NEW ZEALAND – Skilled Migrant Update

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced a new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) in June 2023. The purpose of this new SMC is to further support economic growth by providing a pathway for residency for highly-skilled and higher-income individuals. The new category is built around a simple six-point skills assessment, and has no annual cap on the number of immigrants who may be allowed into New Zealand under the scheme.

A female worker standing with smiling face in office.

To qualify for residency under the new SMC, applicants must:

  • Be 55 years old or younger when they submit their application
  • Meet health and character requirements
  • Demonstrate an acceptable level of English proficiency
  • Have skilled employment with an accredited employer. Employment will be considered skilled if it meets:
    • ANZSCO level 1-3 with payment at median wage (NZ$29.66 hourly); or
    • ANZSCO level 4-5 with payment at 1.5x median wage (NZ$44.49 hourly).
  • Claim six eligibility points.

Between three and six points can be earned for:

  1. Occupational registration; or
  2. A recognised qualification; or
  3. Meeting certain income thresholds.

In addition, a further three points can be earned for skilled New Zealand work experience, at a rate of one point per year.

INZ expects individuals who hold PhD qualifications, occupations requiring six of more years of training (such as doctors), and high-income earners who earn NZ$88.98/hourly are the ones who will benefit most from this SMC, since they can earn the required six points for residency without needing any previous skilled New Zealand employment.

Source: Newland Chase

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