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New Zealand skilled residence: SMC pathways, Green List and wage thresholds

New Zealand does not rank applicants by points the way Australia does. Since 24 August 2026 the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) has three pathways, and every one needs a skilled job or job offer with an accredited New Zealand employer, paid at least the SMC wage threshold (now $35.00 an hour). If you meet a pathway, you can be invited. There is no cut-off score to beat.

The three SMC pathways

Points-based pathway

6 points from one skill category (qualification, NZ registration or income), topped up with up to 3 points for skilled work in New Zealand. A NZ bachelor’s degree is 5 points, an overseas bachelor’s 4.

Skilled Work Experience pathway

5 years of relevant work in a skill level 1–3 job, at least 2 of them in New Zealand, paid at least 1.1× the threshold ($38.50). No degree needed. Not open to Red List jobs; Amber List jobs need 1.2× and all 5 years in New Zealand.

Trades and Technician pathway

A job on the Trades and Technician list (109 occupations), a relevant level 4+ qualification, and 4 years of work after it, including 18 months in New Zealand, paid at least the threshold.

Every pathway also needs: age 55 or under, health and character checks, and English (IELTS 6.5 overall, PTE Academic 58 or TOEFL iBT 79, or another accepted way). The job must be full-time (30+ guaranteed hours a week) and permanent or at least 12 months. INZ SR3.10

Wage thresholds from 9 March 2026

$35.00SMC wage threshold (1.0×): Points-based and Trades & Technician pathways, ANZSCO skill level 1–3

$38.501.1×: Skilled Work Experience pathway

$42.001.2×: Skilled Work Experience pathway, Amber List jobs

$52.501.5×: Points pathway for skill level 4–5 jobs; also 3 income points

$70.002×: 4 income points

$105.003×: 6 income points (enough on its own)

Green List

The Green List is a separate route. 146 Tier 1 occupations can apply for residence straight away (Straight to Residence) once they have a qualifying job and meet the listed qualification, registration or pay rule. 37 Tier 2 occupations get residence after 24 months working in New Zealand in that job (Work to Residence). Appendix 13

Tools

SMC eligibility checkerAnswer a few questions and see which pathway you meet now, and what is missing.Wage threshold calculatorEnter your hourly rate or salary and see which thresholds and income points it meets.NZ occupation listsAll 298 occupations on the Green List, Trades and Technician, Amber and Red lists.Registration pointsWhich New Zealand registrations and licences give 3 to 6 points.Australia 189 vs New Zealand SMCPoints, job offer, age, English and competition side by side.

Checked against the INZ Operational Manual on 3 November 2026. Rules change; confirm with Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser before you apply.