How is the six-point scoring system for Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visas calculated?

Sure, no problem. Regarding the new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 6-point system in New Zealand, I'll break it down for you. Don't be intimidated by the name "6-point system" – the logic is actually quite clear. Think of it like a mission to clear the level, and it becomes much simpler.

Our goal is: Secure 6 points.

Before calculating points, you must first meet a core prerequisite. Without this, any points you accumulate later won't matter much.

Core Prerequisite: The Foundation – Skilled Job Offer

You must first secure a Skilled Job offer in New Zealand, meaning you have an employment contract (offer) from an employer.

What qualifies as a "Skilled Job"? Generally, it satisfies one of these two conditions:

1. Occupation on the ANZSCO List: Your job role falls under skill levels 1, 2, or 3 in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Most white-collar jobs, tradespeople, and professionals fall into this category.
2. Meeting Income Threshold: If your occupation isn't levels 1-3 but your wage is high enough (currently 1.5 times the New Zealand median hourly wage), it also counts as skilled work.

Alright, once you have that skilled job offer "entry ticket", we can start accumulating the 6 points. The points primarily come from two main components: "Core Points" and "New Zealand Work Experience Points".

Points Calculation: Core Points + NZ Experience Points = 6

Part 1: Core Points (3-6 points, take the highest from the following three options – points are NOT stackable)

This is the main source of points, based on your personal background. Choose one highest-scoring option:

1. Occupation Registration (Registration) - 6 points outright

   • If your occupation requires mandatory registration to practise in New Zealand (e.g., doctors, nurses, electricians, engineers, teachers) and you have obtained this registration, congratulations! You get 6 points immediately. Done and dusted – no need to gather points elsewhere.

2. Qualification - 3 to 6 points

   • If your qualification is New Zealand recognized (overseas qualifications need NZQA assessment), points are awarded as follows:
     • PhD: 6 points (also done outright)
     • Master's Degree: 5 points
     • Bachelor Honours or Postgraduate Diploma: 4 points
     • Bachelor's Degree or Postgraduate Certificate: 3 points
   • Important: Only your highest qualification counts. You cannot add points from multiple qualifications (e.g., a Master's + a Bachelor's doesn't equal 8 points).

3. Income - 3 to 6 points

   • If your qualification level is lower but your salary is high, you can also earn points!
     • Hourly wage >= 1.5 times the NZ median wage: 3 points
     • Hourly wage >= 2 times the NZ median wage: 4 points
     • Hourly wage >= 3 times the NZ median wage: 6 points (also done outright)
   • Important: The median wage thresholds change. Always check the latest figures on the Immigration New Zealand website at the time of application.

Summary: For the core points above (Registration, Qualification, Income), you can only count one option – choose the one that gives you the highest score.

Part 2: New Zealand Work Experience Points (Up to 3 points)

If your "Core Points" don't add up to 6, you can use points from this section to make up the difference.

• For each year of skilled work experience in New Zealand, gain 1 point.
• Maximum of 3 points (i.e., only up to 3 years of experience count).

Crucial: This experience must be gained within New Zealand and must also be in a "Skilled Job". Overseas work experience does not count here.

Let's Look at Some Scenarios For Clarity

Scenario 1: The High-Achiever - Xiao Ming

• Xiao Ming completed a Master's Degree in IT in New Zealand.
• After graduation, he found a job as a Software Engineer.
• He worked in New Zealand for 1 year.
• His point calculation:
  • Master's Qualification (Core Points): 5 points
  • 1 year NZ experience (Experience Points): 1 point
  • Total = 5 + 1 = 6 points. Met! He can apply.

Scenario 2: The Experienced Player - Lao Wang

• Lao Wang was an experienced Marketing Manager in China with only a Bachelor's Degree.
• Through hard work, he secured a Marketing Director role in NZ. His employer highly values him and pays him a salary equal to 1.5 times the NZ median hourly wage.
• To accumulate enough points, he worked diligently in this role for 3 years.
• His point calculation:
  • He could choose his Bachelor's Degree (3 points) or his high income (3 points). We'll take the high income option.
  • High Income (Core Points): 3 points
  • 3 years NZ experience (Experience Points): 3 points
  • Total = 3 + 3 = 6 points. Met!

Scenario 3: The Professional - Nurse Li

• Nurse Li was a registered nurse in her home country. She passed the New Zealand Nursing Council's exams and assessments, obtaining NZ nursing registration.
• She found a job in a New Zealand hospital.
• Her point calculation:
  • Holds NZ Occupational Registration (Core Points): 6 points
  • Total = 6 points. Met! She doesn't need any New Zealand work experience – she can apply as soon as she gets her registration and job offer.

Finally, Don't Forget the Essential Requirements

Securing 6 points is only one step. You must also meet these core requirements:

• Age: 55 years old or younger.
• English: IELTS overall score of 6.5 or equivalent (TOEFL, PTE, etc. accepted).
• Health and Character: Meet health requirements and have no criminal convictions.

In summary, the new 6-point system places more emphasis on the direct contribution applicants can bring to New Zealand – either through high qualifications, in-demand registered skills, high income, or skilled work experience gained locally in New Zealand.

I hope this explanation gives you a clear understanding of the 6-point system! Feel free to ask if anything remains unclear.