This updated guide reflects the major shifts in New Zealand's immigration landscape as of late 2025. If your goal is to study in New Zealand and return home, focus on global career research. However, if you want to stay and gain Permanent Residency (PR), you must navigate a highly structured, points-based system.
To succeed, your strategy must align with the Six-Point System, the Green List, or Sector Agreements.
The Updated Golden Rules for 2025/2026
Rule 1: Skilled Employment is the Only Anchor
Residence is now a data-driven process. You either have the right points, the right job on a list, or you don't.
Rule 2: Reverse-Engineer Your Education
Do not choose a course based on interest alone; choose it based on whether it leads to Occupational Registration, a Green List role, or a high-income threshold.
The Three Main Pathways to Residence
1. The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) – The Six-Point System
Introduced to replace the old 180-point system, this is now the primary route for most skilled workers. You need exactly 6 points to apply.
How to get your 6 points:
The Skill Pillar (Claim 3 to 6 points): You can only claim points from one of these:
- Occupational Registration: 3 to 6 points based on how many years of training your NZ registration required (e.g., Doctors and Accountants often get 6 points).
- Qualification: 3 points for a Bachelor's degree, 4 for Honours/Postgrad Diploma, 5 for a Master's, and 6 for a PhD.
- High Income: 3 points if you earn 1.5x the median wage ($52.50/hr), 4 points for 2x ($70.00/hr), or 6 points for 3x ($105.00/hr).
The Experience Top-Up (Max 3 points): If your Skill Pillar only gave you 3, 4, or 5 points, you can add 1 point for every year of skilled work experience you complete in New Zealand.
2. The Green List Pathways
If your role is on the Green List, you may bypass the 6-point system entirely.
- Tier 1 (Straight to Residence): Highly specialized roles (Engineers, ICT Managers, Health Professionals) can apply for residence immediately upon arrival if they have a job offer.
- Tier 2 (Work to Residence): Occupations like teachers and specialized trades (Electricians, Plumbers) can apply for residence after working in NZ for 24 months.
3. Sector Agreements (Care & Transport)
Specific industries have their own "Work to Residence" pathways. For example, the Care Workforce pathway allows residence after 24 months of work, provided you are paid at least the Level 4 pay equity rate (currently $28.25/hr).
Your 3-Step Plan for Success
Step 1: Check the Wage Thresholds
As of 9 March 2026, the median wage for immigration settings is $35.00 per hour — see our full Median Wage NZ guide.
- ANZSCO Level 1-3: You must earn at least the median wage ($35.00/hr).
- ANZSCO Level 4-5: You must earn at least 1.5x the median wage ($52.50/hr) to be considered "skilled."
Step 2: Verify Your Course Eligibility
Not all courses grant a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV).
- Level 7 Degree or higher: Usually grants a 3-year open work visa.
- Level 7 Diploma or below: Only grants a PSWV if the qualification is specifically listed as "eligible" for your target occupation.
Tool: INZ Green List Tool
Step 3: Hunt for Accredited Employers
You cannot get a skilled resident visa through a non-accredited employer. Use job boards to find companies that already hold Accredited Employer (AEWV) status.
Tools: Seek.co.nz and TradeMe Jobs.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Pathways
New pathways have been announced for mid-2026 specifically for:
- Skilled Trades: A dedicated "Trades and Technician" pathway for those with Level 4 qualifications and 4 years of experience.
- Lower Wage Thresholds: Some new pathways may only require 1.1x the median wage after 2 years in NZ.
Planning your study-to-residence strategy? Check your points with our SMC Points Calculator and compare your future NZ salary against your home country with the Cost of Living Calculator.