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Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa Announced

What Is the Changes to Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa Announced?

The New Zealand Government has announced important updates to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa that will take effect from August 2026. These changes aim to help employers retain skilled workers and support long-term economic growth by introducing two new residence pathways and updating points and work experience requirements.

 New Residence Pathways

Two new pathways under the Skilled Migrant Category will be introduced:

  • Skilled Work Experience Pathway: For migrants working in skilled roles (ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3) with at least 5 years of relevant work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand earning at least 1.1 times the median wage.
  • Trades and Technician Pathway: For migrants in specified trades or technician roles holding a Level 4 or higher qualification with at least 4 years post-qualification directly relevant skilled work experience, including 18 months in New Zealand paid at or above the median wage.

Applicants must also meet residence criteria including health, character, and English language requirements.

Other Key Changes

  • Increased points for New Zealand university-level qualifications, easing the path for local graduates to gain residence.
  • Reduction in the New Zealand work experience requirement from a maximum of 3 years to 2 years for most pathways.
  • Removal of the requirement to have an increased wage rate at the residence application stage; migrants must now maintain the median wage throughout their New Zealand work experience period.

These reforms are part of the Government’s Going for Growth programme, which improves immigration processes and supports education and employment initiatives.

Summary of Skilled Migrant Category Changes

PointsCurrent SMC SettingsLength of NZ Work Experience to Reach 6 PointsNew SMC SettingsLength of NZ Work Experience to Reach 6 Points
6Doctoral degree OR NZ recognised registration requiring 6 years’ training OR job paying at least 3 times median wage (no need to claim work experience points)N/ADoctoral or NZ master’s degree OR NZ recognised registration requiring 6 years’ training OR job paying at least 3 times median wage (no work experience points needed)N/A
5Master’s degree or NZ recognised registration with at least 5 years’ training1 yearMaster’s degree (outside NZ), NZ bachelor’s, honours, post-grad diploma or certificate OR NZ recognised registration with 5 years’ training1 year
4Honours degree or post-grad diploma with NZ recognised registration and job paying 2x median wage2 yearsHonours, bachelor’s, post-grad diploma or certificate (outside NZ) OR NZ recognised registration with 4 years’ training and job paying 2x median wage1.5 years
3Bachelor’s degree or post-grad certificate OR NZ recognised registration and job paying 1.5x median wage3 yearsNZ recognised registration with 2 years’ training and job paying 1.5x median wage2 years
Wage AssessmentRelevant wage assessed at start of NZ work experience and at residence applicationN/ARemoved requirement for wage assessment at residence application; wage must be maintained throughout required period of NZ work experienceN/A

New Pathways Eligibility Requirements

PathwayEligibility Criteria
Trades and Technician PathwayWork in specified trades or technician roles (ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3), hold Level 4+ qualification, 4 years post-qualification experience including 18 months in NZ paid at/above median wage. Specific lists of trades and qualifications will be published soon.
Skilled Work Experience PathwayWork in skilled role (ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3), with 5 years directly relevant experience including 2 years in NZ paid at/above 1.1x median wage.
  • Red list occupations are excluded from these new pathways but may still qualify under other SMC pathways.
  • Amber list occupations have additional criteria for the skilled work experience pathway but are excluded from the trades and technician pathway.

All applicants must hold skilled employment or offer at the relevant wage rate and meet other residence eligibility such as health and character requirements.

 

Click Here for the official announcement on the Immigration New Zealand website.


At Eco Migration NZ, we use relevant legislation and tailored strategies to present your case in the strongest possible way.

 

Stay informed. Stay prepared. And if you need expert immigration advice, contact  us today.

 

Eco Migration Limited
info@ecomigration.co.nz