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Immigration New Zealand
Skilled Migrant Category Points Calculator
Calculate your points under New Zealand's SMC 6-point system. You need exactly 6 points from one skill pathway plus up to 3 bonus points from NZ work experience.
Median Wage Update - August 2025
From 18 August 2025, the median wage increases to NZ$33.56/hour. This affects all wage-based thresholds: 1.5× median = $50.34/hr, 2× median = $67.12/hr, 3× median = $100.68/hr.
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Basic Eligibility Requirements
You must meet ALL of these requirements to be eligible
✓
Age 55 or under
You must be 55 years old or younger at time of application
✓
English Language
IELTS 6.5+ overall, or equivalent test, or exempt nationality
✓
Skilled Job or Offer
Job with accredited employer, 30+ hrs/week, 12+ month contract
✓
Accredited Employer
Your employer must hold INZ accreditation
✓
Health Requirements
Meet health standards set by Immigration New Zealand
✓
Good Character
Police certificates from all countries lived 5+ years since age 17
2
Your Job's ANZSCO Skill Level
This determines the minimum wage threshold for your role
Find your occupation at Immigration New Zealand's ANZSCO list
| ANZSCO Level | Minimum Wage Required | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1-3 | $33.56/hour (1× median) | ~$69,800/year |
| Level 4-5 | $50.34/hour (1.5× median) | ~$104,700/year |
3
Choose Your Skill Pathway
Select ONE pathway to earn your base 6 points (cannot combine pathways)
NZ Registration
Occupational registration required by NZ law
6 POINTS
Qualification
Bachelor's degree or higher qualification
3-6 POINTS
High Income
Earning 1.5× to 3× median wage
3-6 POINTS
🏥 NZ Occupational Registration Pathway
You can claim 6 points if your occupation requires registration by New Zealand law and you hold current registration.
Yes, I have current NZ registration
E.g., Doctor, Nurse, Electrician, Plumber, Teacher, Lawyer
6 pts
No registration required / Don't have it
Choose a different pathway above
0 pts
🎓 Qualification Pathway
Points based on your highest relevant qualification (NZQF or equivalent).
Level 10 - Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Doctorate or equivalent research degree
6 pts
Level 9 - Master's Degree
Master's degree or equivalent
5 pts
Level 8 - Honours Degree / PG Diploma
Bachelor's Honours or Postgraduate Diploma
4 pts
Level 8 - Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate certificate
3 pts
Level 7 - Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree or Graduate Diploma
3 pts
Below Level 7 / No Qualification
Diplomas, certificates, or no formal qualification
0 pts
💰 High Income Pathway
Claim points based on your NZ job or job offer income (as of August 2025).
$100.68+/hour (3× median wage)
~$209,400+ per year
6 pts
$67.12 - $100.67/hour (2× median wage)
~$139,600 - $209,400 per year
4 pts
$50.34 - $67.11/hour (1.5× median wage)
~$104,700 - $139,600 per year
3 pts
Below $50.34/hour
Not eligible for income pathway points
0 pts
4
NZ Skilled Work Experience (Bonus Points)
Additional points for time worked in NZ (up to 3 points maximum)
Only NZ work experience counts. Work must have been in a skilled role at or above the relevant wage threshold.
0
Years
0 pts
1
Year
+1 pt
2
Years
+2 pts
3+
Years
+3 pts
| NZ Experience | Time Window | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | Within last 24 months before application | 1 point |
| 24 months | Within last 48 months before application | 2 points |
| 36 months | Within last 60 months before application | 3 points |
Your SMC Points Assessment
0
of 6 required points
⚠️
Complete the calculator above
Points Breakdown
Skill Pathway
0
NZ Work Experience
0
Total Points
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed with the new SMC 6-point system?
The SMC system was completely overhauled in October 2023. The old 180-point system considered overseas work experience and had a complex points structure. The new 6-point system is simpler: you need exactly 6 points from one skill pathway (registration, qualification, or income), plus up to 3 bonus points from NZ work experience. Only NZ-based work experience counts now, and there's no cap on applications.
Can I combine points from qualification AND income?
No. You must choose ONE skill pathway to earn your base 6 points. You cannot combine points from different pathways (e.g., 3 points from qualification + 3 points from income). However, you CAN add NZ work experience points (1-3) on top of your chosen pathway points.
What if I have 5 points from qualification? Can I add income points?
No. If your qualification gives you 5 points (Master's degree), you cannot add 1 point from income. You would need to either: (1) use the income pathway exclusively if you earn 3× median wage ($100.68+/hr) for 6 points, or (2) gain 1 year of NZ work experience to add 1 bonus point to your 5 qualification points, reaching 6 total.
Does overseas work experience count?
No. Under the new SMC 6-point system, only New Zealand work experience counts for bonus points. Overseas experience is not considered. This is a significant change from the old 180-point system which did award points for overseas experience.
What is an accredited employer?
To apply for SMC, you must have a job or job offer from an employer that holds accreditation with Immigration New Zealand. Employers can apply for accreditation, and there are different levels. You can check if an employer is accredited on Immigration New Zealand's website. The job must be at least 30 hours per week with a contract of 12 months or more.
How is the median wage calculated for my points?
From August 2025, the median wage is NZ$33.56/hour. The multipliers are: 1.5× = $50.34/hr (minimum for ANZSCO 4-5 jobs and income pathway), 2× = $67.12/hr (4 income points), 3× = $100.68/hr (6 income points). Annual equivalents assume 2,080 hours/year (40 hrs × 52 weeks).
What are the upcoming changes to SMC in 2026?
From mid-2026, two new residence pathways will be introduced: (1) Skilled work experience pathway – for migrants in ANZSCO 1-3 roles with 5+ years relevant experience, including 2 years in NZ at 1.1× median wage. (2) Trades and technician pathway – for specified trades with Level 4+ qualification and 4+ years post-qualification experience, including 18 months in NZ at median wage.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available information about New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category visa. Immigration policies change frequently. Always verify requirements with Immigration New Zealand or consult a licensed immigration adviser before making decisions. Median wage figure reflects August 2025 update ($33.56/hr). Processing times and requirements may vary.