SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY
New Zealand residence
points calculator.
Estimate your Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) points from qualifications,
income or registration, plus eligible NZ work. Free, with no sign-up.
Indicative only · SMC points-based pathway
Your answers stay in this browser tab.
HOW THE CALCULATOR WORKS
One skill category.
One clear breakdown.
Choose qualifications, eligible occupational registration, or income. Then add eligible New Zealand skilled work experience if you need it to reach six points.
Calculate your SMC pointsThis free NZ residence points calculator covers the Skilled Migrant Category’s points-based pathway. It gives an indicative score from your answers, without requiring an email address.
- Check your situation. Age, employment and English are requirements to check, not extra points.
- Choose one skill category. Qualifications, registration and income cannot be added together.
- Add eligible NZ experience. Check the relevant pay, hours, timing and other conditions.
- Review your result. Six points is a threshold, not confirmation of visa eligibility.
UNDERSTAND YOUR SCORE
How are New Zealand SMC points calculated?
You need six points from one qualifying skill category, with eligible NZ skilled work experience added where needed. This is different from the Australian skilled migration points test.
| Category | Indicative points |
|---|---|
| Recognised qualification | 3–6 |
| Eligible NZ registration | 3–6 |
| Income: at least 1.5× your SMC wage threshold | 3 |
| Income: at least 2× your threshold | 4 |
| Income: at least 3× your threshold | 6 |
An IQA that specifies only a level, without an equivalent qualification type, can give 3–5 points. Supporting bachelor’s degrees may be required. Recognition, qualification combinations and the exact registration allocation matter. Your applicable wage threshold can depend on when qualifying work began.
| Eligible experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 year within the previous 2 years | 1 |
| 18 months within the previous 3 years | 2 |
| 2 years within the previous 4 years | 3 |
These periods are counted back from the residence application. Work must meet the relevant conditions. This calculator adds only the points needed to reach six.
Check INZ’s points and work-experience instructions ↗See two points examples
NZ bachelor’s degree + eligible NZ work
A recognised New Zealand bachelor’s degree gives five points. One year of eligible NZ skilled work within the previous two years may add one point: 5 + 1 = 6.
Overseas bachelor’s degree + eligible NZ work
A recognised overseas bachelor’s degree gives four points. Eighteen months of eligible NZ skilled work within the previous three years may add two: 4 + 2 = 6.
These examples explain the arithmetic only. Recognition, employment and all other requirements still need assessment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you take
the next step.
Get clear on what your points mean, what the tool covers, and what needs an individual assessment.
Does six points mean I qualify for NZ residence?
No. Six points meets the points threshold only. Employment, evidence, age, English, health, character and other requirements still need checking. This tool cannot guarantee an invitation or visa approval.
Why does the calculator ask about age?
The SMC principal applicant must be 55 or younger when applying for residence. Age does not add points. If you are older, discuss other possible pathways with an adviser.
Read INZ’s SMC age and eligibility requirements ↗Can I combine qualification and income points?
No. You can use only one qualifying skill category. You may add eligible NZ skilled work experience where needed. If more than one category might fit, compare the options and their evidence requirements with an adviser.
Does this assess every New Zealand residence pathway?
No. It covers the SMC points-based pathway only. The Skilled Work Experience, Trades and Technician, and Green List pathways need separate assessment. A low points estimate does not rule out other options.
Explore INZ’s Skilled Migrant Category pathways ↗Do overseas qualifications count?
Some recognised overseas qualifications can count. An NZQA International Qualification Assessment or an applicable exemption may be required. Qualification type, level and supporting degrees affect the score; not every certificate or diploma qualifies.
Is the points calculator free and private?
Yes. No email address is required. Answers are held in this browser tab and are not submitted to VisaMatch or stored by this calculator. Reloading the page clears them.
Which rules does this calculator use?
The linked INZ instructions effective from 24 August 2026 were researched on . Rules can change. Check the linked INZ guidance before applying, or ask VisaMatch for an individual assessment.
SOURCES & RESPONSIBILITY
Built around official instructions.
Prepared by VisaMatch. Source research: . This is general information, not personalised immigration advice.
For an individual assessment, meet Jignesh Patel, VisaMatch’s licensed immigration adviser, or enquire about New Zealand immigration advice.