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Skilled Migrant Visa Points Calculator

NZ Skilled Migrant Category points calculator (INZ 6-point system). Check your qualification, occupational registration, income and NZ work experience against the 6-point threshold. Free.

By Konstantin IakovlevPublished 28 March 2026Last reviewed
Data stays on your deviceImmigration NZ data

About this calculator

This calculator implements Skilled Migrant Category 6-point system from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Last consulted 31 May 2026. Verify the figures yourself by following the link.

Current Skilled Migrant Category points

Effective 9 October 2023 (current 6-point system)
  • •Skilled resident points needed: 6 points
  • •Highest single factor (qual / registration / income): 3–6 points
  • •Qualification — Bachelor's L7 / Master's L9 / Doctorate L10: 3 / 5 / 6 points
  • •Income — 1.5× / 2× / 3× median wage: 3 / 4 / 6 points
  • •Occupational registration: 3–6 points
  • •Skilled NZ work experience: 1 pt/year, max 3
  • •Median wage (from 9 Mar 2026): $35.00/hr
  • •Skilled job from an accredited employer: Required

Source: Immigration NZ — SMC

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results are based on standard formulas and may not reflect your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

How Skilled Migrant Category points are calculated

In force since 9 October 2023. You need 6 skilled resident points: 3–6 from your single highest factor (qualification, occupational registration, OR income), plus up to 3 points for skilled NZ work experience. A skilled job from an accredited employer is also required. The old ~160-point system no longer applies; further changes take effect 24 August 2026.

  1. 1

    Highest single factor

    Take the HIGHEST one only — qualification, occupational registration, OR income (3–6 points). These are NOT added together.

    This single factor is the core of your score.

  2. 2

    Qualification

    By NZQF level: L7 Bachelor's=3, L8 Honours/PG Dip=4, L9 Master's=5, L10 Doctorate=6

    Overseas qualifications must be assessed by NZQA.

  3. 3

    Income

    By multiple of median wage ($35.00/hr): 1.5× ($52.50/hr)=3, 2× ($70/hr)=4, 3× ($105/hr)=6

    Based on the pay rate of your skilled job.

  4. 4

    Occupational registration

    3–6 points by the training/experience your registration requires (≈2 yrs=3, 4 yrs=4, 5 yrs=5, 6+ yrs=6)

    For registered occupations (e.g. doctors, engineers).

  5. 5

    Skilled NZ work experience

    +1 point per year, max +3 (3 years within the previous 5)

    Added on top of your highest factor.

  6. 6

    Requirement

    Need 6 points AND a skilled job/offer from an accredited employer, plus health, character and English

    There is no 160-point cutoff. Further changes from 24 August 2026.

Worked example

Inputs: Bachelor's L7 (3 pts, highest factor) + 3 years skilled NZ work (3 pts)

Result: Total: 6 points → meets the requirement (with a skilled job).

