Great news for international students – Master’s degree now earns 6 points!

The New Zealand Government has announced important updates to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and introduced two new residence pathways effective August 2026.

✳️ Key Changes to the Current SMC

✅ Doctoral & Master’s degrees still earn the maximum 6 points
✅ Reduced NZ work experience needed to reach 6 points (now ~1.5–2 years instead of 3)
✅ Wage assessment must now be maintained throughout your work experience, not just at the time of application

⚜️ New Pathways (from August 2026)

1️⃣ Trades & Technicians Pathway

• Requires a Level 4+ qualification

• 4 years’ post-qualification skilled work (including 18 months in NZ at median wage)

2️⃣ Skilled Work Experience Pathway

5 years directly relevant skilled work (including 2 years in NZ at 1.1 × median wage)

🧭 How the Current 6-Point System Works

Under the current system, you must choose one main pillar and then add NZ work experience to reach 6 points.

🏛 Step 1: Choose Your Main Pillar (only one)

• Qualification | NZ occupational registration | Income
  Each pillar gives 3 to 6 points depending on level.

🧩 Step 2: Top Up with NZ Skilled Work Experience

Add up to 3 points for skilled NZ work to reach the 6-point threshold.

💰 Step 3: Income Route

Higher pay bands earn more points – the top band (3× median wage) earns 6 points.
✅ Always check INZ’s pay-rate guidance before planning your application.

⚙ Step 4: Don’t Forget the Basics

You still need:

• Skilled employment (or a valid job offer)

• Age ≤ 55

• Health, character & English requirements met

🧭 How to Earn Points Now – Practical Routes

🎓 Qualification Route

• Map your highest degree and confirm its NZ qualification level and recognition.

• If it’s an overseas qualification, consider NZQA assessment for comparability.

• Build a clean evidence pack (certificates, transcripts, official letters).
  (Qualification points sit within the 3-6 band depending on recognition level.)

🩺 Occupational Registration Route

• If your profession requires NZ registration or practising certificates, this can be your strongest pillar.

• Start early — many boards have multi-step processes or English/competency requirements.

💼 Income Route (NZ Job)

• Compare your current pay rate to INZ’s median-wage bands.

• Evidence must align with contracts, payslips, and tax records.

• The top band (3× median wage) gives 6 points; lower bands give fewer.

🧾 NZ Skilled Work Experience (Top-Up)

• If your main pillar gives <6 points, add up to +3 points for skilled NZ work experience.

• Keep your paper trail tight: contracts, payslips, IR filings, and detailed job descriptions matching “skilled” duties – not just job titles.

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🌏 What This Means for You

These changes could reshape residence pathways for thousands of migrants and employers.
Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or employer planning ahead – now is the time to prepare.

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📩 Contact EZmigrate today
Our licensed immigration advisers can help you map your pathway under the new system and ensure your qualifications and experience are recognised correctly.