NZ Pathway
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New Zealand vs Australia PR Points: Two Systems Compared
Updated: 2026-08-03 · Data verified: 2026-08-03
If you are a skilled worker in Asia, the odds are you have compared New Zealand and Australia. The systems look similar from a distance — points, occupation lists, English tests — but they are built on different philosophies, and the right choice usually comes down to one question: do you have (or can you get) a qualifying job offer?
The fundamental difference
New Zealand’s SMC is employment-anchored. You need 6 points, but points are the easy part for many profiles — the binding constraint is the skilled job with an accredited employer. With a PhD or a 3× median wage job ($105.00/hour), you need zero NZ experience; with a Bachelor’s degree, you need 3 years of NZ skilled work.
Australia’s subclass 189 is competition-anchored. No job offer required — you submit an Expression of Interest and wait for an invitation. The pass mark is 65 points, but invitations are competitive: in practice, high-demand occupations often need 80–95+ points. Points come from age (up to 30), English (up to 20), experience (up to 20), qualifications, partner skills, state nomination and more.
Side by side
| New Zealand SMC | Australia 189/190/491 | |
|---|---|---|
| Points threshold | 6 (fixed) | 65 minimum, competitive in practice |
| Job offer required | Yes — accredited employer | No for 189; nomination/sponsorship for 190/491 |
| Maximum age | 55 | 44 (at invitation) |
| English (principal) | IELTS 6.5 / PTE 58 / TOEFL 79 | IELTS 6.0 each (Competent); more points at Proficient/Superior |
| Occupation list | Green List gives faster tracks | Multiple lists determine visa subclass eligibility |
| Local experience value | Up to 3 points (NZ work only) | Points for both overseas and Australian experience |
Where each profile fits
- You have a strong job offer in NZ: NZ wins on certainty. Six points plus an accredited job is a criteria-based application, not a lottery — processing runs a median of ~54 working days.
- No job offer, strong profile (young, superior English, 8+ years experience): Australia’s 189 is worth an EOI — but treat invitation timing as unpredictable.
- Occupation on NZ’s Green List Tier 1: NZ’s Straight to Residence is one of the fastest skilled-residence routes in either country.
- Over 45: NZ’s age limit of 55 keeps the door open years longer than Australia’s 44.
English conversions differ slightly
Both countries accept IELTS, PTE and TOEFL, but set their own lines. If you already have a score, check it against both systems before booking a retake — our converter shows the NZ line. (Australia-specific English bands and the full Australian points breakdown are topics we will cover when we expand our Australia cluster.)
Note: This page compares systems at the level NZ applicants ask about most. Australian policy details (occupation lists, invitation rounds, state nomination) change frequently — always verify against the Department of Home Affairs before committing to a pathway.
Frequently asked questions
- Is New Zealand's 6-point system easier than Australia's points test?
- Different, not easier. NZ requires 6 points AND a skilled job with an accredited employer — the job is the hard gate. Australia's subclass 189 is invitation-based with no job offer needed, but competitive scores often sit well above the 65-point minimum.
- Does Australia have an equivalent of the Green List?
- Australia uses several occupation lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL and successors) that determine visa eligibility, but there is no direct equivalent of Straight to Residence — most Australian skilled pathways involve state nomination, employer sponsorship or invitation rounds.
- Are the English requirements similar?
- Broadly yes. NZ's SMC needs IELTS 6.5 / PTE 58 / TOEFL 79. Australia's 'Competent English' baseline is IELTS 6.0 each band (or equivalent), with Proficient and Superior levels worth more points. Both accept IELTS, PTE and TOEFL.
- Can I apply to both countries at once?
- Yes — nothing stops parallel applications, and many skilled migrants run both. Just budget for two sets of fees, tests and assessments, and watch for differing document validity windows.