skilled Migrant Category is based on a points threshold designed to attract individuals with the skills, experience, and qualifications New Zealand needs.
Currently, you need 6 points or more to be eligible for residence. Points can come from:

3 to 6 points from 1 skill category 

• New Zealand occupational registration
• Qualifications
• Income, and

Up to 3 more points from skilled work experience, if required.

2. How to Earn Points

📚 Qualifications

• 6 points — for a level 10 Doctoral degree
• 5 points — for a level 9 Master's degree
• 4 points — for a level 8 Bachelor Honour's degree or Postgraduate diploma, or
• 3 points — for a level 8 Postgraduate certificate or level 7 Bachelor's degree.

💰 Income

• 6 points — if the job is at 3 times the median wage
• 4 points — if the job is at 2 times the median wage
• 3 points — if the job is at 1.5 times the median wage

🎯 New Zealand occupational registration

• 6 points — if a minimum of 6 years of experience, training or both are required to gain registration
• 5 points — if a minimum of 5 years of experience, training or both are required to gain registration
• 4 points — if a minimum of 4 years of experience, training or both are required to gain registration
• 3 points — if a minimum of 2 years of experience, training or both are required to gain registration.

Skilled work requirements

You may claim upto three points for skilled work experience in New Zealand. Your employment must be in a full-time  job. The applicable wage threshold depending on the skill level is as below.

• You must have been paid the median wage or above for skill level of 1 to 3.
• you must have been paid 1.5 times the median wage for skill level of 4 to 5.

💼 Skilled Work Experience

• 3 points — for 3 years of skilled work experience during the 5 years before you apply
• 2 points — for 2 years of skilled work experience during the 4 years before you apply
• 1 point — for 1 year of skilled work experience during the 2 years before you apply.

Final Thoughts

Meeting the Skilled Migrant Category points requirement isn’t just about meeting the bare minimum — it’s about building a strong, future-proof application. By understanding where your points come from, you can position yourself as the ideal candidate for New Zealand residency.