The New Zealand Government has announced significant updates to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, due to take effect in August 2026. These changes are designed to strengthen long-term workforce planning, give greater recognition to practical skills, and help employers retain valued staff.
New Skilled Migrant Category pathways
From mid-2026, two additional residence pathways will be introduced under the Skilled Migrant Category:
- Skilled Work Experience Pathway
For people employed in skilled roles (ANZSCO skill levels 1–3).
- At least 5 years of directly relevant work experience required.
- A minimum of 2 years must be in New Zealand, paid at least 1.1 times the median wage.
- Trades and Technician Pathway
For applicants working in specified trades or technician roles.
- Must hold a relevant Level 4 qualification (minimum 120 credits).
- At least 4 years of post-qualification work experience required.
- This must include 18 months in New Zealand, paid at or above the median wage.
- A full list of eligible trades and technician occupations will be published by Immigration New Zealand closer to the time.
Some occupations will be excluded (Red List) or subject to extra criteria (Amber List) to ensure the pathways remain focused on genuine skill shortages.
Other Skilled Migrant Category changes
Alongside the new pathways, several adjustments will apply across the SMC:
- Points for New Zealand qualifications: Higher recognition of local university-level study, making it easier for graduates to progress to residence.
- New Zealand work experience requirements: Reduced from a maximum 3 years to a maximum of 2 years.
- Wage assessment: The current requirement to meet the relevant wage rate both at the start of New Zealand work experience and again at the point of applying for residence will be removed. Under the new policy, applicants must meet the wage threshold at the beginning of their New Zealand work experience and maintain that rate throughout the required period. This applies to all relevant wage rates, not just the median wage.
Applicants must still meet standard residence requirements, such as health, character and English language.
When will this take effect?
These changes form part of the Government’s Going for Growth programme and will apply from August 2026. Immigration New Zealand will publish further detail, including eligible occupation lists, closer to the introduction date.
If you’d like tailored advice on whether these changes may open a pathway for you, please get in touch.
Read the New Zealand Government’s announcement about the new policies.
Read Immigration New Zealand’s summary of the changes to the Skilled Migrant Category
