Master prompt
SMC 6-point maximisation strategy across all four streams (NZ)
Strategic plan to maximise SMC 6-point score across skilled NZ employment (3/4/6), qualification (1-5 by NZQF level), NZ income (1-4 by median multiple), and occupational registration / specialised training. Picks the cleanest combination by evidence in hand.
NZSMCPoints maximisationStrategySM5NZQFMedian wage
You are a senior IAA-licensed immigration adviser. Build a 6-point maximisation strategy for [CLIENT_NAME] (age [AGE], [HOME_CITY]) under SMC 2023+ (Operations Manual SM5). Goal: highest viable score from existing facts; document each stream with evidence in hand and identify the SHORTEST credible path to top up if short.
CLIENT FACTS
- Job: [JOB_OFFER_DETAILS]
- Qualification: [QUALIFICATION_DETAILS]
- NZ work experience: [NZ_WORK_EXPERIENCE]
- Occupational registration: None
- Specialised training: None
- Partner: Single
REFERENCE: MEDIAN WAGE BANDS
Current published rate (verify before submission — review window 28-Feb annually):
1x median: NZD 31.61/hr (2025 rate; estimate ~33.00/hr 2026)
1.5x median: NZD 47.41/hr (2025; ~49.50/hr 2026)
2x median: NZD 63.22/hr (2025; ~66.00/hr 2026)
3x median: NZD 94.83/hr (2025; ~99.00/hr 2026)
Hourly → annual: multiply hourly rate by 2,080 (40 hrs × 52 weeks). Adjust if [JOB_OFFER_DETAILS] indicates non-40hr week.
§1 — GATEWAY CONFIRMATION (must clear before counting any points)
State PASS or FAIL on each:
(i) Skilled employment in NZ at ANZSCO L1-3 (or Green List or sector exception)
(ii) Employer INZ-accredited (Standard / High-Volume / Franchise / Triangular)
(iii) Pay rate ≥ 1.5x current median wage
(iv) English — IELTS 6.5 / equivalent / English-medium qualification
(v) Health — TB X-ray (India) + general medical if 12+ months stay
(vi) Character — no relevant convictions; clean s.158 / s.158A record
If any gateway is FAIL, stop and address gateway. Don't optimise points around a failing gateway.
§2 — STREAM A SCORING (SKILLED EMPLOYMENT — SM5.5)
Recompute hourly rate from [JOB_OFFER_DETAILS] and compare to current median bands:
- If pay ≥ 3x median → 6 points (likely sole-stream win for senior tech / specialist medical roles)
- If pay ≥ 2x median → 4 points
- If pay ≥ 1.5x median → 3 points
- If pay < 1.5x median → 0 points (and gateway FAIL)
Show calc: [hourly_rate] × 2080 = NZD [annual] (= [n.nn]x current median).
OUTPUT: Stream A = n points (with reasoning + evidence references e.g. signed employment offer letter clause 4, INZ accreditation ID).
§3 — STREAM B SCORING (QUALIFICATION — SM5.10)
Parse [QUALIFICATION_DETAILS] (request IQA pre-assessment from NZQA if not already done):
Tier ladder:
- 0 points: NZQF Level 5 or below
- 3 points: NZQF Level 6 (Diploma)
- 4 points: NZQF Level 7 (Bachelor's — 4yr typical)
- 5 points: NZQF Level 8 (Hons / PG Cert / PG Dip)
- 6 points: NZQF Level 9-10 (Master's / Doctoral)
For Indian qualifications use these IQA defaults (subject to actual NZQA outcome):
- BCom / BA / BSc (3-yr): L6 = 3pt
- BEng / BTech / MBBS (4-yr+): L7 = 4pt
- PG Dip from recognised Indian institute (1-yr): L8 = 5pt (rare)
- MA / MSc / MTech / MCom / MBA: L9 = 6pt
- PhD: L10 = 6pt
OUTPUT: Stream B = n points (NZQF level + IQA reference number if available).
§4 — STREAM C SCORING (NZ INCOME — SM5.15)
NZ income points stack with Stream A. Use the SAME pay rate from [JOB_OFFER_DETAILS] applied against the lower thresholds:
- 1 point: ≥ 1x median (i.e. above the wage floor)
- 2 points: ≥ 1.5x median
- 3 points: ≥ 2x median
- 4 points: ≥ 3x median
Stream C is a powerful top-up — a 4pt Stream A salary unlocks 2-3pt in Stream C automatically.
OUTPUT: Stream C = n points (calc shown).
§5 — STREAM D SCORING (OCCUPATIONAL REGISTRATION — SM5.20)
Parse None + [NZ_WORK_EXPERIENCE]:
Years of NZ employment AT the registered occupation:
- <1 year: 3 points
- 1-3 years: 4 points
- 3-6 years: 5 points
- 6+ years: 6 points
Occupations that qualify (registration mandated by NZ law):
- Medical / Health: NZ Medical Council, Nursing Council NZ, Dental Council, Pharmacy Council, Physio Board, etc.
- Engineering: Engineering NZ Chartered Membership (CMEngNZ)
- Trades: Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB), Plumbers Gasfitters Drainlayers Board, Building Practitioners
- Education: Teaching Council of Aotearoa NZ
- Law: NZ Law Society practising certificate
- Real estate: Real Estate Authority
- Architecture: NZ Registered Architects Board
OUTPUT: Stream D = n points (body + registration date + years of NZ employment to date).
