Since the launch of the new Six-Point Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) residence scheme in October 2023, many applicants have needed to accumulate between one and three years of skilled work experience in New Zealand to qualify for residence.
We have received numerous enquiries from applicants who believe they meet the income threshold, possess sufficient skilled work experience, are engaged in skilled employment, and/or hold the required professional registration. However, in some cases, we have had to advise – after their applications were already submitted – that they did not meet Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requirements.
As the SMC scheme nears its two-year mark, more people are considering applying. While the scheme may seem straightforward, the reality is more complex – the devil is in the details.
Below, we highlight common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them. We strongly recommend consulting a professional for a bespoke plan or a preliminary assessment before starting your application. This will ensure your application is on the right track from the outset.
Common Pitfalls
1. Income
- From 18 August 2025, the median wage will increase to $33.56 per hour. If you plan to apply after this date, your income must meet the new threshold.
- For occupations listed at ANZSCO skill levels 4–5, the required rate is 1.5 times the median wage, i.e. $50.34 per hour, from 18 August 2025.
- If you are paid an annual salary, your maximum hours of work will determine your hourly rate.
- Certain types of earnings – such as allowances, commissions, or bonuses – cannot be included in your remuneration calculation.
2. Skilled Work Experience in New Zealand
- Only New Zealand-based skilled work experience is eligible; overseas experience cannot be counted.
- Your work experience must fall within a specific timeframe to qualify, e.g. to claim 3 points, you must have at least 36 months of skilled experience within the last 60 months.
- The experience must meet the definition of “skilled” – not all work experience qualifies.
- If claiming points for registration or licensing, the work experience must have occurred after obtaining the registration or licence.
- Changing employers or a drop in income may affect whether your experience qualifies as skilled.
- INZ assesses the skill level of your employment using ANZSCO descriptions and may carry out a substantial match assessment.
3. Skilled Employment
- Your employer must be accredited.
- The employment must be full-time.
- Job titles can vary, but INZ will determine your occupation based on ANZSCO criteria, and may conduct a substantial match assessment.
- The “suitably qualified” test applies – INZ will assess whether your qualifications and work experience match the ANZSCO role description.
- If your occupation requires registration, you must hold the appropriate full or provisional registration.
4. Registration
- Check whether your occupation requires registration (via this link).
- You can also check how many points your registration qualifies you for (via this link).
- A registration, licence, or certificate generally refers to a full one – not provisional or limited.
5. SMC Interim Visa
- If your temporary visa expires and no new one is applied for while your SMC application is still processing, INZ may issue an SMC interim visa.
- The SMC interim visa will be valid for up to 24 months.
- If your application is withdrawn or declined, the interim visa expires two months later.
- The conditions of your SMC interim visa will reflect those of your previous temporary visa.
- However, we usually recommend applying for a new temporary visa instead of relying on an SMC interim visa, because you cannot:
- apply for a new temporary visa while on an interim visa.
- support your partner or dependent children for a visa.
- request changes to visa conditions.
- Importantly, if your SMC application is declined, you must leave New Zealand – you cannot apply for another temporary visa while onshore.
Final Thoughts
We always recommend speaking with a professional before submitting your application. Even if you intend to apply on your own, a preliminary assessment can help ensure you meet all the requirements – or at the very least, that you are aware of any risks.
Ideally, speak to us before accepting a job offer so we can help you develop a bespoke plan from the outset. That way, every step of your journey aligns with the visa requirements.
But even if you are already partway through the process – or if INZ has raised concerns – we are here to help.
After all, it is better to plan a step ahead than to fix problems after the fact.
