Updates to Skilled Migrant and Work to Residence Visas
The Government of New Zealand has announced significant updates to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and related Work to Residence pathways, effective August 24, 2026.
Immigration New Zealand has now confirmed further details, aimed at increasing certainty for employers and applicants, expanding residence options, and clarifying how key eligibility requirements will be assessed.
The SMC remains New Zealand’s primary residence pathway for skilled migrants. The upcoming changes introduce two new residence pathways and update requirements across the points-based system and Work to Residence routes.
Key updates include the introduction of a Trades and Technician pathway and a Skilled Work Experience pathway, enhanced recognition of New Zealand qualifications, reduced skilled work experience requirements under the points-based pathway, and revised wage threshold and qualification evidence rules. The changes also strengthen requirements to ensure employment is genuine and skilled.
Two new residence pathways will be introduced. The Trades and Technician pathway will apply to applicants holding a relevant Level 4 or higher trade or technical qualification, along with at least four years of directly relevant post-qualification work experience. The Skilled Work Experience pathway will be available to applicants who can demonstrate at least five years of directly relevant skilled work experience meeting the pathway criteria.
For the Trades and Technician pathway, applicants must hold a qualification recognised on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). For New Zealand qualifications, a minimum of 120 credits is required, which may be combined across qualifications where relevant. For overseas qualifications, the 120-credit requirement has been removed, although applicants must obtain an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) confirming equivalency to at least a Level 4 New Zealand qualification. This change introduces greater flexibility for internationally qualified applicants.
Further clarifications have been provided for the points-based SMC pathway. Applicants claiming points for Level 8 or Level 9 qualifications must also hold a supporting bachelor’s degree or equivalent, supported by a qualification certificate and academic transcript. For overseas qualifications, an IQA is generally required unless the qualification is listed on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). However, an IQA is not required for the supporting bachelor’s degree. Applicants claiming points for a New Zealand master’s degree are not required to provide evidence of a bachelor’s degree. In addition, recognised bachelor’s degrees and Washington or Sydney Accord-accredited qualifications will now attract four points instead of three.
Immigration New Zealand has also clarified work experience requirements. Applicants must provide robust and independently verifiable evidence of directly relevant experience, and self-employment will not be considered.
Changes to wage settings represent a significant update. Applicants will generally be assessed against the wage threshold in place when they began accumulating their qualifying work experience, rather than any higher threshold introduced at the time of residence application. A five-month grace period will also apply, allowing applicants who commence employment within five months of their work visa approval to rely on the earlier threshold. This approach will extend to several Work to Residence pathways. Applicants must still meet minimum employment duration requirements, including 24 months of qualifying work where applicable.
Finally, the definition of genuine employment has been strengthened across skilled residence pathways. Employment offers must be ongoing, reflect a genuine business need, and require the role to be based in New Zealand. These requirements align more closely with the standards applied under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the New Zealand Immigration
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please click to contact our Immigration Specialists.
