Skilled Migrant Category key points

New points system
You need 6 points to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

You can claim 3 to 6 points from your:

New Zealand occupational registration
qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher), or
income from your job or job offer (earning at least 1.5 times the median wage in New Zealand).
You can only claim points from 1 of the above skill categories. You cannot combine points from multiple skill categories. For example you cannot combine points from your qualification with points from your New Zealand occupational registration.

You can also claim 1 point for each year of skilled work in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points.

The points you claim from skilled work in New Zealand can be combined with points from your New Zealand occupational registration, qualification or income.

Skilled job offer
You must have a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer in New Zealand to apply. This requirement applies even if you are claiming the maximum amount of points available. To be considered a skilled job, the job or job offer must be:

at least 30 hours a week.
either in an ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 occupation and paid at or above the median wage, or in an ANZSCO Level 4 to 5 occupation and paid at or above 1.5 times the median wage.
on a permanent contract or fixed-term contract for at least 12 months.

English requirements have remained unchanged with the previous policy, and IELTS of 6.5 is required for the principle applicant. Health and Character requirements also remain the same, and applicants must be 55 years of age or younger to be eligible to apply.