Skilled Migrant 6-Point Calculator
New Zealand’s simplified Skilled Migrant Category needs just 6 points. You claim 3–6 from ONE of a recognised qualification, NZ occupational registration, or income — then add 1–3 points for skilled work already done in New Zealand. This tool finds your best combination. Runs locally in your browser.
The system
Skilled Migrant Category — simplified 6-point system
You need at least 6 points — earned from ONE of qualification, registration or income, plus skilled NZ work.
How to use it
Step by step
- 1 Enter your highest recognised qualification (Bachelor and above are recognised).
- 2 If you hold NZ occupational registration/licensing, select the training length it requires.
- 3 If your NZ job pays a multiple of the median wage, select the band.
- 4 Add any skilled work experience already gained in New Zealand (1–3 points).
- 5 The tool takes your best single base source plus your NZ work points — you need 6 to qualify. Confirm on Immigration New Zealand.
Official sources
Point values reviewed July 2026. Always confirm the current rules with the official authority before you rely on an estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I only count one of qualification, registration or income?
Under the simplified system you claim your base points from a single source — whichever of qualification, NZ occupational registration, or income gives you the most — and then add skilled-work points on top. This tool automatically uses your best base source so you don’t under-count.
What are the qualification points?
Before 24 Aug 2026, a recognised Bachelor’s degree or Washington/Sydney Accord qualification is 3 points. From 24 Aug 2026, this calculator conservatively models the source-linked Bachelor/Washington/Sydney Accord band as 4 points and leaves higher qualification bands at their existing selectable values. Some New Zealand qualifications can score more under INZ’s 2026 table, so confirm your exact qualification evidence with Immigration New Zealand.
How do the income points work?
A job paying 1.5× the median wage earns 3 points, 2× earns 4 points, and 3× earns 6 points. Because income alone can reach 6, a high-paying skilled job can qualify you on its own.
Do I still need a job?
Yes. The points test sits on top of the core requirement: a skilled job (or job offer) with an accredited employer, at least 30 hours a week, paying at least the median wage (or the market rate if higher). The 6 points are necessary but not sufficient on their own.
Is this the official tool?
No. It’s an independent estimator built from Immigration New Zealand’s published 6-point system (reviewed June 2026). Only INZ can assess your eligibility — always confirm on immigration.govt.nz. New Zealand’s SMC rules change on 24 Aug 2026, so if you plan to apply on or after that date, verify the current rules with Immigration New Zealand before relying on this estimate.
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