Today, the NZ Government has announced significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, including the introduction of two new residence pathways and updates to the points requirements. These changes will take effect in August 2026.
Currently, the Skilled Migrant Category restricts eligibility to a narrow group of potential applicants, heavily favouring those with high-level qualifications and offering little recognition for individuals who have gained skills through work experience. This has excluded many tradespeople, technicians and other skilled workers who play a vital role in key industries, but traditionally learn their skills through practical experience or trade qualifications.
Industry groups have long advocated for these roles to have a pathway to residence, and Minister Stanford has now confirmed that changes are coming.
New pathways under the SMC Resident Visa:
1. Work experience pathway – for migrants in ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 roles who:
- Have at least 5 years of directly relevant skilled work experience.
- Have worked at least 2 years in New Zealand, earning at least 1.1x median wage.
2. Trades and Technician pathway – for migrants in specified trades or technician roles who:
- Hold a Level 4 or higher qualification (of at least 120 points).
- Have at least 4 years of post-qualification directly relevant skilled work experience.
- Have worked in New Zealand for at least 18 months, earning at or above the median wage.
These pathways recognise the value of practical, hands-on skills in industries where sub-degree qualifications are common, and work experience is highly valued.
Red and Amber list occupations.
- Red list occupations will be excluded from using these new pathways, but will still be eligible through qualification, high pay or occupational registration pathways.
- Amber list occupations will have additional eligibility criteria to access the skilled work experience pathway, but will not be eligible under the trades and technician pathway.
Details of the red and amber list occupations will be announced closer to August 2026.
New points criteria for the SMC:
New points criteria will be introduced August 2026 to make the immigration system more responsive and competitive, including additional points for NZ qualifications and reduced work experience requirements:
Changes to median wage requirements
In addition, wage rate requirements for residence are being changed. Migrants will now only need to meet the median wage requirement when they start the required NZ work experience, and can maintain the same median wage throughout their required NZ work experience period.
Final Thoughts
We feel these changes represent a smart, flexible, and future-focused approach to Immigration. They address the overly restrictive nature of the current skilled resident visa settings and will help businesses retain the talent they need, support international graduates, and ensure our immigration system remains competitive.
If you’re a migrant worker, employer or student, now is the time to start preparing. Contact us or book a free consultation to ensure you’re making the most of these new opportunities.
