The New Zealand Government has released further details about upcoming changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). These changes, first announced in September 2025, will introduce two new pathways to residence and update several key requirements. The new settings are expected to come into effect in late August 2026.
New Skilled Migrant Pathways
Two new pathways will be introduced to help migrants qualify for residence based on their skills and work experience in New Zealand.
1) Trades and Technicians
Migrants working in occupations on the Trades and Technician Pathway list may qualify if they are:
- working in specified ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 trades and technician occupations
- hold a relevant Level 4 qualification or higher, and
- have at least 4 years of directly relevant work experience after qualification, including 1.5 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand earning at least the SMC median wage.
2) Skilled Work Experience
Migrants working in certain occupations may qualify through this pathway if they have:
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience in New Zealand
- At least 2 years earning 1.2 times the SMC median wage or more
New Occupation Lists
The Government has also introduced three lists to determine which pathway migrants can use:
- Trades and Technician Pathway List – eligible for the new trades pathway
- Amber List – Migrants working in these occupations are not eligible for the Trades and Technician Pathway and can only apply for the Skilled Work Experience Pathway if they have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in New Zealand, including 2 years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage.
- Red List – not eligible for the new pathways and must apply through the existing SMC points-based system
Migrants in Red List occupations must claim 6 points, which may be achieved through:
- Earning at least 1.5 times the SMC median wage
- Holding a Level 7 bachelor’s degree or higher
- Having a recognised occupational registration
- Up to 3 years of New Zealand work experience
Other Key Changes
Several updates will apply to all SMC pathways from late August 2026:
- Simplified median wage rules: Migrants only need to meet the wage rate that applied when they started their skilled work experience, rather than the rate at the time they apply for residence.
- Grace period for wage increases: If skilled work begins within 5 months after a work visa is granted, the earlier wage threshold may still apply.
- Qualification clarification: Migrants claiming Level 8 or 9 qualifications must also hold a bachelor’s degree, with some exceptions for New Zealand master’s degrees.
- Longer English test validity: For applicants with occupational registration, their English language test results will be valid for 5 years instead of the usual 2 years for other applicants.
- New recognised registration: Qualified Statutory Accountants with CPA Australia membership will be able to claim 6 SMC points.
Additional Work Visa option from 2027
From 2027, migrants who need up to 12 more months of skilled work experience to meet SMC requirements may be able to apply for another Accredited Employer Work Visa to complete their experience before applying for residence.
If you are currently working in New Zealand and planning your pathway to residence, now may be a good time to review how these changes could affect your eligibility. Contact us to discuss your options.