Free Immigration Tool

New Zealand PR Points Calculator

Calculate your eligibility for New Zealand Permanent Residency under the Skilled Migrant Category 6-point system.

NZ PR Calculator

Skilled Migrant Category — 6-point system

1. Qualification level

NZ Graduate Pathway (Update: Aug 2026)

Current: Points via NZ work experience.
*Pending Update: Direct +1pt bonus expected Aug 2026

2. NZ skilled work experience

0 yr1 yr2 yrs3+ yrs

Total points

out of 6

3 more point(s) needed to apply.

Based on 2026 NZ Immigration policy. Ensure your job offer meets the Median Wage requirement.

Stay Updated

Latest NZ Immigration News

Keep up with the latest policy changes, announcements, and updates from Immigration New Zealand.

Policy Update

2026 Skilled Migrant Category Changes

The new 6-point system simplifies the pathway to PR for skilled workers with recognized qualifications and NZ work experience.

Updated January 2026

Green List

Fast-Track Roles for Priority Occupations

IT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers on the Green List enjoy expedited processing times and direct residency pathways.

Updated December 2025

View Official Immigration News

Official source: Immigration New Zealand

Immigration Guide 2026

The Definitive Guide to New Zealand's 6-Point Skilled Settler System

2026 Update5 min read

As an economics graduate from New Zealand, I have witnessed the strategic shifts in immigration policies designed to bolster the national economy. The 6-point system, fully implemented by 2026, is a streamlined approach to attract high-skilled global talent.

Navigating the New Era of Migration

This calculator simplifies the complex points-scoring process, ensuring you have a clear roadmap to your permanent residency (PR). Understanding how each category contributes to your total is the first step toward success.

Economic Insights for 2026

The 2026 policy emphasizes "Value-Add" migration. For IT professionals and engineers, the integration of the 'Green List' roles with the 6-point system means faster processing times. This system ensures that new residents are immediately productive and contribute to the country's high-tech infrastructure.

The Three Pillars of Eligibility

Secure 6 points from these categories:

Professional Registration

3-6 pts based on NZ registration level

Educational Qualifications

Bachelor's (3), Master's (5), PhD (6)

Skilled Income

1.5x (3), 2x (4), or 3x (6) median wage

Pro-Tips for Success

Check the Median Wage

New Zealand's median wage is adjusted annually. Always verify your current hourly rate against the latest MBIE data.

Verify Your Qualifications

Use the NZQA Assessment if your degree is from outside New Zealand to ensure your points are valid.

Secure an Accredited Job

Points only count if you have a job offer from an 'Accredited Employer'.

About This Tool

Built for Aspiring Kiwis

This calculator was created to help skilled professionals understand their eligibility for New Zealand Permanent Residency. Our goal is to provide clear, accurate information based on the latest immigration policies, making your pathway to PR more transparent.

Free to Use

2026 Policy Based

No Registration Required

Comprehensive Guide to New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 2026

🚀 2026 August Policy Alert

New Zealand Immigration is set to introduce enhanced points for local graduates in August 2026. Under the upcoming rules, a Master's degree (Level 9) may grant full 6 points, potentially allowing direct PR applications. This calculator is monitored daily to reflect these changes.

The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a points-based system designed to attract highly skilled workers to contribute to the NZ economy. As of 2026, the 6-point system remains the core framework for residency applications. This tool is developed by an Economics graduate from a New Zealand university to provide the most accurate self-assessment based on current immigration instructions.

How the 6-Point System Works

Skilled Employment in NZ: You can claim points based on your New Zealand occupational registration, qualification (Bachelor's or higher), or high income (at least 1.5x the median wage).
Work Experience in NZ: Points can be added for 1, 2, or 3 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand, depending on the threshold met.
Thresholds: Points are non-cumulative across categories (Registration, Qualification, Income). You must choose the highest points from one of these three.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the minimum points required for NZ PR in 2026?

A: Most Skilled Migrant Category applicants require a total of 6 points from a combination of skilled employment/qualifications and New Zealand work experience.

Q: Does my overseas work experience count toward the points?

A: Under the current 2026 SMC framework, only skilled work experience gained inside New Zealand contributes to your points tally. Overseas experience may support your application narrative but does not directly add points.

Q: Can I apply for PR while on a Work Visa in New Zealand?

A: Yes. Many applicants accumulate their points while working in New Zealand on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Once you reach 6 points, you can submit a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa application.

Q: What is an Accredited Employer and why does it matter?

A: An Accredited Employer is a business approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire migrant workers. Your job offer must be from an accredited employer for your skilled employment points to be valid.

Q: How is the NZ median wage calculated for the income threshold?

A: The median wage is published annually by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). As of 2026, earning at least 1.5x the median hourly wage qualifies you for the income-based points pathway. Always check the MBIE website for the latest figure.

Q: Will my Master's degree qualify me for 6 points directly?

A: Under current rules, a Master's degree (Level 9) earns 5 points. An anticipated August 2026 policy update may raise this to 6 points, enabling direct PR eligibility. This calculator will be updated as soon as the policy is confirmed.

Q: Is this calculator official?

A: This is an independent self-assessment tool built by an NZ Economics graduate based on publicly available Immigration New Zealand policy. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Immigration New Zealand. Always verify your eligibility with a licensed immigration adviser (LIA) or directly via immigration.govt.nz.

Privacy & Data Handling

We value your privacy. This PR points calculator performs all data processing locally in your browser. We do not collect, store, or transmit any immigration data you enter. Your path to residency remains private and secure with us.

Disclaimer & Professional Advice

This calculator is an unofficial tool for self-assessment purposes only. While it is based on the 2026 Operational Manual of Immigration New Zealand, immigration policies are subject to frequent changes. For official legal advice, please consult a licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) or a New Zealand immigration lawyer.