Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released further clarification on the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa pathways and points table set to take effect in August 2026.
This update expands on the information we originally shared on 23 September 2025 and provides more detail on eligibility across pathways, wage assessment rules, and qualification requirements. You can find our original blog about the new SMC pathways and points system here.
1. Trades and Technicians pathway
This pathway is designed for migrants working in specified trade or technician roles who meet all of the following:
- Hold a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification.
- 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 SMC median wage.
INZ’s Clarifications:
- Eligible trades and technician roles must be ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 and appear on INZ’s published Trades and Technicians Occupation List. For a full list of these roles, please see the table at the bottom of this blog.
- Skilled work experience must also be in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 occupation and be directly relevant to the applicant’s skilled job or job offer.
2. Work experience pathway
This pathway applies, as outlined in the September 2025 announcement, to people who:
- Have a role at ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3.
- 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.
INZ has however now clarified how the new Amber List and Red List apply to this pathway, and what inclusion on these lists means for affected roles.
INZ’s Clarifications:
- The Amber and Red lists are being introduced, as planned.
- Amber List: roles must:
- Have at least 5 years of directly relevant experience that has been obtained in New Zealand
- Have 2 years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2x median wage
- Red List: Roles cannot use the work experience pathway and applicants will have to revert to gaining at least 6 points under the Skilled Migrant Criteria points system.
- INZ has also confirmed that, for this pathway, all skilled work experience must also be in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 occupation and be directly relevant to the applicant’s skilled job or job offer.
Skilled Migrant Resident Visa Amber and Red List
| Amber List | Red List |
|---|---|
| Accommodation and hospitality manager | Hospitality, Retail and Service manager Nec |
| Hotel or Motel Manager | Retail manager |
| Hotel Service Manager | Beauty therapist |
| Bed and Breakfast operator | Massage therapist |
| Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager | Hairdresser |
| Café/restaurant manager | Hair and beauty salon manager |
| Baker | |
| Pastrycook | |
| Chef | |
| Customer service manager | |
| Office manager | |
| ICT Customer Support Officer | |
| ICT Support Technician | |
| Web Administrator |
3. Clarification on Qualifications
- To claim the higher points for Level 8 or Level 9 qualifications, applicants must also hold a Bachelor’s degree.
- The Bachelor’s degree can be gained overseas or in New Zealand.
- Applicants with a New Zealand Level 8 or Level 9 qualification but without a Bachelor’s degree can still claim qualification points, but they will receive one point fewer than applicants who hold both.
4. Wage Assessment Rules (New Changes)
INZ has confirmed two important updates to how wage thresholds for the Skilled Migrant Category are applied:
- Setting the Median Wage for Residence: Migrants will only need to meet the median wage at the time they start gaining skilled work experience, and maintain at least that rate when applying for residence. They will not need to meet any increased median wage introduced later.
- Five‑Month Median Wage Grace Period: If a migrant begins skilled work within five months of their work visa being granted, the wage threshold from the day the visa was issued will apply, regardless of any increases before they start the job.
5. New Announcements on Occupational Registration (From August 2026)
- English Language test validity will extend to 5 years only for applicants who hold recognised occupational registration.
- Accountants who can carry out the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant and hold CPA Australia membership will be eligible under the SMC pathways.
6. Extension Options for Completing Skilled Work Experience (Expected 2027)
Migrants who need up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience to meet SMC requirements will be able to apply for an AEWV extension. This will allow them to complete the remaining work experience required for residence.
INZ will release detailed eligibility criteria, application steps, and requirements at a later date. Updates will be shared as soon as they are available.
If you’re a migrant worker, employer or student, now is the time to start preparing. Contact us now and book a free consultation to ensure you’re making the most of these new opportunities.
