Are there any regional area benefits or points for PR in New Zealand, and how do city preferences affect that for a Master's?
14 Aug 2026 · Answered by Premlata Shandilya · 1 min read
No, New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa does not offer extra points or benefits for living or working in regional areas.
As of July 2026, the SMC uses a 6-point system based only on:
- Qualifications (e.g., Level 10 Doctoral Degree = 6 points, Level 9 Master’s = 5 points)
- Income (points for earning 1.5x, 2x, or 3x the median wage)
- Skilled work experience in New Zealand (1 point per year, up to 3 points)
Where you live - Auckland or any other city - does not affect your eligibility or points for permanent residency under the current system.
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