Two new residence pathways will be introduced under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa.
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.
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.
This new pathway will 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.
These changes come into effect in August 2026.
To apply under this pathway, you must:
To apply under this pathway, you must:
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.
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.
All SMC applicants must also continue to have either current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment at the relevant wage rate to be granted residence.
They must also meet other eligibility requirements for residence, such as character, health and English language.
These two new SMC pathways will open in August 2026. They are not available under the current Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa policy.
More details about the two new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa policies will be published on our website in the coming months.
If you would like to find out more about the upcoming changes or have any specific questions, join our principal Licensed Immigration Adviser, Dr. Carsten Hallwass, and his team for our Immigration and Job Seeker Webinar.
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Pathways to Residence in New Zealand
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