Home / Residence
Skilled Migrant Category and work to residence
Moving from a work visa to residence depends on getting the occupation right and the evidence solid. Jason first identifies your best pathway, then works through the ANZSCO classification, employment evidence and interview preparation.
Who this is for
- Skilled workers in New Zealand planning for residence
- Applicants whose occupation is on the Green List
- People unsure how their job is classified
- SMC applicants invited to a phone interview
Key requirements
- SMC is points based. Points come from occupational registration, qualifications or income, plus skilled work experience in New Zealand
- Your actual duties must match the ANZSCO occupation you claim
- Green List roles have their own direct or work-to-residence pathways
- Age, English, health and character requirements apply. INZ's current published policy sets the detail
This is a general summary. See the INZ website ↗ for current requirements.
How it works
Choose the pathway
Compare SMC, Green List and other work-to-residence options.
Settle the occupation
Match your real duties to an ANZSCO occupation. This is where most problems start.
Build the evidence
Contract, payslips, job description and employer letters are checked item by item.
Lodge and prepare
If INZ calls you for an interview, we rehearse the usual questions beforehand.
Follow through
RFIs and queries are answered until a decision.
Practical notes from Jason
- A job title is not an ANZSCO occupation. INZ looks at what you actually do
- Your employer's letter and what you say at interview must describe the same job
- Income points are based on pay actually received. Payslips and IRD records must match
Questions
What does the phone interview cover?
Usually your daily duties, responsibilities, reporting lines and hours, to confirm the job matches the occupation claimed. Jason rehearses it with you.
What if my work visa expires before residence is decided?
Plan an interim or further visa early. We map the timeline at the assessment stage.
Related guide The SMC phone interview, what INZ asks and how to prepare →
Not sure which pathway fits?
Tell us the basics and Jason will tell you whether there is a workable path. The initial assessment is free.
