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FRENZ can help you to get residency in New Zealand
Immigration NZ offers two main Skilled Migrant residency pathways:
- Skilled Migrant Residence (SMR)
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
Skilled Migrant Residence (SMR)
The Skilled Migrant Resident Visa (SMR) now has different categories based on the “Green List” INZ designated, and ever changing, skill shortage occupations.
The different categories are:
- Skilled Residence : Straight to Residence visa (Tier 1)
- Skilled Residence : Work to Residence visa
- Care Workforce -Work to Residence visa
- Transport – Work to Residence
The ‘Green List pathway’ outlined in the graphic below offers residence pathways after 24 months of work experience in an eligible occupation, provided criteria such as qualifications, licensing, and wage thresholds are met.
If you think you work a Green list occupation, please get in touch with us to check whether your occupation or salary fits into one of the Skilled Residence categories.
For the dairy industry, residence eligibility requires 3 years’ commercial relevant experience, including at least 24 months’ skilled work in NZ in a Herd Manager + role (in line with Green List title and duties). Check with us to ensure compliance with INZ skilled wage and experience requirements.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
- The 6-Point Pathway
This pathway is often referred to as SMC6 as it requires accumulating 6 points – 3 based on registered training, qualifications, or income, plus 3 years in a skilled job. Contact us to assess your points and pathway.
- Skilled Work Experience Pathway
This pathway is for people in Skill Level 1-3 roles who have extensive experience but might not have a high-level degree.
Key Requirements
- 3 Years: Relevant work experience (can be anywhere).
- 2 Years: Directly relevant work experience in New Zealand.
- Pay: 1.1x the SMC wage threshold
- Recent: Experience must be within the last 10 years.
- Trades & Technician Pathway
For roles like Carpenters, Painters, and Boat Builders (Appendix 23). The big rule here is the qualification. You need a total of 4 years of work experience after you received your NZQA Level 4 qualification:
Key Requirements
- 2.5 Years: Relevant work experience (can be anywhere)
- 1.5 Years: Directly relevant work experience in New Zealand
- Qualification: Level 4 or higher, recognized by NZQA
- Pay: Standard SMC wage threshold
- The Post-Qual Rule: All work experience counts only after you finished your degree/certificate.
Important to Note
INZ will also look at:
- Visa type- typically must be for Accredited Employer with some exceptions
- Personal characteristics (age of 55 or younger at application)
- Work experience
- Salary- at or above relevant median wage
- Health
- Character
- English language
INZ have said that straightforward SMC applications will be decided in 6 to 8 weeks (optimistically)
Want to know more information about the SMC Changes? Read more HERE.
Talk to a Licensed Immigration Adviser
Planning ahead is crucial: checking whether your occupation is on the eligible list, making sure pay meets or exceeds those thresholds – including prior pay, and ensuring you are documenting your NZ work history as and how required.
To discuss which are best to you and your personal circumstances, you can talk to one of our Licensed Immigration Advisers.
Email our adviser team or call 021 711 071 .
