Skilled Migrant Category — 6-point system (2023 reform)
SMC 6-point system: 1 qualification point + 1-3 occupation registration / income point + 1-2 NZ work experience points.
New ZealandSMCSkilled Migrant Category6-point2023 reform
Build a Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 6-point strategy for [CLIENT_NAME] (age [AGE], qualification [QUALIFICATION], occupation [OCCUPATION] ANZSCO [ANZSCO_CODE], NZ income NZD [INCOME_NZD], NZ experience [NZ_EXPERIENCE_MONTHS] months). §1 — 2023 SMC REFORM HEADLINES (90-110 words) On 9 October 2023, INZ replaced the prior points-based SMC (160 / 180 point system with EOI selection) with a 6-point system targeting 6 total points across three dimensions: • Qualification points (max 5) • Occupation registration OR income points (max 5) • NZ work experience points (max 3) Minimum threshold: 6 points Removed: age points, partner qualification bonus, regional bonus, area-of-future-skill-shortage bonus, job-offer-anywhere-in-NZ bonus Simpler + faster decision-making; favours mid-career skilled workers earning at or above median wage. Implementation phased 2023-2024; verify current calculation tool at INZ SMC page. §2 — QUALIFICATION POINTS (110-140 words) • PhD (Level 10): 5 points • Master's (Level 9): 4 points • Bachelor's with Honours / Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8): 4 points • Bachelor's (Level 7): 3 points • Diploma (Level 6 or 7): 2 points • Diploma (Level 4 or 5): 1 point Recognition: • NZ qualifications: directly recognized • Overseas qualifications: NZQA assessment required (International Qualifications Assessment - IQA) • Indian bachelor's (3-year): typically Level 7 if from UGC-recognized institution • Indian master's: Level 9 typically • Engineering bachelor's (4-year): Level 7 • Indian MBBS: assessed by NZ Medical Council separately for occupation registration For [QUALIFICATION]: estimate points; obtain NZQA IQA if overseas. §3 — OCCUPATION OR INCOME POINTS (130-160 words) Choose ONE of: OCCUPATION REGISTRATION POINTS — for regulated occupations requiring NZ registration: • Doctor (NZ Medical Council registration): 5 points • Specialist medical (Vocational scope): 5 points • Engineer (Chartered Professional Engineer): 4 points • Lawyer (NZ Law Society admission): 4 points • Registered Nurse: 3 points • Other regulated (architect, vet, pharmacist, optometrist): varies 3-4 points INCOME POINTS — for non-regulated occupations OR alternative path: • Earning 1.5× median wage: 5 points (~NZD 47.42/hour or NZD 98,650/year at Feb 2025 median) • Earning 1.25× median: 3 points • Earning at median: 1 point • Below median: 0 points For [OCCUPATION] (ANZSCO [ANZSCO_CODE]) earning NZD [INCOME_NZD]: • If regulated occupation → registration points • If not regulated → income points Most Indian-cohort IT + business roles: income points apply. §4 — NZ WORK EXPERIENCE POINTS (90-110 words) • 1 year (12 months) of NZ work experience in qualifying role: 1 point • 2 years: 2 points • 3+ years: 3 points "Qualifying" = skilled employment with accredited employer at or above median wage in ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 role. For [NZ_EXPERIENCE_MONTHS]: 12-23 = 1 point; 24-35 = 2 points; 36+ = 3 points. Trap: experience in roles paying below median doesn't qualify even if technically skilled. Aim for above-median throughout NZ tenure. §5 — POINTS TOTAL + APPLICATION (90-110 words) For [CLIENT_NAME], total = [Qualification] + [Occupation/Income] + [NZ experience]. If ≥6 points: eligible to apply directly for residence (no EOI lottery — direct application) If <6 points: build points before applying (e.g., complete additional qualification, increase income, accumulate NZ experience) Application: • Online via INZ ONLINE • Fee: NZD 4,290-4,890 + IELTS evidence + qualifications IQA + employment evidence • Processing: 6-12 months typical • English: IELTS 6.5 overall + 6.0 in each band OR equivalent OR exemption (Australia / UK / Canada / Ireland degree) • Health + character + bridging visa support during processing §6 — INDIAN-COHORT PATHWAY (60-80 words) Typical Indian-cohort path: • Bachelor's Level 7 (3) + at-median income (1) + 24 months NZ experience (2) = 6 → eligible • Master's Level 9 (4) + at-median income (1) + 12 months NZ experience (1) = 6 → eligible • Bachelor's (3) + 1.25× median (3) + 0 NZ experience = 6 → eligible offshore Most skilled migrant workers reach 6 points within 12-24 months of AEWV. Plan accordingly. End with: "DRAFT SMC 6-POINT STRATEGY — for review by IAA-licensed adviser. The 2023 reform substantially simplified eligibility for mid-career Indian skilled migrants; if you cannot reach 6 points within 18-24 months, consider Green List Tier 1 (immediate residence with qualifying occupation) or partnership pathway. Verify current points table at INZ SMC page."
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