Revamped Skilled Migrant Category: What You Need to Know About the New 6-Point System

Starting October 9, 2023, an updated and streamlined points system will be introduced for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa.

Although the SMC already exists, the upcoming version undergoes substantial changes in its structure and calculation process while still maintaining some key elements. Here are some frequently asked questions that address the recent announcement.

What criteria must be met to qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa with a score of 6 points?

To qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, individuals must meet specific requirements based on their pathway in addition to standard criteria such as age, English language proficiency, health, and character. Here is a breakdown of the qualifications and point allocation:

1. You will receive 6 Points if you:
   • Hold a New Zealand registration in a specified occupation requiring at least six years training, OR
   • Possess a PhD or Doctorate, OR
   • Have an acceptable job or job offer in New Zealand that pays three times the median wage.
2. You will receive 5 Points if you:
   • Hold a New Zealand registration in a specified occupation requiring at least five years training, OR
   • Possess a Master's degree.
3. You will receive 4 Points if you:
   • Hold a New Zealand registration in a specified occupation requiring at least four years training, OR
   • Have an Honours Degree or Post-graduate Diploma, OR
   • Have an acceptable job or job offer in New Zealand that pays twice the median wage.
4. You will receive 3 Points if you:
   • Hold a New Zealand registration in a specified occupation requiring at least two years training, OR
   • Have a Bachelor's Degree or Post-graduate Certificate, OR
   • Have an acceptable job or job offer in New Zealand that pays 1.5 times the median wage.

If an individual falls short of the required 6 points, they can obtain the remaining points by having skilled work experience in New Zealand:

• 1 point for one year of skilled work in New Zealand on any work visa.
• 2 points for two years of skilled work in New Zealand on any work visa.
• 3 points for three years of skilled work in New Zealand on any work visa.

By considering these qualifications and accumulating points through skilled work experience, individuals can achieve a total of 6 points to meet the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa.Please refer to the below image for a visual representation of the new SMC point system.

How does the new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) with a 6-point threshold differ from the current SMC with a 180-point requirement?

The following image illustrates the key distinctions between the current SMC (180 pts) and the new SMC (6 pts).

In what ways do the current Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) with a point requirement of 180 and the new SMC with a reduced threshold of 6 points share similarities?

The core elements that remain consistent between the current Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and the new version are as follows:

1. The definition and criteria for determining what qualifies as "skilled" work remain unchanged.
2. The median wage thresholds for job offers or employment in New Zealand continue to be the same in both the current and new SMC.
3. Meeting the specified English language proficiency requirement is still a fundamental criterion for eligibility in both versions of the SMC.
4. The existing health and character requirements remain in place, and applicants must satisfy these criteria to be considered for residency under both the current and new SMC.
5. The maximum age limit for applicants remains unchanged, requiring individuals to be 55 years old or younger when applying for residency under both versions of the SMC.

When will the new 6-point system be introduced and become operational?

As of October 9, 2023, the revised requirement will be implemented for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, wherein applicants must accumulate a minimum of 6 points to be eligible for the visa.

Until when will the current Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) remain in effect?

The current Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is scheduled to conclude at 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2023. The final selection for Expression of Interest under the current rules will take place on August 16, 2023.

How long does it take to process applications for the new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)?

According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), their objective is to reach decisions on straightforward Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) applications that contain all the necessary information within a timeframe of 6–8 weeks.

What is the status of Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) applications that have already been submitted under the 180-point rule?
Applications that have already been submitted under the 180-point rules for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) will proceed as per the rules in effect at the time of their submission. There will be no changes or disruptions, and these applications will continue to be processed in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures at that time.

I am uncertain about which SMC option would be more advantageous for me: the 180-point system or the 6-point system.
The suitability of either the SMC6 or SMC180 systems depends on your specific circumstances and various factors to consider. Here are some key points to help assess which option may be more beneficial:

1. Employer accreditation: If your employer is accredited, SMC6 requires a job offer from an accredited employer, making it a favorable choice.
2. Qualification level: SMC180 is advantageous if you hold qualifications below a Bachelor's degree since SMC6 only recognises Bachelor's degrees and higher qualifications.
3. Work experience: SMC6 only considers New Zealand-based work experience, whereas SMC180 recognises both overseas and New Zealand work experience. If you have significant overseas work experience, SMC180 may be more favorable.
4. Salary level: If your salary exceeds $88.98 per hour (3 times the median wage), SMC6 offers eligibility based on this criterion alone.

Considering these factors, it is essential to evaluate your unique circumstances and prioritize the factors that align with your qualifications, work experience, and salary level to determine which system, SMC6 or SMC180, is more advantageous for you.

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