Skilled Migrant Visa Pathways for New Zealand 2025

Are you dreaming of making Aotearoa your permanent home? In 2025, New Zealand’s migration landscape has undergone a seismal shift. The government has moved toward a “high-skill, high-value” model, rewarding long-term loyalty and special expertness.1

Whether you are a software person, a listed nurse, or a master artisan, understanding the SMC 6-point system and the Green List pathways is no longer optional—it’s the difference between a act support and a visa status.

The SMC 6-Point System (The Primary Route)

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the base of New Zealand act. Gone is the old 180-point pool; in 2025, you must reach just 6 points to be invited to apply.2

NZ Skilled Work Experience

If your chosen pillar gives you 3, 4, or 5 points, you must “top up” to 6 using skilled work experience in New Zealand.5

• Year in NZ = 1 Point6
• Years in NZ = 2 Points
• Years in NZ = 3 Points (Maximum)7
• Pro-Tip: From August 2026, the work experience duty for many will cut from 3 years to 2 years, making the path to PR even faster for those not yet onshore.8

Green List & Sector Pathways

If your job is on the Green List, you can often road the points system all. This is the “fast track” to the New Zealand dream.

Straight to Residence

Eligible from Day 1. You can apply for act before you even get in New Zealand if you have a job offer in these roles:

• ICT & Electronics: Software Engineers, Safety Specialists ($69.80/hr+).
• Healthcare: General Practitioners, Surgeons, Clinical Psychologists.
• Engineering: Civil, Electrical, and Chemical Engineers.

Work to Residence

Requires 24 months of working in New Zealand before you can apply for PR.9

• Key 2025 Additions: Metal Fabricators, Welders, and Fitters have been added to Tier 2 to address infrastructure gaps.10
• Education: Primary and Secondary Teachers (Note: Some teaching roles moved to Tier 1 in late 2024/2025).11

Transition to the National Occupation List (NOL)

As of November 3, 2025, Migration New Zealand (INZ) has formally change from the old ANZSCO codes to the National Occupation List (NOL).12

• 87 New Roles: INZ now know nearly 90 new skilled roles under the NOL framework.
• Impact: If you are applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you must use the new NOL codes.13
• Skill Levels 1–3: Only these levels generally provide a clear 5-year stay and a pathway to act.

New 2026 “Bridge” Pathways

Declared in late 2025, two new line will open in August 2026 to help those who fall through the tops of the 6-point system:14

• Skilled Work Experience Pathway: For those with 5 years of experience (2 in NZ) earning 1.1x the median wage.15
• Trades and Technician Pathway: For those with a Level 4+ qualification and 4 years of experience (18 months in NZ).16

The “Audit-Ready” Checklist

INZ now work on a “Decision-Ready” model. If your info is partial, your request may be status without a Request for Content (RFI).

• Accredited Employer: You must have a job offer from an employer with current certification.17
• IQA (NZQA Assessment): Your foreign degree must be proved via the International Qualification Assessment.18
• Median Wage: Ensure your pay meets the $33.56/hr threshold (effective August 18, 2025).19
• Maximum Continuous Stay (MCS): Don’t get caught by the 5-year limit. If you haven’t secured a residency pathway by year 4, you may face a 12-month “cool-down” period offshore.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Skilled Migrant Visa landscape is more transparent than ever, but it demands precision. By shifting to a 6-point system and the National Occupation List (NOL), Immigration New Zealand has sent a clear message: they are looking for high-tier talent and long-term commitment.

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Disclaimer: 

This section is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusty sources, such as the official Immigration New Zealand site, before making decisions.