Immigration Points Calculator — How Points Systems Work
Understanding how immigration points systems work is the first step to finding the right country for your profile. Compare Canada, Australia, and NZ scoring grids.
Key Takeaways
- →Canada, Australia, and New Zealand all use points-based immigration systems — but the scoring grids and weightings differ significantly.
- →Age is the most inflexible factor — it decreases automatically. Start your assessment as early as possible.
- →A higher language test score (IELTS) is often the most cost-effective way to boost your points.
Points System Comparison
| Factor | Australia (65 min) | Canada CRS (max) | NZ SMC (max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 (18–32) | 110 (20–29) | 30 (20–39) |
| Education | 20 (PhD) | 150 (PhD) | 50 (Master's+) |
| Language | 20 (Superior) | 124 (CLB 10+) | 20 (IELTS 8+) |
| Experience | 20 (8+ years) | 80 (6+ years) | 50 (10+ years) |
| Partner | 10 | 20 | 20 |
| Job Offer | 20 (in AU) | 200 (LMIA+) | 20 |
| Other | 25 (regional, NAATI) | 30 (PNP/CUEC) | 10 |
Country-Specific Pass Marks
🇨🇦 Canada
Express Entry CRS
Min: No minimum
Cut-off: 470–540+
Higher = more likely to be invited
🇦🇺 Australia
SkillSelect 189
Min: 65 points
Cut-off: 80–95+ invited
Invited at cut-off only
🇳🇿 NZ
Skilled Migrant Category
Min: 160 points
Cut-off: 160+ invited
All-or-nothing at minimum