Unlocking Opportunities: Understanding the New Skilled Migrant Points System
The new Skilled Migrant Category resident visa opening imminently, with the date being set at 9 October 2023. Immigration New Zealand is moving from its current 180 points-based system to a simplified 6-point system.
You can claim 3 to 6 points from ONE of the below:
- New Zealand occupational registration
- Qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher)
- Income from your job or job offer (earning at least 1.5 times the median wage in New Zealand – NZ$92,540 per annum)
AND
4. Can claim a further 1-3 points for skilled work experience in New Zealand
Here is a more detailed look at how you can claim all the points below:
1. New Zealand occupational registration points
You will be able to use your occupational registration to claim points if it is on the list of eligible New Zealand occupational registrations. Registrations that require more training are worth more points.
Points available for occupational registration:
| Points | Requirements |
|
6
|
A minimum of 6 years of training is required to gain registration. |
|
5
|
A minimum of 5 years of training is required to gain registration. |
|
4 |
A minimum of 4 years of training is required to gain registration.
|
|
3
|
A minimum of 2 years of training is required to gain registration. |
List of eligible occupational registrations
You can find out what New Zealand occupational registrations are eligible, and the points awarded for each registration here – https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/living-in-new-zealand-permanently/new-zealand-skilled-residence-pathways/occupational-registrations.
Note: If you are planning on claiming further points through skilled work experience in New Zealand, you can only use the skilled work experience that you gained after getting your occupational registration.
2. Qualification points
You will be able to claim between 3 to 6 points depending on the highest level of qualification you have and its New Zealand Qualification Framework level (NZQF).
Points available for qualifications:
| Points | Qualification
(Equivalent under the NZQF) |
|
6
|
Level 10 Doctoral Degree |
|
5
|
Level 9 Master’s Degree |
|
4
|
Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma |
|
3 |
Level 8 Postgraduate Certificate Level 7 Bachelor’s degree
|
Overseas qualifications
Most qualifications from outside of New Zealand will need assessing by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to determine the equivalent qualification type and level.
Overseas qualifications that do not need to be assessed
Immigration New Zealand will be updating its list of overseas qualifications that do not need to be assessed by NZQA. The updated list will be available from early October 2023.
Non-degree qualifications
If you have a non-degree qualification at NZQF Level 7 or below, you will not be able to claim points under the new points system.
3. Points for income
You will be able to use your income from your job to claim points. The wage thresholds are based on the New Zealand median wage, which is currently NZ$29.66 per hour (Set on February 27, 2023).
Points available for income:
| Points | Wage threshold |
|
6 |
Job or job offer in New Zealand at 3 times the median wage or more (Threshold is currently NZD $88.98 an hour).
|
|
4
|
Job or job offer in New Zealand at 2 times the median wage or more (Threshold is currently NZD $59.32 an hour).
|
|
3
|
Job or job offer in New Zealand at 1.5 times the median wage or more (Threshold is currently NZD $44.49 an hour). |
The job or job offer must be:
- from an accredited employer
- at least 30 hours a week, and
- on a permanent contract or fixed-term contract for at least 12 months.
Note: Applications for the Highly Paid Residence Visa were planned to open on 29 September 2023. If you intended to apply for the Highly Paid Residence Visa, you can now apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Residence Visa instead from 9 October 2023.
4. Skilled work experience in New Zealand points
You will be able to claim 1 point for each year of skilled work experience you have in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points.
The skilled work experience must be in a full-time job (minimum of 30 hours a week). There is also a wage threshold depending on the ANZSCO level of the job:
- People in ANZSCO level 1 to 3 roles must earn the median wage or above.
- People in ANZSCO level 4 to 5 roles must earn 1.5 times the median wage or above.
You can claim points for skilled work experience in New Zealand from:
| Points | Number of years experience in NZ |
|
3 |
At least 36 out of the 60 months preceding your application
|
|
2
|
At least 24 out of the 48 months preceding your application
|
|
1 |
At least 12 out of the 24 months preceding your application
|
While the new points system is simplified, it will remove certain options that people could claim points through the current Skilled Migrant Category resident visa system. Specifically, under the current points system, you can claim points for overseas work experience. This will no longer be possible under the new system as only New Zealand work experience will be recognised.
Get assessed under both systems to ensure you don’t miss out on an opportunity to gain residency under the current system before it changes in October.
NOTE: Act Now to Maximise Your Immigration Opportunities
If you have overseas work experience that could contribute to your points total under the current system, don’t miss out on the opportunity to claim those points before the October deadline. By getting assessed now, you can ensure you make the most of the existing system and increase your chances of gaining residence.
Time is of the essence, so reach out to us for guidance through the assessment process and to help you better understand your options.
