NZ Skilled Migrant Points Calculator
Based on the current 6-point SMC system (October 2023). Median wage: NZD $35.00/hr (March 2026).
Step 1 of 3 — Basic Eligibility
Confirm your eligibility requirements
Step 2 of 3 — Your Skill Points
Choose ONE skill pathway
You can only claim points from one category below. Pick the one that gives you the most points.
For NZ qualifications, points apply immediately. For overseas degrees (including Nigerian), NZQA assessment is required first. Cost: approx. NZD 550 to 825.
Must be full-time (30+ hrs/week). ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 roles need median wage ($35.00/hr+). Level 4 to 5 roles need 1.5x median ($52.50/hr+). Overseas experience does not count.
Step 3 of 3 — Your Points Result
What to do next
How This Calculator Works
The NZ Skilled Migrant Points Calculator applies the 6-point framework introduced by Immigration New Zealand in October 2023. The formula is straightforward:
Required = Exactly 6 points
Skill Category = max(Qualification Points, Income Points, Registration Points)
Only ONE skill category counts. You cannot combine them.
The calculator uses the current NZ median wage of NZD 35.00 per hour (effective from 9 March 2026). Income points are only awarded at 1.5x median (NZD 52.50/hr), 2x median (NZD 70.00/hr), or 3x median (NZD 105.00/hr). Wages below 1.5x median earn zero income points.
The Full Points Table (Current System)
| Category | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification (choose highest level) | ||
| Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (Level 7) or PG Certificate (Level 8) | 3 |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Honours / PG Diploma (Level 8) | 4 |
| Qualification | Master’s degree (Level 9) | 5 |
| Qualification | Doctoral degree / PhD (Level 10) | 6 |
| NZ Income | ||
| Income | At least 1.5x median (NZD $52.50/hr) | 3 |
| Income | At least 2x median (NZD $70.00/hr) | 4 |
| Income | At least 3x median (NZD $105.00/hr) | 6 |
| NZ Occupational Registration | ||
| Registration | NZ registration requiring 2 to 3 years training | 3 |
| Registration | NZ registration requiring 4 years training | 4 |
| Registration | NZ registration requiring 5 years training | 5 |
| Registration | NZ registration requiring 6+ years training | 6 |
| NZ Work Experience (added on top, max 3 pts) | ||
| NZ Experience | 1 year of skilled NZ work | +1 |
| NZ Experience | 2 years of skilled NZ work | +2 |
| NZ Experience | 3 years of skilled NZ work | +3 (max) |
Table of Truth: Common Profiles and Results
| Profile | Skill Points | NZ Exp. Points | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc + 0 yrs NZ work | 3 (qual) | 0 | 3 | Not eligible |
| BSc + 3 yrs NZ work | 3 (qual) | 3 | 6 | Eligible |
| Master’s + 0 yrs NZ work | 5 (qual) | 0 | 5 | Not eligible |
| Master’s + 1 yr NZ work | 5 (qual) | 1 | 6 | Eligible |
| PhD + 0 yrs NZ work | 6 (qual) | 0 | 6 | Eligible |
| NZD $60/hr + 0 yrs NZ | 4 (income) | 0 | 4 | Not eligible |
| NZD $60/hr + 2 yrs NZ | 4 (income) | 2 | 6 | Eligible |
| NZD $110/hr + 0 yrs NZ | 6 (income) | 0 | 6 | Eligible |
| Teacher registration + 0 yrs | 5 (reg) | 0 | 5 | Not eligible |
| Medical doctor reg. + 0 yrs | 6 (reg) | 0 | 6 | Eligible |
Why Nigerians Are Calculating NZ SMC Points
New Zealand has persistent shortages across nursing, medicine, engineering, construction, and ICT. These happen to be fields where Nigerian professionals are numerically strong. A registered nurse trained at UNILAG or UNIBEN, for example, can potentially use the Green List pathway to go directly to permanent residence. An engineer or software developer typically goes through the AEWV first, then builds NZ work experience to collect the required 6 SMC points.
The 6-point system, introduced in October 2023, replaced an older 180-point model that was harder to understand and excluded many trades workers. The new system is simpler and more binary: you either reach 6 points or you do not. That clarity is why tools like this one are useful. You can map your exact profile to the grid before spending money on NZQA assessments or immigration advisers.
Edge Cases and Common Questions
Can I combine my Bachelor’s degree points with my NZ income points?