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Skilled Migrant points system work?
New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a points-based residence visa pathway for skilled workers. Applicants earn points for factors such as age, work experience, qualifications, job offer, and whether skills are in demand. The process begins with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), which is entered into a pool. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) periodically selects EOIs from the pool, generally inviting those with the highest points scores. Selected applicants are then invited to apply for residence. The SMC was substantially reformed in 2023, with INZ shifting to a regular draw from the pool rather than a cut-off threshold. Points factors and weightings reflect NZ's labour market priorities. Source: Immigration New Zealand — Skilled Migrant Category (immigration.govt.nz).
What is the minimum points threshold for SMC?
Historically, the Skilled Migrant Category required a minimum of 160 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, following the 2023 reforms, Immigration New Zealand moved away from a fixed cut-off threshold to a pool-based selection system, where INZ draws from the pool and selects the highest-scoring EOIs based on current demand. This means there is no longer a guaranteed invitation at 160 points — actual selection cut-offs can be higher depending on the number of applicants in the pool and INZ's draw criteria. Applicants should aim for the highest possible score to maximise their chance of selection. Check the INZ website for the most recent draw results and current selection points. Source: Immigration New Zealand — SMC Pool Draws (immigration.govt.nz).
What qualifications score points for SMC?
Under the Skilled Migrant Category, New Zealand qualifications at Level 7 or above on the NZQF (New Zealand Qualifications Framework) generally score points, as do overseas qualifications assessed as equivalent by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Points are typically awarded for a bachelor's degree or higher. Qualifications relevant to your occupation or to a skill shortage area may attract bonus points. Post-graduate qualifications (such as a master's or PhD) score higher than a bachelor's degree. Trade and vocational qualifications at Level 4 or above can also score points if relevant to skilled employment in NZ. INZ uses the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) to assess skill levels. Always check current INZ criteria, as the points schedule is updated periodically. Source: Immigration New Zealand — SMC Points (immigration.govt.nz).
How does the skilled employment bonus work?
Under the Skilled Migrant Category, having a job offer or current employment in New Zealand in a skilled occupation significantly boosts your points score. A current job offer from a NZ employer for skilled employment scores bonus points, and additional points can be claimed if the role is in an identified skill shortage area listed on INZ's long-term or immediate skill shortage lists. Points for skilled employment in New Zealand also apply if you are already working here on a valid work visa. The bonus reflects the government's priority of filling immediate labour market gaps. Relevant employment must typically be at ANZSCO Skill Level 1, 2, or 3. Points for employment outside New Zealand in a skilled occupation are also available, though generally at a lower rate. Source: Immigration New Zealand — SMC Skilled Employment (immigration.govt.nz).

Estimates points under New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) resident visa, using the 6-point system in force since 9 October 2023. You need 6 skilled resident points and must also meet health, character, English-language and skilled-employment requirements. This replaced the old additive system that needed roughly 160 points.

How this calculator works

You need 6 skilled resident points. Points 3–6 come from your SINGLE HIGHEST factor — qualification, occupational registration, OR income (these are not added together). You then add up to 3 more points for skilled work experience in New Zealand (1 point per year, capped at 3 years within the previous 5). A skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer is also required regardless of your points. There is no longer a 160-point cutoff. Further SMC changes take effect 24 August 2026.

SMC Points — current system (from 9 October 2023)

Skilled resident points needed6 points
Highest single factor (qualification, registration OR income)3–6 points
Qualification — Bachelor's degree (NZQF Level 7)3 points
Qualification — Honours / Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8)4 points
Qualification — Master's degree (Level 9)5 points
Qualification — Doctorate (Level 10)6 points
Income — 1.5× median wage ($52.50/hr)3 points
Income — 2× median wage ($70/hr)4 points
Income — 3× median wage ($105/hr)6 points
Occupational registration (by training/experience required)3–6 points
Skilled NZ work experience (1 point per year, max 3)1–3 points

Count only your single highest factor (qualification, registration, or income), then add up to 3 points for skilled NZ work experience. A skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer is required. Median wage is $35.00/hr (from 9 March 2026). The old ~160-point system was replaced on 9 October 2023; further changes take effect 24 August 2026.

Worked Examples

Bachelor's degree (Level 7) holder with a skilled NZ job and 3 years of skilled NZ work experience

6 points — meets the requirement.

  1. Highest single factor: Bachelor's degree (Level 7) = 3 points
  2. Skilled NZ work experience: 3 years = 3 points
  3. Total: 3 + 3 = 6 points (6 required)
  4. A skilled job from an accredited employer is also required — met here

Doctorate (Level 10) holder also earning 2× the median wage, with 1 year of skilled NZ work experience

7 points — meets the requirement. Only the single highest factor counts, so income is not added.

  1. Highest single factor: Doctorate (Level 10) = 6 points
  2. Income at 2× median wage would be 4 points — NOT added (you count only your highest factor)
  3. Skilled NZ work experience: 1 year = 1 point
  4. Total: 6 + 1 = 7 points (6 required)

Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.

Last reviewed:

Official Sources

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