How To Use New Zealand Residency Points Calculator

• 20–29 years: 30 points

• 30–39 years: 25 points

• 40–44 years: 20 points

• 45–49 years: 10 points

• 50–55 years: 5 points

Applicants over 55 are ineligible for the SMC. Younger candidates, especially those 20–39, have an advantage, particularly for high-demand roles like software engineers (NZD 90,000–NZD 150,000) or nurses (NZD 70,000–NZD 100,000), where employers prioritize long-term contributions.

Points Earned from Academic Qualifications

Qualifications add significant points, provided they are recognized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Points are awarded as follows:

• Level 9–10 (Master’s/PhD): 70 points

• Level 7–8 (Bachelor’s/Honours): 50 points

• Level 4–6 (Trade/Diploma): 40 points

If your qualification is not from New Zealand, obtain an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) via NZQA. The IQA costs NZD 746 and takes 20–30 working days. Higher qualifications boost your points and align with well-paid roles, such as civil engineers (NZD 85,000–NZD 130,000) or medical professionals (NZD 100,000–NZD 200,000).

Key Figures and Facts About the SMC Visa

• EOI Approvals: In 2024, approximately 12,000 SMC EOIs were selected, with 65% scoring 180+ points (Immigration New Zealand).

• Top Occupations: Software developers, nurses, and teachers accounted for 55% of ITAs, with median salaries of NZD 70,000–NZD 150,000.

• Regional Demand: Applicants with job offers in regions like Canterbury or Waikato earned 20–30 extra points, with salaries averaging NZD 65,000–NZD 120,000.

Work Experience and Its Role in Point Accumulation

Work experience in a skilled occupation, especially those on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL), adds points. The breakdown is:

• 10+ years: 50 points

• 8–10 years: 40 points

• 6–8 years: 30 points

• 4–6 years: 20 points

• 2–4 years: 10 points

Additional points (10–30) are awarded for experience in New Zealand or in occupations with identified shortages, such as construction project managers (NZD 90,000–NZD 140,000). Provide detailed employment references, including job descriptions and duration, to verify claims.

Enhancing Your Score Through a Skilled Job Offer

A job offer in a skilled occupation significantly boosts your points, especially if it’s in a high-demand or regional area. Points are awarded as follows:

• Skilled Job Offer: 50 points

• Job Offer in a Shortage Occupation: 10–20 additional points

• Job Offer Outside Auckland: 30 points

Use job platforms like Seek or TradeMe Jobs to find roles in fields like IT (NZD 90,000–NZD 150,000), healthcare (NZD 70,000–NZD 120,000), or trades (NZD 60,000–NZD 100,000). Contact employers directly to confirm their willingness to hire international applicants.

Leveraging Partner Credentials and Regional Incentives

Including your partner’s qualifications or job offer can enhance your score:

• Partner’s Skilled Job Offer: 20 points

• Partner’s Level 7+ Qualification: 10–20 points

Your partner must meet English proficiency requirements (e.g., IELTS 5.0). Regional incentives also apply—job offers or work experience in areas like Wellington or South Island add 10–30 points. Regional roles, such as teachers (NZD 65,000–NZD 100,000) or agricultural workers (NZD 60,000–NZD 90,000), are less competitive and offer relocation benefits.

Using the Points Indicator Effectively

Enter accurate details into the Points Indicator, cross-checking with documents like passports, degree certificates, and employment records. Test different scenarios, such as improving your English score (e.g., IELTS 7.0 for 10 extra points) or securing a regional job offer, to maximize your score. The tool calculates points instantly, allowing you to adjust inputs before submitting an EOI. Save your results to track progress and consult a licensed immigration adviser if your score is below 180, as competitive EOIs often require higher points.

How to Submit a Competitive Expression of Interest (EOI)

Once you’ve calculated a competitive score (ideally 180+), submit an EOI through the INZ online portal. The EOI costs NZD 530 and requires details matching your Points Indicator inputs. INZ selects EOIs bi-monthly, prioritizing high scores and shortage occupations like software developers or registered nurses. If selected, you’ll receive an ITA within 1–6 months, depending on demand.

Documents and Steps for Visa Application After ITA

After receiving an ITA, you have four months to submit your visa application. Gather documents including:

• Identity: Passport and birth certificate

• Qualifications: IQA from NZQA and degree certificates

• Work Experience: Employment references detailing roles and duration

• English Proficiency: IELTS, PTE, or equivalent results

• Health and Character: Medical exams and police clearances from countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months

Boosting Your Score or Dealing with Rejection

If your points score is below 180, consider strategies to boost it:

• Improve English: Achieve IELTS 7.0 or higher for 10–20 extra points.

• Gain Experience: Add 1–2 years of skilled work experience for 5–10 points.

• Secure a Job Offer: Target regional or shortage roles for 50–80 points.

If your EOI is not selected within 6 months, update it with new qualifications or job offers. For visa rejections, request feedback from INZ and address issues like incomplete documents or unverified claims. Reapply with stronger evidence to align with high-paying roles (NZD 80,000–NZD 150,000).

Navigating the Job Market After Approval

Once approved, research job markets to align with your skills. Use salary data from Careers New Zealand to negotiate competitive pay—e.g., NZD 90,000–NZD 150,000 for IT professionals, NZD 70,000–NZD 110,000 for teachers. Network via LinkedIn or industry events to connect with employers in cities like Auckland or Christchurch. Consider regional areas for lower competition and incentives like relocation bonuses (NZD 5,000–NZD 10,000).