Formula Used
Total points = one selected skill category + New Zealand skilled work experience points.
The skill category can be occupational registration, qualification, or income. The calculator does not add multiple skill categories together.
Registration points are 6, 5, 4, or 3 based on eligible training requirements of 6, 5, 4, or 2 years.
Qualification points are 6 for doctoral, 5 for master, 4 for honours or postgraduate diploma, and 3 for bachelor or postgraduate certificate.
Income points are 6 at NZD $105.00, 4 at NZD $70.00, and 3 at NZD $52.50 per hour.
Work experience adds 1 point for each completed New Zealand skilled work year. The maximum is 3 points.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your age, current New Zealand job details, pay rate, skill level, and hours. Select your strongest skill evidence. Add completed skilled work experience in New Zealand. Press Calculate Points. The result will appear above the form. Download the CSV or PDF file for your notes.
Example Data Table
| Profile |
Skill category |
Base points |
NZ experience |
Total |
Planning result |
| Doctoral applicant |
Doctoral degree |
6 |
0 years |
6 |
Point target reached |
| Master applicant |
Master degree |
5 |
1 year |
6 |
Point target reached |
| High income applicant |
2 times median wage |
4 |
2 years |
6 |
Point target reached |
| Bachelor applicant |
Bachelor degree |
3 |
2 years |
5 |
One point short |
About This Calculator
New Zealand uses a focused Skilled Migrant Category system. It no longer works like older age and bonus point grids. The current pathway checks whether a migrant can show six skilled resident points. It also checks basic visa requirements. This calculator helps you review those items before you prepare an expression of interest.
Why Points Matter
The main score begins with one skill category. You can choose occupational registration, a recognised qualification, or skilled income. You cannot add several skill categories together. The tool therefore selects one selected category, or it can compare all three and use the strongest one. This avoids inflated totals. It also makes the result easier to read.
Understanding Skill Categories
Occupational registration points depend on the training, experience, or both needed for that registration. A six year requirement gives six points. Five years gives five points. Four years gives four points. Two years gives three points. The registration must be eligible under the New Zealand list.
Qualification and Income Points
Qualification points use the New Zealand level or an accepted equivalent. A doctoral degree gives six points. A master's degree gives five points. An honours degree or postgraduate diploma gives four points. A bachelor's degree or postgraduate certificate gives three points. Overseas qualifications may need formal assessment.
Income points depend on hourly pay from the New Zealand job or job offer. The calculator uses the current wage settings in the form. It awards six, four, or three income points when the rate reaches the listed multiple of the median wage.
Work Experience and Checks
Skilled work experience in New Zealand can add one point per completed year, up to three points. The work must be skilled. It must meet pay rules. The calculator checks common job basics, including accredited employer status, hours, pay level, duration, English, health, character, and age.
Planning Your Next Step
Use the result as a planning guide only. Immigration rules are detailed. Evidence matters. A strong score does not replace official advice. It simply shows whether your facts appear near the six point target. Always confirm documents, wage dates, occupation details, and qualification recognition before applying.
The example table shows common profiles. You can compare your own details with those rows. Use the download buttons to keep a record for advisers, employers, or your personal application notes for review.
FAQs
1. What score do I need?
You need 6 skilled resident points. This calculator also checks common supporting items, such as age, skilled job details, pay, English, health, and character.
2. Can I add qualification and registration points together?
No. The main score should come from one skill category only. You may then add eligible skilled work experience in New Zealand, up to 3 points.
3. How are income points calculated?
The tool compares your hourly pay with income thresholds. It gives 3, 4, or 6 points when your current job or offer reaches the required pay level.
4. Does this replace an official assessment?
No. It is a planning tool. Immigration New Zealand checks evidence, job details, qualifications, registration, and other visa requirements before approving any application.
5. Why is my experience not counted?
Experience points may be blocked when the entered experience pay does not meet the required threshold. The calculator also limits experience points to 3.
6. What age limit is used?
The calculator uses 55 as the upper age check. If you enter an older age, the result shows a review note.
7. What is the current median wage used?
The calculator uses NZD $35.00 per hour as the median wage setting from 9 March 2026 for this model.
8. Should overseas qualifications be checked?
Yes. Overseas qualifications may need an International Qualification Assessment or recognition through an exemption list before points can be claimed.