No. This is the single most common misunderstanding. You choose ONE skill category only: either qualification, income, or NZ occupational registration. After choosing, you can then add NZ work experience points on top. You cannot mix skill categories.
Does overseas work experience count?
No. Under the current SMC system, only skilled work experience gained in New Zealand counts toward points. A 10-year career in Lagos, London, or Riyadh adds zero points. You must have worked in NZ in a skilled role at the required wage to claim experience points.
What if I earn just below 1.5x median?
If you earn, say, NZD $48/hour, you earn zero income points because the threshold is NZD $52.50/hr. In that case, use your qualification or registration to claim skill points instead, then build up NZ work experience for the remainder. This is why the calculator lets you see all three pathways.
What happens if I have both a Master’s degree and NZ registration?
You pick whichever gives you more points. If your NZ teaching registration earns 5 points and your Master’s earns 5 points, both give the same result. Use one, add NZ experience on top, and you have your 6. You cannot stack them together.
When does the 6-point requirement change?
The core 6-point requirement is not changing. From August 2026, two new sub-pathways open (Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician), and qualification points from NZ institutions will increase by 1 point compared to overseas equivalents. But the threshold to apply remains 6 points.
How long does the SMC resident visa application take after submission?
Current processing times are approximately 4 months from submission of a complete application. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) first, INZ invites you to apply, then you have 4 months to lodge your actual application.
Realistic Scenarios for Nigerian Applicants
Scenario 1: BSc Nursing graduate, newly registered in NZ
Blessing gets NZ nursing registration (3 pts for registration + 0 yrs NZ experience = 3 pts total). She is not yet eligible. After 3 years of skilled nursing work in NZ at or above the median wage, she has 3 + 3 = 6 pts. She submits an EOI and gets invited to apply for PR. Alternatively, if her occupation qualifies for the Green List Tier 1, she may be able to go straight to residence from day one without needing experience points.
Scenario 2: Software engineer with Master’s degree
Tunde has a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Ibadan (NZQA assessment required, cost: approx. NZD 700). Once assessed as equivalent to NZ Level 9, he gets 5 points. After 1 year of skilled work in NZ on an AEWV at median wage or above, he adds 1 more point: 5 + 1 = 6. He submits an EOI roughly 12 months after arriving in NZ.
Scenario 3: Mechanical engineer earning NZD $72/hr
Emeka earns NZD $72/hour (above 2x the median). He claims 4 income points. He has no NZ work experience yet. After 2 years in NZ at that rate, he has 4 + 2 = 6 points. He does not need to get his Nigerian degree assessed at all, because he is using income points instead of qualification points. This saves time and money.
FAQ
Is a job offer mandatory for the NZ SMC visa?
Yes. You must have either a current skilled job or an offer of skilled employment from an accredited employer. The employer must be registered as accredited with Immigration NZ. You cannot apply without this.
Can my partner’s qualifications help my SMC application?
No. Unlike the old 180-point system, the current 6-point SMC does not award any points for partner qualifications, partner job offers, or any household factors. Only your own profile determines your points.
Does my age affect SMC eligibility?
Yes, but only as a hard limit. You must be 55 years old or younger when you apply. Age no longer earns bonus points (it did in the old system). Once you are 56 or older, you are not eligible for the SMC Resident Visa.
Do I need a separate English language test as a Nigerian?
Usually yes. While Nigeria is an English-speaking country, INZ requires most applicants to provide formal English evidence (IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent). Exemptions exist for citizens of specific countries and for some NZ-educated applicants. Check the current INZ English language requirements for your specific visa before assuming you are exempt.
What if I cannot get 6 points right now?
The most common strategies are: gaining more NZ work experience (each year adds 1 pt, up to 3), upgrading your qualification (a Master’s after a Bachelor’s adds 2 points), switching your skill category to one with more points, or applying for a different pathway entirely (Green List, if your occupation qualifies). This calculator can help you model which route gets you to 6 fastest.
Does this calculator include the new August 2026 rules?
No. This calculator reflects the current 6-point system as it stands today (March 2026). The new Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways open in August 2026. When they do, INZ will publish detailed eligibility criteria. We will update this calculator at that time.
How much does the SMC Resident Visa application cost?
The residence visa fee is approximately NZD 4,190 for a family application (2024 to 2025 rate). This is separate from AEWV fees, NZQA assessment costs, health examination fees, and police certificates. Total out-of-pocket costs typically range from NZD 6,000 to 10,000+ depending on your family situation and whether you use an immigration adviser.
