What are the funds required for a New Zealand student visa?

Under official Immigration New Zealand regulations, you must demonstrate access to at least NZD 20,000 for each year of study (or NZD 1,666 per month for courses under 1 year) for living costs, in addition to paid first-year tuition.

How many hours can international students work in New Zealand?

Students on a Fee Paying Student Visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official scheduled holidays and Christmas breaks.

How long is the New Zealand Post Study Work Visa?

The Post Study Work Visa lasts 1 to 3 years depending on the level of qualification completed in New Zealand (3 years for Bachelor degree Level 7+, Master, or PhD degrees).

How does New Zealand’s 6-point Skilled Migrant Category work?

Under the SMC system, you must claim 6 points from either NZ occupational registration (3-6 pts), recognized qualifications (Bachelor=3, Master=5, PhD=6), or high income, combined with skilled work in New Zealand and a permanent job offer paying median wage or higher.

Home New Zealand HubSkilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa Requirements & Roadmap

Country: New Zealand•Consular Ledger Review: September 2026

Verified Government Portal

For official submission and legal case filing: Immigration New Zealand (INZ)

Visit Official Agency

Consular Visa Fee$4290 USD

Average Processing Window5 Wks (6 to 9 months)

Approval Rate Index82%

Eligibility Requirements

Achieving 6 points from NZ occupational registration (3-6 pts), qualifications (Bachelor=3, Master=5, PhD=6), or high income (1.5x-3x median wage), combined with skilled work in New Zealand and a permanent job offer paying median wage or above.

Documents Checklist Drawer

Claiming 6 verified points on the SMC system

Skilled job offer in NZ paying at least the median wage

English Language Proficiency (IELTS 6.5+)

Under 56 years of age, health and character clearances

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Step-by-Step Filing Roadmap

Score 6 points from qualification, registration, or wage level.

Secure permanent skilled job offer in New Zealand.

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) or direct SMC application online.

Pay the resident visa fee of NZD 4,290.

Upload verified employment contracts, qualifications, and police clearances.

Receive your New Zealand Resident Visa.

Core Rejection Reasons

•Job offer not classified as skilled or paying below median wage threshold.
•Points claimed from non-accredited qualifications without NZQA assessment.

Important Informational Notice

GlobalVisaAtlas is an independent informational guide. We do not represent applicants before sovereign immigration tribunals. Requirements and processing times change; verify current criteria directly on the official New Zealand immigration portal before lodging your application.

Guide Navigation

1. Fees and Processing Times2. Eligibility Benchmarks3. Necessary Checklist files4. Roadmap Steps5. Refusal Prevention

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