The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) uses a points system to assess residence eligibility. Since October 2023 it is refreshingly simple: you need 6 points. This guide walks you through how to calculate yours.
Forget the old 160-point table. The SMC no longer awards points for age, partners, or regional employment. If you find a calculator asking for those, it's out of date. The current system is built on just three primary factors plus New Zealand work experience.
How the 6-Point System Works
You need 6 points in total. You claim them from:
- One primary factor — your qualification, occupational registration, or income (worth 3–6 points). You pick whichever gives you the most; you don't add them together.
- New Zealand skilled work experience — up to 3 additional points.
Selection is threshold-based: if you meet the 6 points (and the other residence criteria), your free Expression of Interest is invited to apply. There is no competitive ranking against other applicants and no fortnightly "draw" by score.
Step 1: Score Your Primary Factor
Choose the single highest-scoring option from the three below.
Option A — Qualification
| New Zealand qualification level | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree (Level 10) | 6 |
| Master's degree (Level 9) | 5 |
| Bachelor honours / postgraduate diploma (Level 8) | 4 |
| Postgraduate certificate (Level 8) or bachelor's degree (Level 7) | 3 |
Overseas qualifications count when assessed as equivalent — get a formal assessment through NZQA if needed.
Option B — Occupational Registration
For regulated professions requiring New Zealand registration:
| Registration requires a minimum of | Points |
|---|---|
| 6 years' training | 6 |
| 5 years' training | 5 |
| 4 years' training | 4 |
| 2 years' training | 3 |
Option C — Income
Based on your hourly pay rate against the median wage (currently NZ$35.00/hour):
| Hourly pay rate | Multiple of median | Points |
|---|---|---|
| NZ$105.00+ | 3× median | 6 |
| NZ$70.00+ | 2× median | 4 |
| NZ$52.50+ | 1.5× median | 3 |
Step 2: Add New Zealand Work Experience
Add up to 3 points for skilled work in New Zealand:
| Skilled work in NZ | Points |
|---|---|
| 3 years (within the last 5) | 3 |
| 2 years (within the last 4) | 2 |
| 1 year (within the last 2) | 1 |
Step 3: Add It Up
Primary factor (3–6) + NZ work experience (0–3) = your total. You need 6 to meet the threshold.
Worked examples:
- Bachelor's degree (3) + 3 years NZ skilled work (3) = 6 ✅
- Registered engineer, 4-year registration (4) + 2 years NZ work (2) = 6 ✅
- Master's degree (5) + 1 year NZ work (1) = 6 ✅
- Pay at 2× median, NZ$70/hr (4) + 2 years NZ work (2) = 6 ✅
If you fall short, the most common ways to close the gap are accumulating more New Zealand skilled work experience or moving into a higher-paying or higher-qualified role.
Other Requirements
Points get you selected, but you must also meet standard residence criteria: skilled employment (generally ANZSCO / National Occupation List Skill Level 1–3, or at/above the median wage), English language (e.g. IELTS 6.5), and health and character checks. See the full Skilled Migrant Category guide.
Two New Pathways from 24 August 2026
If you can't reach 6 points the standard way, two new SMC routes open in August 2026 — the Skilled Work Experience Pathway (Skill Level 1–3, 5+ years' experience, 1.1× median ≈ NZ$38.50/hr) and the Trades and Technician Pathway (Level 4+ trade qualification, 4 years' experience). Many people who narrowly miss the standard threshold will qualify under these.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the current SMC points threshold?
6 points. You claim 3–6 from one primary factor (qualification, occupational registration, or income) and up to 3 more for New Zealand skilled work experience.
Does my age affect my SMC points?
No. Age has not been a points factor since the system was rebuilt in October 2023.
Can I apply for SMC without a job in NZ?
You can claim your 6 points through a qualification or occupational registration alone, but skilled NZ employment helps — it can supply income points and your role usually needs to meet the skilled-employment criteria. Most successful applicants have NZ employment.
Do my overseas qualifications count?
Yes, when assessed as equivalent to a New Zealand qualification. Get a formal assessment through NZQA or the relevant professional body.
Can I include my partner and children in SMC?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your residence application once you're invited to apply. (Partners no longer contribute points — that was part of the old system.)
Want help calculating your SMC points? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can assess your eligibility and help you plan your residence pathway.