6-point SMC
Simplified points system with straightforward eligibility.
Migrate to New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
visa & immigration consultants.
AEWV and SMC PR from Pune, updated for 2026
Overview
Everything you need to know about New Zealand immigration in 2026
New Zealand's post-COVID immigration rebuild is complete and 2026 offers one of the cleanest points-based PR pathways in the OECD. Mark Consultant, ranked among the best visa and immigration consultants for New Zealand in Pune, files SMC 6-point applications, Accredited Employer Work Visa transfers, Green List straight-to-residence cases and student visas backed by university admission.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) simplified the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) in October 2023 to a 6-point system. Points are earned across qualifications, occupational registration and income — dramatically simpler than the old 180-point EOI system.
The Green List is INZ's response to New Zealand's persistent skill shortages. Tier 1 Green List occupations (specialists, nurses, teachers, ICT professionals) qualify for Straight to Residence — apply for PR immediately without a work-visa stage. Tier 2 occupations qualify for Work to Residence after 2 years of accredited employment.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) remains the primary skilled work visa. Every non-Green List work-visa applicant needs a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer.
Why New Zealand?
Green List Straight to Residence
Tier 1 occupations skip the work-visa stage.
Family-friendly
Partner and dependents included on residence applications.
Path to citizenship
Naturalise after 5 years of residence including 240+ days per year.
Median wage anchor
AEWV salary threshold pegged to the NZ median wage (currently NZD 31.61/hour).
Free public healthcare
PRs and citizens access the public health system from grant date.
Visa categories
New Zealand visa categories we file
Every category below is a full standalone service line with dedicated advisor, written scope and fixed fee. Click through for the complete 2026 guide.
SMC
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
6-point residence pathway for skilled workers
Read the guide →AEWV / Work to Residence
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Employer-sponsored work visa with PR pathway
Read the guide →Student Visa
New Zealand Student Visa
Study at NZ universities and polytechnics
Read the guide →Green List
Green List Straight to Residence
Fast-track PR for in-demand occupations
Read the guide →Documents Required
Documents Required for New Zealand
Complete document checklist for NZ visas
Read the guide →Updated for 2026
New Zealand in-demand & shortage occupation list
Sector-wise shortage occupations with official codes, indicative salaries and the visa route each one unlocks.
2026 policy desk
Latest New Zealand immigration updates
SMC 6-point system embedded
Points come from occupational registration, qualifications or income at 1.5x-3x median wage. Six points = residence eligibility.
Green List expanded
Tier 1 and Tier 2 occupation lists reviewed annually — 2026 additions include additional healthcare and construction trades.
AEWV median-wage threshold
Applicants for AEWV need job offers paying at least the NZ median wage (currently NZD 31.61/hour, updated Feb each year).
Parent Resident Visa reopened
Parent visa ballots have restarted with expanded annual quota.
Post-Study Work Visa tightened
Length of PSWV now more tightly linked to level of qualification completed in NZ.
Why Mark Consultant
Best visa & immigration consultants for New Zealand in Pune
Since 2016, Mark Consultant — a brand of MCO Immigration Services Pvt. Ltd. — has been trusted by 12,000+ families for their New Zealand migration. Rated 4.9★ on Google and JustDial.
- ✓LIA (Licensed Immigration Adviser) partnerships for INZ filings
- ✓Green List Tier 1 & Tier 2 assessment and Straight to Residence filing
- ✓AEWV job-search and employer accreditation verification
- ✓Skills assessment liaison with NZQA for qualification recognition
- ✓IELTS Academic / General coaching partners in Pune
- ✓Post-landing settlement support in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
FAQs
New Zealand immigration — FAQs
What are the 6 SMC points based on?
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Points come from three optional streams: occupational registration (up to 6 pts), qualifications (Bachelor to PhD, 3-6 pts) and income (1.5x to 3x median wage = 3-6 pts). You need any 6 points total.
Is New Zealand PR easier than Australia?
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For Green List Tier 1 occupations, yes — Straight to Residence is faster and simpler than any Australian PR route. For general applicants, PR pathways are comparable.
How long does New Zealand PR take?
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SMC Straight to Residence typically closes in 3-8 months. Work to Residence takes 2 years of accredited employment plus 4-8 months of residence processing.
Book a free assessment
Ready to move to New Zealand?
Honest eligibility read within 24 hours. Written scope, written fees, and a single accountable case manager from day one to landing.
Why 12,000+ clients trust us
- ✓ 9+ years in Pune — since 2016
- ✓ 4.9★ average rating, verified reviews
- ✓ Written fee agreements, no surprises
- ✓ ICCRC-aligned filing processes
- ✓ Post-landing support in destination country
Free visa assessment
Get a free eligibility check for your visa
Share a few details — a licensed advisor will call you within 24 hours with an honest read on your profile.
- ✓ Response within 24 hours by a licensed advisor
- ✓ Written scope and fixed fee — no hidden charges
- ✓ 9+ years, 12,000+ successful cases across India