Big Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

The New Zealand Government has announced important changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa. These changes are designed to help employers retain skilled workers, strengthen the workforce, and support long-term economic growth.

From August 2026, two new residence pathways will be introduced, alongside several other updates that make the SMC more attractive and accessible for skilled migrants.

Two New Residence Pathways

1. Skilled Work Experience Pathway - This pathway is for migrants in skilled roles (ANZSCO skill level 1–3) who can demonstrate:

   1. At least 5 years of directly relevant work experience, and

   2. At least 2 years of work experience in New Zealand, earning 1.1 times the median wage or more.

2. Trades and Technician Pathway - This option is for migrants in specified trades or technician roles, provided they:

   1. Work in 1 of the specified trades or technician roles (ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3), and

   2. Hold a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification, and

   3. Have at least 4 years of post-qualification experience, and

   4. Can show at least 18 months of work experience in New Zealand, paid at or above the median wage.

These new pathways recognise the value of practical skills and experience, making it easier for talented migrants to gain residence while meeting New Zealand’s genuine skill needs. Additional criteria may apply to some occupations to ensure the program remains targeted and effective.

Other Key Changes

1. More Points for New Zealand Qualifications - Migrants with New Zealand university-level qualifications will now receive increased points, making it easier for graduates to transition from study to residence. This change supports New Zealand’s International Education Plan for Growth by recognizing the value of local qualifications and encouraging more international students to study here.

2. Reduced NZ Work Experience Requirements - For most migrants, the required New Zealand work experience will reduce from up to 3 years down to a maximum of 2 years. This makes the SMC more competitive globally and improves New Zealand’s ability to attract skilled talent.

3. Simpler Wage Requirements - Migrants applying for residence will no longer need to meet an increased wage rate at the time of application. Instead, they will only need to show they have consistently met the median wage during their required period of New Zealand work experience.

Scoring Points in the New SMC Settings

1. You do not need to claim points from work experience and will straight away qualify for residence under SMC, if you have:

   1. a Doctoral degree or New Zealand Master’s degree, or

   2. New Zealand recognized registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 6 years’ training, or

   3. a Job or job offer that pays at least 3 times median wage

2. You need to have 1 year of NZ work experience to qualify for residence under SMC, if you have:

   1. a Master’s degree gained outside New Zealand, New Zealand bachelor’s degree, honours degree, post-graduate diploma or post-graduate certificate, or

   2. New Zealand recognized registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 5 years’ training

3. You need to have 1.5 years of NZ work experience to qualify for residence under SMC, if you have:

   1. an Honours degree, post-graduate diploma gained outside New Zealand, bachelor’s degree gained outside New Zealand and post-graduate certificate, or

   2. a New Zealand recognized registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 4 years’ training, or

   3. a Job or job offer that pays at least 2 times median wage

4. You need to have 2 years of NZ work experience to qualify for residence under SMC, if you have:

   1. a New Zealand recognized registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 2 years’ training, or

   2. a Job or job offer that pays at least 1.5 times median wage

When Do These Changes Start?

All of these updates will take effect from August 2026. More detailed information and guidance will be released closer to the implementation date.

Final Thoughts

These changes are a welcome development for both employers and migrants. By recognizing the importance of practical skills, rewarding local qualifications, and simplifying wage and work experience requirements, New Zealand is creating clearer, fairer, and more competitive residence pathways.