New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Points Calculator
Calculate your eligibility points for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Resident Visa (6-point system).
Determine if you meet the threshold to apply for residency.
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Skill Category Points
Experience Points
Age Requirement
| Criteria | Your Input | Requirement | Status |
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*Table shows automated check based on inputs.
What is the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Points Calculator?
The new zealand skilled migrant category points calculator is a critical tool for individuals aiming to obtain a resident visa in New Zealand. The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the primary pathway for skilled workers to settle in the country permanently. In October 2023, Immigration New Zealand overhauled the system, replacing the old 180-point threshold with a simplified 6-point system.
This calculator helps prospective migrants assess their eligibility under this new framework. It evaluates key areas such as professional registration, qualifications, income, and New Zealand-based skilled work experience. Unlike the previous system, there is no “bonus point” structure for location or partner qualifications. The focus is strictly on the applicant’s skill level and their contribution to the New Zealand economy.
Common misconceptions include thinking that overseas experience counts towards points (it generally does not under the new 6-point system) or that merely having a job offer guarantees residency. This calculator clarifies exactly where your points come from.
Skilled Migrant Category Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core formula for the new zealand skilled migrant category points calculator is straightforward but strict. To be eligible, you must reach exactly 6 points. You cannot combine points from multiple skill categories (e.g., you cannot add Income points to Qualification points). You must choose the one skill category that gives you the highest starting score and add your NZ skilled work experience to it.
The Formula:
Variables Table:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill Category | Points from Registration, Qualification, OR Income | Points | 3 to 6 |
| NZ Experience | Skilled work experience gained in New Zealand | Years | 0 to 3 (Points: 0-3) |
| Total Points | Sum of Skill Category + Experience | Points | Must equal 6 |
| Age Cap | Maximum age eligibility | Years | 18 – 55 |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Here are two scenarios illustrating how the new zealand skilled migrant category points calculator works in practice.
Example 1: The University Graduate
Profile: Sarah has a Master’s degree (Level 9) and has been working in New Zealand in a skilled job for 1 year.
- Skill Category (Qualification): Master’s Degree = 5 Points.
- NZ Experience: 1 Year = 1 Point.
- Total: 5 + 1 = 6 Points.
Result: Sarah is eligible to apply immediately, assuming she meets health, character, and wage threshold requirements.
Example 2: The Tradesperson
Profile: Mark is a registered electrician (NZ Registration requires 2+ years training) and has just arrived in NZ with a job offer.
- Skill Category (Registration): Registration with 2 years training = 3 Points.
- NZ Experience: 0 Years in NZ = 0 Points.
- Total: 3 + 0 = 3 Points.
Result: Mark has 3 points. He needs 3 more points. He must work in New Zealand for 3 years in a skilled role to gain the remaining points needed to reach 6.
How to Use This New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Points Calculator
- Input Your Age: Ensure you are 55 or younger. If you are older, this visa category is not available to you.
- Confirm Job Offer: Select “Yes” only if you have a valid accredited employer job offer or are currently employed. Enter your hourly rate to ensure you meet the median wage threshold.
- Select Skill Category: Choose the ONE category that best applies to you:
- Income: If you earn 1.5x, 2x, or 3x the median wage.
- Qualification: If you hold a Bachelor’s (Level 7) or higher.
- Registration: If your job requires professional registration in NZ.
- Add Experience: Input the number of years you have worked in a skilled job within New Zealand.
- Calculate: Click the button to see your total. If you have 6 points, the result will turn green.
Key Factors That Affect Skilled Migrant Category Results
Several factors can influence the outcome of your new zealand skilled migrant category points calculator results:
- Median Wage Changes: The median wage is updated annually (usually in February). If your hourly rate falls below the new median, you may lose eligibility or points for the Income category.
- Qualification Recognition: Your degree must be on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) or assessed by NZQA. An unassessed foreign degree counts for 0 points until verified.
- Job Accreditation: Your employer must be an Accredited Employer. Working for a non-accredited employer usually does not count towards skilled experience points.
- Full-Time Work: Experience points are calculated based on full-time work (30 hours/week). Part-time work generally does not accrue experience points at the same rate.
- Age Limits: Unlike the old system where age gave you points, it is now a pass/fail metric. You must be 55 or under when you apply.
- English Language: While not a “point” factor, failing to meet the IELTS/PTE requirement (usually 6.5 overall) results in an immediate decline, regardless of points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. You can only claim skill points from one category (Income, Qualification, OR Registration). You then add your NZ experience points to that single category.
Generally, no. Under the new 6-point system, work experience points are awarded for skilled work undertaken in New Zealand. Overseas experience helps you qualify for the job but does not add points directly.
The median wage changes annually. As of early 2024, it is approximately NZD $31.61 per hour. Ensure you check the latest Immigration NZ figures.
A Bachelor’s degree (Level 7) is worth 3 points. You would need 3 years of NZ skilled work experience to reach the required 6 points.
Having more than 6 points is fine, but it does not give you priority. You only need to reach the threshold of 6 to be eligible to apply.
Yes. You must have a job or a job offer in New Zealand with an accredited employer to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category.
No. A PhD (Level 10) is worth 6 points on its own. A PhD graduate with a job offer can apply for residency immediately without needing prior NZ work experience.
Yes, Immigration New Zealand charges an application fee and a levy. These costs are significant and non-refundable if your application is declined.
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