List of eligible Trades and Technician occupations (as of the publishing of this blog)
| Trades and Technician occupation |
|---|
| Agricultural Technician (Skill Level 2) – specifying irrigation designer and excluding sheep scanner, animal pregnancy scanner |
| Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber (Skill Level 3) |
| Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (Skill Level 3) |
| Apparel Cutter (Skill Level 3) |
| Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians nec (Skill Level 2) |
| Architectural Draftsperson (Skill Level 2) |
| Automotive Electrician (Skill Level 3) |
| Blacksmith (Skill Level 3) |
| Boat Builder and Repairer (Skill Level 3) |
| Building and Engineering Technicians nec (Skill Level 2) |
| Building Associate (Skill Level 2) |
| Building Inspector (Skill Level 2) |
| Bungy Jump Master (Skill Level 2) |
| Business Machine Mechanic (Skill Level 3) |
| Butcher or Smallgoods Maker (Skill Level 3) |
| Camera Operator (Film, Television or Video) (Skill Level 3) |
| Carpenter and Joiner (Skill Level 3) |
| Chemistry Technician (Skill Level 2) |
| Civil Engineering Draftsperson (Skill Level 2) |
| Clothing Patternmaker (Skill Level 3) |
| Clothing Trades Workers nec (Skill Level 3) |
| Construction Estimator (Skill Level 2) |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic (Skill Level 3) |
| Diver (Skill Level 3) |
| Diving Instructor (Open water) (Skill Level 3) |
| Dressmaker or Tailor (Skill Level 3) |
| Earth Science Technician |
| Electrical Engineering Draftsperson (Skill Level 2) |
| Electronic Engineering Draftsperson (Skill Level 2) |
| Electronic Equipment Trades Worker (Skill Level 3) |
| Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General) (Skill Level 3) |
| Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class) (Skill Level 3) |
| Electroplater (Skill Level 3) |
| Engineering Patternmaker (Skill Level 3) |
| Engraver (Skill Level 3) |
| Farrier (Skill Level 3) |
| Fibrous Plasterer (Skill Level 3) |
| Fire Protection Equipment Technician (Skill Level 3) |
| Fitter (General) (Skill Level 3) |
| Fitter and Turner (Skill Level 3) |
| Fitter-Welder (Skill Level 3) |
| Floor Finisher (Skill Level 3) |
| Glazier (Skill Level 3) |
| Hardware Technician (Skill Level 2) |
| Hydrographer |
| Industrial Spray Painter (Skill Level 3) |
| Jeweller (Skill Level 3) |
| Joiner (Skill Level 3) |
| Knitting Machine Operator (Skill Level 3) |
| Leather Goods Maker (Skill Level 3) |
| Library Technician (Skill Level 2) |
| Life Science Technician (Skill Level 2) |
| Lift Mechanic (Skill Level 3) |
| Light Technician (Skill Level 3) |
| Locksmith (Skill Level 3) |
| Marine Transport Professional nec (Skill Level 2) |
| Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson (Skill Level 3) |
| Medical Technicians NEC (Skill Level 2) |
| Metal Casting Trades Worker (Skill Level 3) |
| Metal Fabricator (Skill Level 3) |
| Metal Fitters and Machinists nec (Skill Level 3) |
| Metal Machinist (First Class) (Skill Level 3) |
| Metal Polisher (Skill Level 3) |
| Metallurgical or Materials Technician |
| Motor Mechanic (Skill Level 3) |
| Motorcycle Mechanic (Skill Level 3) |
| Musical Instrument Maker or Repairer |
| Network Administrator (Skill Level 1) |
| Painting Trades Worker (Skill Level 3) |
| Panel beater (Skill Level 3) |
| Paper and Pulp Mill Operator (Skill Level 3) |
| Paper Products Machine Operator (Skill Level 3) |
| Performing Arts Technicians nec (Skill Level 3) |
| Plastics Technician (Skill Level 3) |
| Plumbing Inspector (Skill Level 2) |
| Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer (Skill Level 3) |
| Printing Machinist (Skill Level 3) |
| Radiocommunications Technician (Skill Level 2) |
| Roof Tiler (Skill Level 3) |
| Sail Maker (Skill Level 3) |
| Saw Doctor (Skill Level 3) |
| School Laboratory Technician (Skill Level 2) |
| Science Technicians nec (Skill Level 2) |
| Screen Printer (Skill Level 3) |
| Sewing Machinist (Skill Level 3) |
| Sheetmetal Trades Worker (Skill Level 3) |
| Shipwright (Skill Level 3) |
| Signwriter (Skill Level 3) |
| Small Engine Mechanic (Skill Level 3) |
| Small Offset Printer (Skill Level 3) |
| Solid Plasterer (Skill Level 3) |
| Sound Technician (Skill Level 3) |
| Stonemason (Skill Level 3) |
| Surveying or Spatial Science Technician (Skill Level 2) |
| Technicians and Trades Workers nec (Skill Level 3) – noting that the following roles only meet the criteria: Airborne Electronics Analyst; Canoe maker; Fibre Composite Technician; Irrigation Designer; Kayak Maker; Pearl Technician; Surfboard Maker |
| Telecommunications Cable Jointer (Skill Level 3) |
| Telecommunications Field Engineer (Skill Level 2) |
| Telecommunications Lines worker / Telecommunications Line Mechanic (Skill Level 3) |
| Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist (Skill Level 2) |
| Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic (Skill Level 3) |
| Toolmaker (Skill Level 3) |
| Vehicle Body Builder (Skill Level 3) |
| Vehicle Painter (Skill Level 3) |
| Veterinary Nurse (Skill Level 3) |
| Wall and Floor Tiler (Skill Level 3) |
| Waste Water or Water Plant Operator (Skill Level 3) |
| Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer (Skill Level 3) |
| Welder (Skill Level 3) |
| Wood Machinist (Skill Level 3) |
| Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers nec (Skill Level 3) |
Licensed Immigration Adviser