nz visas, skilled migrant category, skilled migrants,
New Zealand will be introducing two new skilled migrant residence pathways from mid 2026.
More Kiwi businesses will soon be able to attract and retain the workforce they need, with the Government’s introduction of two new skilled migrant residence pathways.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says skilled and experienced migrants play an important role plugging workforce gaps, and in turn helping businesses to grow.
“Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience that was not available in the existing workforce.
“We’re fixing it.”
From mid-2026, there will be two new residence pathways:
Skilled Work Experience pathway
For migrants in skilled roles who have at least five years of directly relevant work experience, including at least two years of experience in New Zealand where they’ve been paid at least 1.1 times the median wage, and:
Trades and Technician pathway
For migrants in specified skilled roles who hold a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above, and have at least four years of relevant post-qualification skilled work experience, including at least 18 months in New Zealand where they’ve been paid at or above the median wage.
In addition, applicants will still need to meet other requirements for residence such as health, character and the English language requirement.
These pathways are designed to better reflect the value of practical skills and migrants’ contribution to New Zealand’s workforce. Additional eligibility criteria will apply to certain occupations to manage immigration risk and ensure the pathways remain targeted to genuine skill needs.
The changes also include increased points for New Zealand university-level qualifications, making it easier for graduates to transition to residence. This supports the International Education Plan for Growth by recognising the value of local qualifications and encouraging international students to study here.
Where an applicant is claiming points for an overseas qualification, it must be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) through an International Qualification Assessment (IQA), or be recognised on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment, to confirm it is comparable to the relevant New Zealand qualification standard.
Applicants claiming points for a post-graduate qualification must also hold an under-graduate degree, except for those with a doctoral degree or migrants claiming 5-points for a New Zealand master’s degree.
The New Zealand work experience requirements will be modestly reduced for some current pathways. This change reduces the amount of New Zealand work experience required for most migrants, from a maximum of 3 years to a maximum of 2 years. This helps improve the international competitiveness of the SMC settings to better attract and retain skilled and talented migrants.
Other changes also include removing the requirement to have an increased wage rate when applying for residence. Instead, migrants will only need to maintain the same median wage rate throughout their required period of New Zealand work experience.
These changes come into effect in August 2026, and we will provide detailed information closer to the time.
The announcement forms part of the Government’s Going for Growth programme, which includes actions to refine the Accredited Employer Work Visa, improve education outcomes, and support young job seekers into employment or training.
All SMC applicants must also continue to have either current skilled employment or an offer of skilled employment at the relevant wage rate to be granted residence. They must also meet other eligibility requirements for residence, such as character, health and English language.
Read more here
Source: New Zealand Government
Source: New Zealand Immigration
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