New Zealand offers evidence-gated pathways through the student visa and three Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) sub-routes. The SMC is a direct residence pathway - not a temporary work visa.
Quick summary
- Student visa: NZD 20,000/year in funds, admission offer required
- SMC points-based: 6 points minimum, job offer in a skilled role required
- SMC skilled work experience: job offer + 3 years experience
- SMC trades and technician: job offer + relevant qualification
- Processing time: 4-6 months for SMC residence applications
Pathway 1 — Student Visa (Fee-Paying)
Registry ID: NZ-student | Status: Publishable
Requirements
| Requirement | Value | Source | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission offer | Required | immigration.govt.nz | 2026-09-13 |
| Minimum funds | NZD 20,000/year | immigration.govt.nz | 2026-09-13 |
| Health insurance | Required | Immigration NZ | 2026-09-13 |
Source: immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa — verified 2026-09-13
Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (university) | NZD 22,000-35,000/year |
| Living funds required | NZD 20,000/year |
| Visa application fee | NZD 375 |
| Health insurance | NZD 500-700/year |
Post-study pathway
After a degree of 2+ years, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa (1-3 years), which can lead to the SMC if you secure skilled employment.
Pathway 2 — SMC: Points-Based
Registry ID: NZ-smc-points-based | Status: Publishable
Direct residence visa for skilled workers with a job offer in New Zealand.
Points system — minimum 6 points
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Skilled employment in NZ (job offer or current) | 3 |
| Qualification (bachelor's or higher) | 2 |
| Work experience 2-5 years | 1 |
| Work experience 6-10 years | 2 |
| Age 20-39 | 1 |
| Partner with skilled employment or qualification | 1 |
Source: immigration.govt.nz/visas/skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa — verified 2026-09-14
Application process
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) at immigration.govt.nz.
- If selected, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Submit residence application within 4 months of ITA.
- Processing: 4-6 months.
Pathway 3 — SMC: Skilled Work Experience
Registry ID: NZ-smc-skilled-work-experience | Status: Publishable
For workers with 3+ years experience in a skilled role (ANZSCO skill level 1, 2, or 3) and a current job offer in New Zealand.
| Requirement | Value | Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer | Required | 2026-09-14 |
| Minimum work experience | 3 years | 2026-09-14 |
Pathway 4 — SMC: Trades and Technician
Registry ID: NZ-smc-trades-technician | Status: Publishable
For qualified tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics) with a job offer in New Zealand.
| Requirement | Value | Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer | Required | 2026-09-14 |
| Relevant qualification | Required | 2026-09-14 |
Qualifications must be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) before applying.
Common rejection reasons
- Points score below 6
- Job offer not in a skilled occupation (ANZSCO level 4 or 5 roles do not qualify)
- Qualifications not assessed by NZQA before application
- Chest X-ray not submitted (required for Nigerian applicants)
Official sources
- Immigration New Zealand: immigration.govt.nz
- Student visa: immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa
- Skilled Migrant Category: immigration.govt.nz/visas/skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa
- NZQA qualification assessment: nzqa.govt.nz
Last fact-checked: 2026-10-28. Requirements verified against Immigration New Zealand official sources. This post is general information, not immigration advice.