Skilled Migrant Category : How to calculate points

New Zealand is looking to attract global talents and offers several residence pathways to skilled workers.

How to calculate points under the Skilled Migrant Category

Do you qualify to seek Residency under the Skilled Migrant Category?

Before you even qualify for points under this category, you must be aware that there are, like for other visas, requirements of:

The points system: do you qualify for residence?

The following table details in what areas you can claim points towards the required 6 points threshold. Our Licensed Advisers know policy in and out and they will calculate your points based on the information you provide. Under this category, you will need a NZ job offer to qualify. As part of our services we provide job search support and can facilitate your employment in New Zealand.

You can only claim points from one of the three categories below:

And you may add points for skilled work experience in New Zealand. You can claim points for skilled work experience in New Zealand from:

  • 3 points - 36 months of NZ experience during the 60 months before you apply
  • 2 points - 24 months of NZ experience during the 48 months before you apply
  • 1 point - 12 months of NZ experience during the 24 months before you apply

In order to claim points for skilled work experience in New Zealand, the experience must be in a full-time role (at least 30 hours/week). There is also a wage threshold depending on the ANZSCO level of the job:

  • People in ANZSCO level 1 to 3 roles must earn the median wage or above ($29.66/hour)
  • People in ANZSCO level 4 to 5 roles must earn 1.5 times the median wage or above ($44.49/hour)

What happens if I do not reach the minimum point score of 6?

You may need to work in New Zealand for 1 to 3 years before you can apply for residence, this means you would initially come to New Zealand, on a temporary work visa, which may allow you to work and build experience in New Zealand towards a residence application later. Or there may be another visa/pathway to residence under different instructions. Ask our Licensed Immigration Advisers for a free Assessment They will provide you with options for your particular situation.

Explore the Green list residence visa

Explore Residence through Sector Agreements

Am I guaranteed selection at 6 points?

If you can evidence how you meet the points, you will be able to submit an application.

The Skilled Migrant Category is not a lottery system

After our Licensed Advisers have confirmed your eligibility and checked your supporting evidence, we can proceed with an application and submit supporting information (qualifications, transcripts, work references, English certificates, etc.). It may take several weeks for your file to be reviewed and during this time you may be invited to comment on certain concerns raised about your application or supporting evidence.

We as immigration advisers will act on your behalf to iron out any concerns from the outset, and reply to INZ with any questions they may have during the process.

Get your free eligibility assessment

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