05/03/2026
NZ Skilled Migrant Category is changing from August 2026.
New pathways. New occupation lists. Updated wage rules.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released further details about the forthcoming changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) that were initially announced by the Government last year. These changes are intended to provide clearer and more targeted residence pathways for skilled migrants, while also aligning migration settings more closely with New Zealand’s labour market needs. The changes are scheduled to take effect in late August 2026.
Introduction of Two New Residence Pathways
The updated SMC framework will introduce two new residence pathways in addition to the existing points-based pathway:
Skilled Work Experience Pathway
This pathway is designed for migrants who accumulate substantial skilled work experience in New Zealand. Eligibility criteria will depend on the applicant’s occupation category and the level of experience gained within New Zealand.
Trades and Technician Pathway
This pathway is specifically intended for migrants working in key trade and technical occupations. Applicants will qualify if they:
• Hold a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification, and
• Have at least four years of directly relevant skilled work experience after obtaining the qualification, including
• A minimum of 1.5 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand, earning at least the SMC median wage.
New Occupation Lists Introduced
To support the new pathways, INZ has released three key occupation lists, which determine eligibility for the new residence routes.
Trades and Technician Pathway List
Migrants working in occupations on this list may qualify for residence through the Trades and Technician Pathway if they meet the qualification and work experience requirements described above.
Amber List
Applicants working in occupations on the Amber List will not be eligible for the Trades and Technician Pathway. They may instead apply under the Skilled Work Experience Pathway, provided they have:
• At least five years of relevant work experience in New Zealand, including
• Two years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage.
Red List
Migrants whose occupations appear on the Red List will not be eligible to apply through either of the new pathways. Instead, they must apply for residence under the existing SMC points-based system and claim a minimum of six points. This may be achieved through factors such as:
• Earning 1.5 times the SMC median wage,
• Holding a Level 7 bachelor’s degree or higher qualification, or
• Possessing a Recognized occupational registration.
• Applicants must also meet the required New Zealand skilled work experience criteria.
Additional Policy Changes Affecting All SMC Pathways
Several further policy adjustments will apply across all Skilled Migrant Category pathways from late August 2026:
Simplified Median Wage Requirements
Applicants relying on New Zealand skilled work experience will not need to meet the current median wage at the time of residence application. Instead, they must meet the SMC median wage that applied when they began accumulating their skilled work experience.
Median Wage Grace Period
If a migrant begins skilled work experience within five months of their work visa being granted, the wage threshold applicable on the date the visa was granted will apply, even if the median wage increases later.
Clarification of Qualification Requirements
Applicants claiming points for Level 8 or Level 9 qualifications must also hold a bachelor’s degree (Level 7 or higher) obtained in any country. However, applicants claiming five points for a New Zealand Level 9 master’s degree will be exempt from this requirement. Those claiming six points for a New Zealand master’s degree must still hold a bachelor’s degree.
Extended Validity of English Language Test Results
For applicants who hold a valid occupational registration, English language test results will now be valid for five years.
New Recognized Occupational Registration
Qualified Statutory Accountants in New Zealand who hold membership with Certified Practising Accountants Australia (CPA Australia) will now be able to claim six points under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Additional Work Visa Flexibility from 2027
From 2027 onwards, migrants who are close to meeting the required skilled work experience threshold will be able to apply for an additional Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) if they require up to 12 more months of skilled work experience to become eligible for residence.
