Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Live and Work in New Zealand Permanently
Want to move to New Zealand for good because of your skills and qualifications? The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) opens one of the most common doors to residency for experts in high-demand fields.
New Zealand aims to attract skilled people to boost its workforce and economy. If you have the right experience qualifications, and meet the requirements, you might get the chance to live, work, and study in New Zealand without time limits through this points-based residency program.
At Ezy Immigration, we help you figure out if you qualify, work out your points, get your Expression of Interest (EOI) ready, and handle your whole residence application. We turn the tricky stuff into easy steps—so you can focus on your move without stress.
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Licensed Immigration Adviser (NZ) # 201300919
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What Is the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa?
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa aims to attract people with skills, work experience, and qualifications that New Zealand needs. This visa doesn’t just let you work for a while—it gives you the right **to live in New Zealand **.
To apply, you need to reach a minimum points score and hand in an Expression of Interest (EOI). You get points for things like your job offer, occupation, income, qualifications, work experience, and age.
You’ll also have to meet English language, health, and character requirements, and have a job or job offer from an accredited employer.
Who Can Apply for an SMC Resident Visa?
The SMC pathway suits people who:
- Have a full-time job offer in New Zealand from an accredited employer.
- Work in a role that pays above the median wage (or is on the Green List of high-demand occupations).
- Have recognized qualifications and related job experience.
- Are younger than 56 years old.
- Pass English, health, and character checks.
Learn more about Green List jobs and Direct Residence options
Based on your occupation, you might qualify for Direct Residence bypassing the points system.
What Makes the Skilled Migrant Visa So Attractive?
New Zealand’s excellent living standards, stable government, and work-life harmony make it a top choice for skilled workers in tech, engineering, healthcare, teaching, and trades.
If you’re already working in New Zealand or planning to move from overseas, this visa offers a solid path to set up a permanent home here.
How Ezy Immigration Can Help You
The Skilled Migrant Category application process involves:
- Calculating points and checking eligibility
- Submitting an Expression of Interest
- Getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Gathering supporting documents and filling out your residence visa application
Errors can cause holdups—or even rejections. At Ezy Immigration, our licensed immigration advisers support you through each phase making your residency goal more attainable and less worrying.
We also assist with:
- Straight to Residence and Work to Residence visas
- Accredited Employer Work Visa transitions
- Green List occupations and fast-track residency
Check out all residence visa options here
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Director & Licensed Immigration Adviser
Adviser (NZ) # 201300919
Agent (AU) # 2117455
Move Closer to Becoming a Resident
Many professionals use their expertise to build lasting futures in New Zealand. We can help you figure out your points, check if your job qualifies, and put together a compelling residence application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Right now, you need to get at least 6 points. You can rack up these points through a mix of your job offer how much you earn, your qualifications, and your work experience.
In most situations, you’ll need one. You should have a full-time job offer from an employer with accreditation that pays equal to or more than the median wage. The Green List has some exceptions to this rule.
Jobs in tech, engineering, healthcare, building, and teaching are often needed. Jobs on the Green List have easier paths to get the visa.
Yes, you can add your partner and children who depend on you to your residence application.
The process can last 6 to 12 months, from when you submit your EOI to when you get the final decision. This time frame changes based on your specific case and the type of visa you’re after.
Yes. You can submit applications from outside the country as long as you meet all the needed requirements.
Yes. You need to show you’re good enough at English by taking an approved English language test like IELTS.
You can live, work, and study in New Zealand for as long as you want. After you’ve held a resident visa for two years, you have the option to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
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