If I reach 6 points, can I apply?

Points alone are not enough. You also need a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer, and you must meet age (55 or under), English, health and character requirements.

Can I add points from my qualification and my income together?

No. Skill points come from one category only — registration, qualification or income. The only points you can add on top are for skilled work experience in New Zealand (up to 3).

Does this calculator save or upload my answers?

No. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server, and the result disappears when you close the page.

Tools — 01

SMC Points Calculator

You need 6 skilled resident points to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa: 3 to 6 points from one skill category — occupational registration, qualification or income — plus up to 3 points from skilled work experience in New Zealand.

Step 1 — Choose your skill category

Points come from ONE category only. Pick the strongest one for you.

Step 2 — Skilled work experience in New Zealand

1 point per year, up to 3 points. Recency rules apply (shown below).

Step 3 — Do you have a skilled job, or a job offer, with an accredited employer?

This is a mandatory prerequisite — points alone are not enough.

The rules behind this calculator

Skill category	Level	Points
NZ occupational registration	6 years or more	6
NZ occupational registration	5 years	5
NZ occupational registration	4 years	4
NZ occupational registration	2 years	3
Qualification — NZ	Level 10 Doctoral degree	6
Qualification — NZ	Level 9 Master's degree	5
Qualification — NZ	Level 8 Bachelor Honours or Postgraduate Diploma	4
Qualification — NZ	Level 8 Postgraduate Certificate, or Level 7 Bachelor's degree	3
Qualification — NZQF	Level 10 qualification	5
Qualification — NZQF	Level 9 qualification	4
Qualification — NZQF	Level 8 qualification	3
Income	3x median wage or more (NZD $105.00)	6
Income	2x median wage or more (NZD $70.00)	4
Income	1.5x median wage or more (NZD $52.50)	3
Skilled work experience in New Zealand	3 years / 5y	+3
Skilled work experience in New Zealand	2 years / 4y	+2
Skilled work experience in New Zealand	1 year / 2y	+1

Official source: immigration.govt.nz — Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa · Data last verified: 2026-08-03

Frequently asked questions

If I reach 6 points, can I apply?: Points alone are not enough. You also need a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer, and you must meet age (55 or under), English, health and character requirements.
Can I add points from my qualification and my income together?: No. Skill points come from one category only — registration, qualification or income. The only points you can add on top are for skilled work experience in New Zealand (up to 3).
Does this calculator save or upload my answers?: No. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server, and the result disappears when you close the page.