Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa announced:

Two new residence pathways have been introduced under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa. They came into effect in August 2026.

The two new pathways are designed to better reflect the value of practical skills migrants will contribute to New Zealand’s workforce.

The changes also include increased points for New Zealand university-level qualifications, making it easier for graduates to transition to residence.

The Skilled Work Experience Pathway

This pathway has been created for migrants in skilled roles with at least 5 years of directly relevant work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand, earning at least 1.1 times the median wage.
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The Trades and Technician Pathway

This new pathway provide access to residence in New Zealand for migrants in specified trades or technician roles who hold a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification and have at least 4 years of post-qualification experience, including 18 months in New Zealand paid at or above the median wage.

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The Red List

Red list occupations will be excluded from the new skilled work experience and trades and technicians pathways.

Migrants applying for these roles may still be eligible under other SMC pathways, for example a Bachelor’s or above qualification or 1.5 times the median wage.

The Amber List

Occupations on the amber list will have additional eligibility criteria to access the skilled work experience pathway, these occupations will not be eligible for the trades and technician pathway.
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