Skilled Migrant Category Changes Now in Effect from 24 August 2026

The latest changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa took effect on 24 August 2026. They add two new residence pathways and change how qualifications and wage thresholds are assessed.

Trades and Technician pathway

For people working in specified skill level 1 to 3 trades and technician occupations who:

• hold a relevant Level 4 or above qualification, and

• have at least 4 years of directly relevant experience gained after the qualification, including 1.5 years in New Zealand earning at least the SMC median wage

Skilled Work Experience pathway

For people who:

• are working in a skilled role (ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3), and

• have at least 5 years of directly relevant work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand earning at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage

Occupations on the red list are not eligible for the two new pathways. Occupations on the amber list can use the Skilled Work Experience pathway but must meet additional requirements, including at least 5 years of relevant work experience in New Zealand. Self-employment cannot be used as directly relevant work experience for the new pathways.

Qualification and wage changes

• Qualifications completed in New Zealand now receive 1 point more than those completed overseas

• Applicants claiming points for a Level 8 or Level 9 qualification must also hold a bachelor's degree

• Applicants claiming 6 points for a New Zealand master's degree must have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks and hold a bachelor's degree

• Most applicants now only need to meet one SMC wage threshold, with a 5-month grace period if thresholds increase

Work to residence visas

Work to residence applicants can now use the wage rate that applied when their work visa was granted to start accruing work experience, provided they start within 5 months and maintain that rate. The requirement for 24 months of work experience within 30 months is unchanged.

How Visapoint can help

If you would like to know how this change affects you, your family or your business, book a free assessment with our licensed immigration adviser. Call or WhatsApp 021 0290 1035, or email gurpreet@visapoint.co.nz.

Source: Immigration New Zealand, Further changes to the Skilled Migrant Category to come into effect in August 2026

This update is general information only and is not immigration advice. Immigration instructions can change, so please check the latest Immigration New Zealand information or speak with a licensed immigration adviser before making decisions.