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SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY

New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Points Calculator

Estimate your points score for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) residence visa. Based on Immigration New Zealand criteria.

160
Pool threshold
180+
Well above threshold
235
Maximum possible
0 of 8 questions answered0 pts so far
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Skilled employment in New Zealand
Current skilled job in NZ with an accredited employer (AEWV or similar)
📅
Work experience in New Zealand
Years of skilled work experience in New Zealand in the same occupation
🌏
Skilled work experience overseas
Skilled work experience in same or closely related occupation outside New Zealand
🎓
Qualifications
Highest completed New Zealand or recognised overseas qualification
🎂
Age
Your age at the time of application
👫
Partner qualifications or employment
Your partner's NZ employment or qualifications if included in the application
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Employment outside Auckland
Your skilled job is located in a region outside of Auckland
📈
Future growth area occupation
Your occupation is in a government-identified future growth area (Health, Construction, ICT, Engineering, Education)

Full points table — NZ Skilled Migrant Category

Skilled employment in New Zealand
Skilled employment in NZ with accredited employer+50
Job offer in NZ skilled occupation (not yet employed)+50
NZ work experience (same occupation)
5 or more years+30
3–4 years+20
1–2 years+10
Overseas skilled work experience
2 or more years (same/related occupation)+15
Qualifications
Post-graduate degree (Master's or Doctorate)+70
Bachelor's degree or NZQF Level 7 equivalent+50
NZ Diploma (NZQF Level 5–6) or trade certificate+40
Age
20–39+30
40–44+20
45–49+10
50–55+5
Partner factors
Partner has skilled employment in New Zealand+20
Partner has a recognised qualification only+10
Bonus points
Employment outside Auckland+30
Occupation in future growth area (Health, Construction, ICT, Engineering, Education)+10

Source: Immigration New Zealand — Skilled Migrant Category points system. Points allocations are subject to change. Verify with a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) before submitting your EOI.

Frequently asked questions

How many points do I need for New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category?+

The pool threshold is 160 points. EOIs scoring 160+ are selected from the pool. Historically, EOIs with 180+ points are selected with higher frequency and confidence. The maximum possible score is 235 points under the current framework.

Do I need a job offer for New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category?+

Yes, from 2023 onwards, Immigration NZ requires skilled employment in New Zealand or a job offer in an eligible skilled occupation as a prerequisite. The job must be with an accredited employer at NZCO skill level 1, 2, or 3. Without NZ skilled employment, you cannot score the mandatory 50-point skilled employment factor.

How long does NZ Skilled Migrant Category processing take?+

After EOI selection, Immigration NZ issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Following ITA, a complete residence application is typically processed within 6–12 months. Your LIA will track progress and respond to any Requests for Information (RFI) promptly to avoid delays.

Can my family be included in my SMC application?+

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your SMC residence application. Your partner can gain open work rights as part of the application. Additional points may be available if your partner has skilled NZ employment or a recognised qualification.

Is this calculator based on official Immigration NZ criteria?+

Yes. This calculator is based on Immigration New Zealand's published Skilled Migrant Category points table. Immigration policy can change. Always verify your score with a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) before submitting your EOI.

Get a free assessment from a Licensed Immigration Adviser

This calculator gives you a starting point. An IAA-registered LIA can verify your SMC points, assess your occupation under ANZSCO, and advise on the optimal time to submit your EOI.

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