§6 — STREAM E SCORING (SPECIALISED TRAINING / NZ STUDY — SM5.25)
Parse None:
- 1 point: 2+ years of NZ study toward an NZQF L7+ qualification
- 2 points: NZ Master's or Doctoral completed in NZ (Level 9-10)
Note: NZ-completed Master's / PhD ALSO uplifts Stream B to 6 points — but the Stream B and Stream E points stack only when E is separately earned (e.g. an Indian Master's giving Stream B + a different NZ PG Cert giving Stream E).
OUTPUT: Stream E = n points (course + provider + completion date).
§7 — STACK & TOTAL
Build the running total:
Stream A (Skilled Employment): _ pts
Stream B (Qualification): _ pts
Stream C (NZ Income): _ pts
Stream D (Occupational Reg): _ pts
Stream E (Specialised Training): _ pts
--------
TOTAL: _ pts
Compare to 6-point threshold.
§8 — BEST-FIT COMBINATION (when there are multiple paths)
Some clients hit 6 points multiple ways. Pick the path with:
(a) Strongest documentary evidence
(b) Least dependence on third-party (e.g. employer letters > NZQA assessments > Council registrations)
(c) Most stable in time (e.g. existing qualification > expected future pay rise)
Typical best-fit combos for an Indian software engineer:
- Combo 1: Stream A (3pt, 1.5x pay) + Stream B (3pt L6 Indian BSc) = 6pt — works if pay just clears 1.5x
- Combo 2: Stream A (4pt, 2x pay) + Stream B (4pt L7 BEng) = 8pt — over 6, lots of safety
- Combo 3: Stream A (4pt) + Stream C (2pt) = 6pt — when employer can't verify L7 qualification yet
Typical best-fit combos for an Indian nurse:
- Combo 1: Stream A (3pt L2 Green List) + Stream D (3pt registered) = 6pt — clean
- Combo 2: Stream A (3pt) + Stream D (4pt 1+ yrs registered) + bonus = 7pt — even stronger after 1y in NZ
Typical best-fit combos for an Indian trades-person (electrician / plumber / carpenter):
- Combo 1: Stream A (3pt L3) + Stream D (3pt EWRB / PGDB registered) = 6pt
- Combo 2: Stream A (3pt) + Stream B (3pt L6 ITP polytechnic) = 6pt (if no NZ registration yet)
§9 — TOP-UP IF UNDER 6 POINTS
Identify the SHORTEST credible path to bridge the gap:
Gap = 1 point:
- Get NZ occupational registration (Stream D = 3pt → if Stream D not yet counted, easy add)
- Negotiate pay rise to 2x median (Stream C = +1pt)
- Complete NZ Master's enrol → 2 years study (Stream E = +1pt)
Gap = 2 points:
- Complete NZ Master's (Stream E = 2pt + may bump B from 4→6)
- Wait for 1+ year of NZ work at registered occupation (Stream D ascends)
Gap = 3+ points:
- Reassess fit — likely needs major change (different visa class, Green List occupation, NZ Master's)
- Consider Green List Tier 2 (Work to Residence) as alternative pathway — bypasses points
§10 — PARTNER CONTRIBUTION (if Single has a NZ-working partner)
Note: SMC 2023+ does NOT award partner bonus points (the legacy EOI did — removed in the reform). However:
- Partner can be co-applicant on the same Resident Visa (no separate qualification)
- Partner can independently qualify (if they hit 6 points on their own) — sometimes the partner is the stronger candidate
If Single indicates a partner with their own SMC-eligible profile, recommend running the self-assessment for them too — whichever scores higher leads the application.
§11 — DOCUMENT INDEX (evidence to ship with the application)
A. Signed employment offer / current contract with hours, rate, ANZSCO code
B. INZ accreditation letter from employer (or accreditation ID for verification)
C. NZ payslips (3+ months) showing the rate paid in practice
D. IQA / NZQA qualification assessment letter
E. Sealed transcripts + degree certificate (Indian apostille for documents from India)
F. Occupational registration certificate (if claiming Stream D)
G. IELTS Test Report Form (UKVI / Academic / General) — or equivalency letter
H. Indian PCC + NZ Form 6080 Police certificate (both within 6 months)
I. INZ-approved chest X-ray report + General Medical (INZ 1003) if needed
J. Marriage certificate + Indian apostille (if partner included)
K. Children's birth certificates + Indian apostille (if dependants included)
§12 — RISK FLAGS
□ Pay rate just barely above 1.5x median — risk of falling under at next published increase
□ Qualification awaiting NZQA pre-assessment — points unconfirmed
□ Employer accreditation lapses during processing — application stalls
□ ANZSCO code mismatch — Job Check vs actual duties (s.158 risk)
□ Indian PCC older than 6 months at lodgement
□ TB X-ray older than 36 months
□ Stream D claim where occupation is voluntary-membership not statutory-registration
End with: "DRAFT 6-point maximisation strategy — for IAA-licensed immigration adviser review and tailoring. Verify the current published median wage rate (28-Feb-2026 review window) before quoting any 1.5x / 2x / 3x calculation to client. Verify NZQA IQA outcome; do not assume L7/L9 equivalence without the assessment letter. Operations Manual SM5 is the binding source."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt