New Zealand Immigration Points Calculator 2019

Calculate your eligibility for New Zealand skilled migrant visa based on the 2019 points system

Comprehensive Guide to New Zealand Immigration Points System 2019

The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) uses a points-based system to assess eligibility for residence visas. The 2019 version of this system remains one of the most comprehensive approaches to skilled migration, balancing various factors to determine an applicant’s potential contribution to New Zealand’s economy and society.

How the Points System Works

The points system evaluates candidates based on several key factors:

• Age: Younger applicants (20-39) receive maximum points
• Qualifications: Higher education levels earn more points
• Work Experience: Both general and New Zealand-specific experience
• Employment: Current job offers in New Zealand
• Partner’s Qualifications: Can contribute additional points

The minimum points required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) was 160 points in 2019, though higher points increased your chances of selection from the pool.

Points Breakdown by Category

Category	Points Range	Maximum Points
Age	5-30 points	30 (ages 20-29)
Recognised Qualification	40-70 points	70 (PhD)
Skilled Work Experience	10-50 points	50 (10+ years)
NZ Job Offer	0-50 points	50
NZ Work Experience	0-10 points	10 (2+ years)
NZ Qualification	0-15 points	15 (PhD from NZ)
Partner’s Qualification/Job	0-20 points	20

Age Points Allocation

The 2019 system awarded points for age as follows:

• 20-29 years: 30 points
• 30-39 years: 25 points
• 40-44 years: 10 points
• 45-49 years: 5 points
• 50-55 years: 0 points

This structure reflects New Zealand’s preference for younger skilled migrants who are likely to contribute to the workforce for many years.

Qualification Points

Recognised qualifications form a significant portion of the points calculation:

Qualification Level	Points
Doctorate (PhD)	70
Master’s degree	60
Bachelor’s degree	50
Diploma (Level 7 or higher)	40
Trade qualification (Level 4-6)	30

Note that qualifications must be recognised by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to be eligible for points.

Work Experience Points

Skilled work experience is categorized as follows:

• 10+ years: 50 points
• 8-9 years: 40 points
• 6-7 years: 30 points
• 4-5 years: 20 points
• 2-3 years: 10 points
• 1 year: 5 points

Additional points are available for work experience gained in New Zealand:

• 2+ years: 10 points
• 1 year: 5 points

Job Offer Points

A valid job offer in New Zealand can significantly boost your points:

• Job offer in an area of absolute skills shortage: 50 points
• Job offer requiring occupational registration: 50 points
• Other skilled job offers: 30 points

The job must be full-time, permanent or for at least 12 months, and meet New Zealand employment standards.

Partner’s Contribution

Points can also be earned through your partner’s qualifications or job offer:

• Partner has recognised qualification: 10 points
• Partner has skilled job offer: 20 points

This recognizes that partners can also contribute to New Zealand’s economy and helps families migrate together.

Comparison with Other Countries’ Systems

The New Zealand points system shares similarities with other popular immigration destinations but has some unique features:

Country	Minimum Points	Age Weight	Job Offer Weight	Language Requirement
New Zealand (2019)	160	30 max	50 max	IELTS 6.5+ (not in points)
Australia (2019)	65	30 max	20 max	Included in points
Canada (2019)	67	12 max	10 max (with LMIA)	Included in points

Unlike Australia and Canada, New Zealand in 2019 didn’t include English language proficiency in the points system, though it was still a requirement for visa approval.

Application Process Overview

1. Self-Assessment: Use tools like this calculator to estimate your points
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit to the pool if you meet the 160-point threshold
3. Selection: Highest-scoring EOIs are selected from the pool every two weeks
4. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, you have 6 months to submit a full application
5. Visa Approval: After document verification and checks

The processing time from EOI submission to visa decision could take 6-12 months depending on individual circumstances and application volume.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Applicants often face several hurdles in the immigration process:

• Qualification Recognition: Many struggle with getting overseas qualifications assessed. Solution: Start the NZQA evaluation process early.
• Job Offer Requirements: Finding an employer willing to sponsor can be difficult. Solution: Use New Zealand’s skill shortage lists to target in-demand occupations.
• Points Shortfall: Some applicants miss the 160-point threshold. Solution: Consider gaining more work experience or having your partner’s qualifications assessed.
• Documentation: Missing or incorrect documents can delay processing. Solution: Use Immigration New Zealand’s document checklists.

Changes Since 2019

While this calculator reflects the 2019 system, it’s important to note that New Zealand’s immigration policies have evolved. Key changes since 2019 include:

• Introduction of a new 6-point system in 2021 for the Skilled Migrant Category
• Higher emphasis on New Zealand work experience
• Changes to the points required for different qualification levels
• New requirements for professional registration in some occupations

For the most current information, always refer to the official Immigration New Zealand website.

Strategies to Maximize Your Points

If you’re aiming to migrate under the 2019 system (or similar current systems), consider these strategies:

1. Gain New Zealand Experience: Even short-term work in NZ can add valuable points
2. Pursue Higher Education: Upgrading from a bachelor’s to a master’s can add 10-20 points
3. Target Skill Shortage Areas: Jobs on the Long Term Skill Shortage List offer maximum points
4. Include Your Partner: If your partner has qualifications or can get a job offer, this can significantly boost your total
5. Apply at the Right Age: If possible, time your application to maximize age points

Alternative Pathways to New Zealand Residency

If you don’t qualify under the Skilled Migrant Category, consider these alternatives:

• Work to Residence Visas: For those with job offers in specific occupations
• Family Category: If you have close family members who are NZ residents
• Business/Investor Visas: For those willing to invest in New Zealand
• Student Visa Pathway: Study in NZ and transition to work visa
• Partner Visa: If your partner is a NZ resident or citizen

Each pathway has different requirements and processing times, so it’s important to research which might be most suitable for your situation.

Preparing for Life in New Zealand

Beyond the points calculation, successful migration requires preparation:

• Housing: Research rental markets in your intended city (Auckland and Wellington are most expensive)
• Cost of Living: New Zealand has high living costs relative to some countries
• Cultural Adaptation: Kiwi culture values work-life balance and outdoor activities
• Employment Market: Networking is important; many jobs aren’t advertised publicly
• Education: If you have children, research school options early

The New Zealand Now website provides excellent resources for new migrants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I include my dependent children in my application?
A: Yes, dependent children under 24 can be included in your residence application.

Q: How long does the residence visa last?
A: New Zealand residence visas are indefinite, but your travel conditions typically last for 2 years. You’ll need to meet residence requirements to maintain your status.

Q: Can I apply if I don’t meet the 160-point threshold?
A: You can still submit an EOI with fewer than 160 points, but it’s unlikely to be selected from the pool. Consider alternative visa options.

Q: How important is English language ability?
A: While not part of the points system in 2019, you must meet minimum English requirements (usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) to qualify for residence.

Q: Can I appeal if my application is declined?
A: There’s no formal appeal process, but you can request a review of the decision or reapply with additional information.

Final Thoughts

The 2019 New Zealand immigration points system offered a balanced approach to skilled migration, valuing both professional qualifications and practical work experience. While the system has evolved since then, understanding this framework provides valuable insight into how New Zealand evaluates potential migrants.

Remember that immigration policies can change, and what was true in 2019 may not apply today. Always verify current requirements with official sources before making any decisions about migration.

For those who qualified under this system, New Zealand offered an excellent quality of life, strong job opportunities in many sectors, and a welcoming environment for new migrants. The points calculator remains a useful tool for understanding how different factors contribute to your eligibility, even as the specific requirements evolve.