The New Zealand Skilled Migrant points system is designed to allow Expressions of Interest to be ranked in order so that the New Zealand Immigration authorities can make invitations to apply for residence to those migrants who can offer the most to New Zealand.
Points are awarded for age, having family members in New Zealand, your employment, previous work experience, and qualifications. You will need to meet the minimum threshold of 100 points to be able to lodge an Expression of Interest.
Age
| Age | Points |
| 20-29 | 30 |
| 30-39 | 25 |
| 40-44 | 20 |
| 45-49 | 10 |
| 50-55 | 5 |
Family
You gain 10 points for having close family already living in New Zealand.
Employment
| Current Employment or Offer of Employment | Points |
| Having a job offer in New Zealand | 50 |
| Currently working in a skilled job in New Zealand for less than 1 year | 50 |
| Currently working in a skilled job in New Zealand for more than 1 year | 60 |
Employment bonus points
| Current Employment or Offer of Employment | Points |
| In an identified future growth area | 10 |
| In an area of absolute skills shortage | 10 |
| In a region outside Auckland | 30 |
| Partner/spouse has a skilled job or job offer. | 20 |
Work experience in skilled employment
| Duration | Points |
| 2 years | 10 |
| 4 years | 15 |
| 6 years | 20 |
| 8 years | 25 |
| 10 years | 30 |
Bonus points for work experience in New Zealand
| Duration | Points |
| 1 year | 5 |
| 2 years | 10 |
| 3 years + | 15 |
Bonus points for work experience in an identified future growth area
| Duration | points |
| 2-5 years | 10 |
| 6 years + | 15 |
Bonus points for work experience in an area of absolute skills shortage
| Duration | points |
| 2-5 years | 10 |
| 6 years + | 15 |
Qualifications
| Qualification Level | Points |
| 4-6 (such as a trade qualification or diploma) | 40 |
| 7-8 (such as a Bachelor’s degree) | 50 |
| 9-10 (such as a Master’s degree or doctorate) | 60 |
Bonus points for qualifications
| Qualification | Points |
| 2 years full-time study in New Zealand completing a Bachelor’s degree | 10 |
| 1 year of full-time study in New Zealand completing a post-graduate degree | 10 |
| 2 yeara of full-time study in New Zealand completing a post-graduate degree | 15 |
| Qualification in an identified future growth area | 10 |
| Qualification in an area of absolute skills shortage | 10 |
| Partner/spouse holds a level 4-6 qualification | 10 |
| Partner/spouse holds a level 7 qualification or higher | 20 |
