New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Points Test Calculator
Points required : 6 points
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is targeted at individuals who are seeking to work in a skilled position in New Zealand. Applications are scored using a points system, with points awarded based on factors like time already spent working in New Zealand, academic qualifications, occupational registration in New Zealand and income level.
Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria must have an Expression of Interest accepted by New Zealand Immigration before they will be invited to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa itself.
Please note that the rules for this visa changed on 9 October 2023 and again on 24 August 2026. This calculator uses the current rules, including the median wage of NZD $35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026.
Since 24 August 2026 there are also two non-points pathways: the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway. If you do not reach 6 points, one of these may still work for you.
If you score at least 6 points on the points test, you will be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. If your Expression of Interest is succesful, you will be invited by New Zealand Immigration to submit a full application for the visa.
Following a consultation with our qualified migration experts, we will be able to ensure that you claim the maximum points total possible, which could prove the difference between receiving an invitation or not.
