New Zealand EOI Points Calculator 2026
Work out your Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) points for your Expression of Interest (EOI). New Zealand's system needs just 6 points — a much simpler bar than Canada's CRS or Australia's SkillSelect, which both use 100+ point scales.
Your points by category
⚠️ Points can only be claimed from ONE primary category (qualification, income, or registration) — they can't be combined with each other. Work experience points can top up whichever category you choose.
New Zealand SMC — How the 6-Point System Works
Unlike Canada's CRS or Australia's SkillSelect, New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category doesn't use a large points scale. You only need 6 skilled resident points, claimed from a single primary category — never combined across categories — with skilled New Zealand work experience available as a top-up if your primary category falls short.
Qualification Points
| Qualification (from 24 August 2026) | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree (Level 10) | 6 |
| NZ master's with 30+ weeks full-time NZ study, plus a bachelor's (Level 9) | 6 |
| Master's degree, other (Level 9) | 5 |
| Honours / postgraduate diploma or certificate (Level 8): NZ / overseas | 5 / 4 |
| Bachelor's degree (Level 7): NZ / overseas | 5 / 4 |
Income Points (current job or job offer)
| Hourly Rate | Multiple of Median Wage | Points |
|---|---|---|
| NZD $105.00+ | 3× | 6 |
| NZD $70.00–104.99 | 2× | 4 |
| NZD $52.50–69.99 | 1.5× | 3 |
Median wage figures are effective from 9 March 2026 (NZD $35.00/hr) and are updated annually — always confirm the current rate on the official source linked above before relying on a result.
Occupational Registration Points
| Training Required for Registration | Points |
|---|---|
| 6+ years | 6 |
| 5 years | 5 |
| 4 years | 4 |
| 2 years | 3 |
Skilled Work Experience in New Zealand
If your primary category alone doesn't reach 6 points, you can add up to 3 extra points from skilled work experience in New Zealand: 1 point for 1 year, 2 points for 1.5 years and 3 points for 2 years (since 24 August 2026; it used to take 3 years). This only counts if you've been paid at least the SMC wage threshold throughout that experience (median wage for ANZSCO skill level 1–3 roles, 1.5× median wage for level 4–5 roles).
Worked Example
An applicant with a bachelor's degree from overseas (4 points) and 2 years of skilled NZ work experience paid at the wage threshold (3 points) reaches 7 points, above the 6 needed. Under the rules before 24 August 2026, the same person would have had 3 + 2 = 5 and fallen short.
Beyond Points: Other Eligibility Requirements
- Age 55 or under at the time of application.
- A skilled job or job offer from an Accredited Employer, generally full-time (30+ hours/week), meeting the wage threshold for your occupation's ANZSCO skill level.
- English language ability (commonly evidenced via IELTS 6.5 or an accepted equivalent).
- Good health and character, including medical and police certificate requirements.
Assumptions & Limitations
- This tool estimates skilled resident points only — it does not check job offer validity, ANZSCO skill level, wage-threshold compliance, or health/character/English requirements.
- Overseas qualifications generally require an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from NZQA unless exempt under the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA).
- Figures reflect the points-based pathway as changed on 24 August 2026 (checked 29 October 2026). Two non-points pathways now also exist: Skilled Work Experience (3 years of relevant experience plus 2 years of NZ experience at 1.1× the median wage) and Trades and Technician (Level 4+ qualification, 2.5 years post-qualification experience plus 1.5 years in NZ at the median wage). Red-list occupations are excluded from both.
This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Page last reviewed October 30, 2026.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — New Zealand EOI
How many points do I need for a New Zealand EOI?
Just 6 skilled resident points — a much simpler threshold than Canada's CRS or Australia's SkillSelect, which use 100+ point scales. Points come from a single primary category (qualification, income, or occupational registration), topped up if needed with up to 3 points for skilled work experience in New Zealand.
What is an EOI for New Zealand?
An Expression of Interest is the first formal step for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. It's submitted free online through Immigration New Zealand's system. If it shows you meet the 6-point threshold and other eligibility rules, you'll get an Invitation to Apply (ITA), and then have 4 months to submit the full residence application.
Can I combine qualification, income and registration points?
No. You must claim your primary points from just one category — qualification, income, or occupational registration — not a mix of the three. If that category alone doesn't reach 6 points, you can add up to 3 extra points from skilled work experience gained in New Zealand.
What changed in New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category in August 2026?
Since 24 August 2026 there are two new pathways alongside the points route. The Skilled Work Experience pathway needs 3 years of relevant experience plus 2 years of skilled NZ work at 1.1× the median wage. The Trades and Technician pathway needs a Level 4+ qualification, 2.5 years of post-qualification experience and 1.5 years in NZ at the median wage. NZ qualifications now score 1 point more than overseas ones, overseas bachelor's degrees rose from 3 to 4 points, and 2 years of NZ experience now earns the full 3 bonus points.
Sources
New Zealand EOI Points Calculator results are estimates only and do not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — always verify the current rules on Immigration New Zealand before submitting any application or paying any fees. For complex cases, consult a licensed immigration adviser (Licensed Immigration Adviser under the NZ IAA).