New Zealand’s SMC Resident Visa: Changes and Pathways Unveiled

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) in New Zealand has recently undergone significant changes, moving from a complex system with numerous points factors to a more streamlined six-point system. Under this new system, applicants can select points from one of three columns on the left and supplement their points from a smaller column on the right.

To qualify, applicants need skilled employment in New Zealand or a job with a salary of at least 1.5 times the median income, and this employment must be with an Accredited employer. While qualifications and income points are straightforward to understand, the registration column can be confusing as it relies on specific occupations listed by INZ.

Unfortunately, work experience points were eliminated due to verification challenges, a decision many view as a mistake. Most applicants will now follow a "work to residence" pathway, which entails multiple visa stages: first a Visitor Visa to seek employment, then a Work Visa to commence work, culminating in Residence status after one, two, or three years.

Importantly, the job you secure doesn't need to be on a shortage list; it simply must be skilled or offer a high salary.

Another pathway to skilled residence doesn't involve points but offers three options: Tier 1 (Green List), Tier 2 (Green List), and sector-specific pathways.

• The first option, "Straight to Residence - Tier 1, Green List" is the quickest and simplest. It's for those who secure jobs in specific fields like healthcare, ICT, or education listed in Tier 1 of the Green List. Each occupation has its own requirements, such as qualifications, experience, or salary, typically with Accredited employers.

The process is clear-cut: meet age, health, character, and English language requirements, and you can apply for Residence immediately. There are no additional points, two-step processes, or major criteria. While it's usually a swift process, certain factors may necessitate a Work Visa as well.

• Moving on to the next option, known as "Work to Residence - Tier 2, Green List." This pathway is slower and somewhat more complex. Applicants are required to work in New Zealand for a period of two years in an occupation listed under Tier 2 of the Green List before they can apply for Residence.

Tier 2 of the Green List includes less critical, in-demand occupations with slightly lower skill levels. To apply for Residence, secure a Work Visa and work for an Accredited employer, earning at least the median wage or the specified salary for your occupation.

Please note that only particular Work Visas contribute to the necessary two years in your selected occupation. If your occupation is on the Green List with a wage requirement, you must sustain that wage throughout the full two-year period, which sees annual increases.

• Work to Residence also offers specific Sector Pathways, like the care workforce and transport sector, often with lower salary thresholds, requiring applicants to work in New Zealand on specific Work Visas for two years before applying for Residence.

The complexity of the system stems from layers added by the government to cater to various industry demands. A simpler, single pathway that prioritizes occupations would have been more straightforward. Whether this complexity changes with a new government remains uncertain, but the fundamental goal remains attracting skilled individuals to address labor shortages.

Want to accelerate your residence application? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us for expert guidance.

We are confident that we can guide you to illuminate the path to obtaining your visa with ease.