Charlie Qiao
Immigration Lawyer
View profileSkilled Migrant
Residence through skilled work.
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is New Zealand’s residence pathway for people in skilled employment. Since 24 August 2026 it has three pathways: the Points-based pathway, the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway. You only need to qualify under one.
Which pathway fits depends on your occupation and its ANZSCO skill level, your pay history, your qualifications and your visa timing. Many people on an Accredited Employer Work Visa now have a route that did not exist before.
How we can help
We can assist with the following.
- SMC pathway assessment: we review your occupation, ANZSCO skill level, pay history, qualifications and work experience against all three SMC pathways, including the Red and Amber Lists.
- Wage threshold and timing checks: we identify which SMC wage threshold applies to you and when you may become eligible.
- Expression of interest and residence application: we help prepare your EOI and, once you are invited to apply, your full application and supporting documents.
- Qualifications and IQAs: we explain whether you need an NZQA International Qualification Assessment and how your qualification is likely to be assessed.
- Partners and dependent children: we help include your family and meet health, character, relationship and English language requirements.
- Responding to INZ: we help you respond to requests for more information or potentially prejudicial information letters.
- Employers: we advise accredited employers on supporting staff toward residence, including job descriptions, pay settings and genuine employment requirements.
The process
How it runs.
Initial consultation
We discuss your goals, current visa and job, and review key documents.
Pathway plan
We set out which SMC pathway, or other residence option, fits; what you still need; and a realistic timeline.
Evidence gathering
We give you a tailored checklist — for example employment agreements, job descriptions, IRD summaries of earnings, qualifications, police certificates and medicals.
Expression of interest
When you meet the requirements, we help you submit your EOI. Immigration New Zealand tells you straight away if you meet them.
Residence application
You must apply within 4 months of your Invitation to Apply. We help prepare and lodge a complete application.
Through to decision
We handle communication with Immigration New Zealand and keep you updated until a decision is made.
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
Which SMC pathway am I eligible for?
It depends on your job, its ANZSCO skill level, your pay, qualifications and work experience. You only need to meet one pathway. We can assess all three for you in an initial consultation.
Can I apply for residence while on an AEWV?
Yes, many SMC applicants are on an AEWV. You need a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer and must meet the requirements of one SMC pathway.
How long do I have to apply after an Invitation to Apply?
You must submit your residence application within 4 months of receiving your Invitation to Apply, under the pathway you were invited for.
Can my partner and children be included?
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger, who will also need to meet health, character and English requirements.
Do you help employers?
Yes. We advise accredited employers on supporting migrant staff toward residence, including job descriptions, pay and genuine employment requirements.
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