High earners reach NZ residence through the Skilled Migrant Category on income points. Updated for the 24 August 2026 SMC changes: thresholds, grace period, points.
Written by the ProVisas Editorial Team. ProVisas is a licensed New Zealand immigration advisory firm (IAA Licence 201301110).
The standalone Highly Paid Resident Visa was discontinued. High earners now reach New Zealand residence through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) points-based pathway, where income above the SMC median wage earns points toward the 6-point threshold. The income points rates (1.5x, 2x, 3x) do not change on 24 August 2026.
There is no separate visa for high salaries. Under the SMC points-based pathway you need 6 skilled resident points plus a skilled job or job offer, and income is one of the strongest ways to reach that total (immigration.govt.nz). A salary at or above 1.5x the SMC median wage, on its own, can deliver the points many high earners need, often combined with qualification points and New Zealand skilled work experience points.
Income points are pegged to multiples of the SMC median wage, which is currently NZD $35.00 per hour (1.0x) from 9 March 2026 (immigration.govt.nz). These wage figures are updated by INZ annually, so re-check the current rate before relying on it. The income points rates below are existing figures that do not change on 24 August 2026.
| Income multiple | Hourly rate (from 9 Mar 2026) | Indicative SMC points |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5x SMC median | NZD $52.50 | Points toward the 6-point threshold |
| 2x SMC median | NZD $70.00 | Higher income points contribution |
| 3x SMC median | NZD $105.00 | Top income points band |
Confirm the current dollar rates against INZ’s published SMC pay-rate guidance, as the multiples stay fixed but the underlying median wage moves.
Three points matter for high earners under the 24 August 2026 SMC changes:
For applicants who need no skilled work experience to reach 6 points (for example, 6 points from a doctoral degree), the threshold is the one in effect when invited to apply, usually the EOI submission date.
Income is rarely the only lever. The points-based pathway lets you stack income, qualification, and New Zealand experience points to reach 6. Under the points changes from 24 August 2026, New Zealand skilled work experience earns 1 point for 1 year, 2 points for 1.5 years, and 3 points (the maximum) for 2 years (immigration.govt.nz).
| Points source | Typical contribution |
|---|---|
| Income at 1.5x+ the SMC median | Toward the 6-point threshold |
| Recognised qualification | 4 to 6 points depending on level and where it was gained |
| NZ skilled work experience | 1 point (1 yr), 2 points (1.5 yrs), 3 points (2 yrs max) |
See our SMC points system explained for the full qualification table and how the pieces add up. If your strength is experience rather than salary, the new Skilled Work Experience pathway may suit you better.
This route fits people earning well above the SMC median across management, technology, finance, specialised professions, and senior trades. The usual order of operations is: hold a work visa such as the AEWV, build qualifying New Zealand skilled employment, then lodge an SMC Expression of Interest claiming income points plus skilled-employment, qualification, and experience points. You must still meet standard health and character requirements, and the job offer must be genuine, available, and ongoing.
Current as at 2026-06-29, based on Immigration New Zealand policy. For advice on your own situation, talk to a ProVisas Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA Licence 201301110).
No. The standalone Highly Paid Resident Visa was discontinued. High earners now claim residence through the Skilled Migrant Category points-based pathway, using income points toward the 6-point threshold.
Income points are set at multiples of the SMC median wage. From 9 March 2026 that is NZD $52.50 per hour at 1.5x, NZD $70.00 at 2x, and NZD $105.00 at 3x. The multiples are fixed, but the underlying median wage updates, so confirm the current dollar rate with INZ.
No. The points-based pathway pay rates do not change on 24 August 2026. The income points ladder of 1.5x, 2x, and 3x the median wage continues as before, even though the wider SMC moves to new pathways.
Generally the threshold in effect when you started accruing skilled work experience, not at invitation or EOI. A 5-month grace period means the threshold on your work-visa grant date applies if you begin skilled work within 5 months of that grant, even if the median wage later rises.
Yes. You can stack income, qualification, and New Zealand skilled work experience points to reach 6. From 24 August 2026, NZ skilled experience earns 1 point for 1 year, 2 points for 1.5 years, and 3 points for 2 years.
Want to know where your income and experience put you on points? Check your eligibility or book a consultation and a ProVisas Licensed Immigration Adviser will assess your points position against current INZ policy and help you prepare an SMC application that meets the requirements.
Last reviewed . Information may have changed since this article was reviewed. For your specific case, talk to a licensed immigration adviser.
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