New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Points Calculator
An essential tool to assess your eligibility for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. This calculator is based on the 6-point system.
Calculate Your Points
You can only claim points from ONE of these pathways. Choose the one that gives you the most points.
You can claim 1 point for each year of skilled work in NZ, up to a maximum of 3 points.
Your Total Points Score
You need at least 6 points to be eligible to apply.
What is the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Points Calculator?
The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Points Calculator is a tool designed to help potential visa applicants assess their eligibility for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. This visa category uses a points-based system to select skilled workers who can contribute to New Zealand’s economy. The current system requires an applicant to score a minimum of 6 points to be considered eligible.
This calculator is specifically for the latest SMC system, which simplifies the process by focusing on three main skill pathways and skilled work experience in New Zealand. Anyone who is aged 55 or younger, holds a skilled job offer from an accredited employer, and meets health, character, and English language requirements can use this tool to get an indication of their points total.
The 6-Point System Formula and Explanation
The formula for the new zealand skilled migrant category points calculator is straightforward: an applicant must achieve a total of 6 points. These points are a combination of a primary skill pathway and skilled work experience gained in New Zealand.
Total Points = Skill Pathway Points + NZ Skilled Work Experience Points
You must first claim points from one of the three skill pathways: your qualification, your New Zealand occupational registration, or your income from a skilled job in New Zealand. You cannot combine points from different pathways. After determining your points from a skill pathway, you can then add points for any skilled work experience you have in New Zealand.
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Your highest formal educational qualification. | NZQF Level | 3 to 6 points |
| NZ Occupational Registration | Registration with a New Zealand body that requires formal training. | Years of Training | 3 to 6 points |
| Income | Your hourly wage from a skilled job in New Zealand. | NZD per hour | 3 to 6 points |
| NZ Work Experience | Number of years in a full-time skilled role in New Zealand. | Years | 1 to 3 points |
Practical Examples
Example 1: The University Graduate
Ana has just completed her Master’s degree in New Zealand and has a job offer.
- Inputs:
- Skill Pathway: Master’s degree (5 points)
- NZ Work Experience: 1 year (1 point)
- Result: 6 points. Ana meets the minimum threshold and can apply for the visa.
Example 2: The Experienced Professional
David has been working in New Zealand for several years and his income has increased significantly.
- Inputs:
- Skill Pathway: Job pays 1.5x the median wage (3 points)
- NZ Work Experience: 3 years (3 points)
- Result: 6 points. David’s combination of income and local experience makes him eligible.
How to Use This New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Points Calculator
Using this calculator is a simple, two-step process:
- Select Your Primary Skill Pathway: From the first dropdown menu, choose the single option that best represents your highest skill and gives you the most points. You can select from your qualifications, your occupational registration, or your income level. Remember, you can only choose one.
- Add Your NZ Work Experience: In the second dropdown, select the number of years you have worked in a skilled role in New Zealand.
The calculator will automatically update your total points. The results section will show your total score and a brief explanation. A score of 6 or more indicates you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
Key Factors That Affect Your Points
Several key factors directly impact your score in the new zealand skilled migrant category points calculator:
- Qualification Level: Higher qualifications, such as a PhD or Master’s degree, yield more points. A PhD can give you 6 points outright.
- Occupational Registration: The length of training required for your registration is crucial. Registrations needing 6 or more years of training provide the maximum 6 points.
- Income Level: High income is a significant factor. Earning three times the median wage in New Zealand will grant you 6 points, making you instantly eligible on this factor alone.
- Skilled NZ Work Experience: This is the only factor that can be added to your primary skill pathway points. Every year of skilled work in New Zealand adds a point, up to a maximum of three.
- Accredited Employer: To claim any points, you must have a skilled job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.
- Age: You must be 55 years of age or younger to be eligible to apply for this visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the minimum number of points required?
You need to score a minimum of 6 points to be eligible to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
2. Can I combine points from my qualification and my income?
No, you cannot combine points from different skill pathways. You must choose one pathway (qualification, registration, or income) to claim your base points.
3. Does work experience outside of New Zealand count?
Under this specific 6-point system, only skilled work experience gained *in* New Zealand is eligible for points.
4. What is considered a ‘skilled job’?
A skilled job is generally one that is with an accredited employer, is full-time (at least 30 hours a week), and meets certain wage thresholds based on the ANZSCO occupation level.
5. Is there an age limit?
Yes, you must be 55 years of age or younger at the time you apply.
6. What if I score more than 6 points?
The system is a straight threshold. As long as you meet the 6-point requirement, you are eligible to apply. There is no additional benefit for scoring more than 6 points.
7. Do I need an English language test?
Yes, all applicants must meet the English language requirements. This can be done through tests like IELTS or by proving you are a citizen of an exempt country (like the UK, USA, Canada, or Ireland).
8. What happens after I submit my application?
Once you apply, Immigration New Zealand will assess your application against the requirements. This includes verifying the points you’ve claimed and checking your health, character, and other supporting documents.
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