SMC Points Calculator NZ

Our New Zealand PR Points Calculator 2024 is an essential tool for evaluating your eligibility for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa, a pathway that can lead to Permanent Residence (PR) in New Zealand.

Check your eligibility to migrate

Find out how many points you can earn by securing skilled employment in New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category. To be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest, you need to accumulate a total of six points.

New Zealand PR Points Calculator 2024

Our New Zealand PR Points Calculator 2024 is an essential tool for evaluating your eligibility for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa, a pathway that can lead to Permanent Residence (PR) in New Zealand. This calculator meticulously assesses several key factors, including age, skilled employment, work experience, qualifications, and other relevant criteria, to generate a comprehensive points score. If your total score meets or surpasses the established threshold, you may qualify to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for residence.

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa

Feature Skilled Migrant Category Visa Other Types of Visas
Target Group Skilled professionals Varied (tourists, students, temporary workers, etc.)
Pathway to Residency Direct pathway to permanent residency Temporary or no direct residency pathway
Points-Based System Uses a points system for qualifications, work experience, job offers Varies (may not use a points system)
Employment Requirement Job or job offer required - must be from an accredited employer Varies (sponsorship by employer, not required, etc.)
Age Limit 55 years or younger Varies (different limits or no limit)
Length of Stay Indefinitely Varies (fixed term, renewable, etc.)
Cost Starting from NZD $4290 Varies
Family Inclusion Partner and dependent children included Varies (different criteria for including family members)

What sets the Skilled Migrant Category Visa apart from other visas in New Zealand?

The Skilled Migrant Category Visa in New Zealand is tailored for individuals with sought-after skills and qualifications, addressing skill shortages and bolstering the country's economic development. This visa grants successful candidates the opportunity to reside, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, providing a route to permanent residency. Applicants undergo evaluation based on a points system, considering factors such as age, work experience, qualifications, and a job offer in New Zealand.

Use the SMC Points Calculator NZ to determine your eligibility.

SMC Visa Eligibility

  1. Age Range: Applicants must be 55 years or younger.
  2. Points Requirement: A minimum of 6 points is required to apply.
  3. Employment Requirements: Applicants must have a job or a job offer in New Zealand with an accredited employer. The job should be either full-time and permanent, for a fixed-term of at least 12 months, or a contract for services of at least 6 months.
  4. Points for Qualifications and Work Experience: Claim 3 to 6 points for a qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher), New Zealand occupational registration, or income. Points from these categories cannot be combined. Gain 1 point for each year of skilled work in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points. These points can be combined with points from qualifications, New Zealand occupational registration, or income.

SMC Visa Benefits:

  1. Length of Stay: Indefinitely.
  2. Residency and Lifestyle:
    • Live, work, and study in New Zealand.
  3. Family Inclusion:
    • Include your partner and dependent children aged 24 and under in your residence application.

SMC Visa Processing Time

The processing times for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa in New Zealand, which grants skilled workers the opportunity to permanently live and work in the country, can fluctuate due to application volumes, policy adjustments, and other variables. Based on the most recent data, processing times generally vary from several months to over a year.

For instance, prioritized applications may be processed in approximately 4-7 weeks, while others may experience significantly longer processing times, with some cases taking 6 to 18 months.

SMC Visa Fees

The application cost for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa in New Zealand comprises various fees, such as the application processing fee and the immigration levy. According to the most recent information, the application fee is around NZD $3,310 for the primary applicant. Additional charges may apply for including partners and dependent children in the application.

Check out our other calculators: 189 Visa Points Calculator, 191 Visa Points Calculator, 491 Visa Points Calculator, 190 Visa Points Calculator, PR Visa Points Calculator

Speak to our migration agents in Melbourne to arrange a consultation.