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From 24 August 2026, New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category will introduce two new residence pathways alongside changes to qualification points, skilled work experience and wage requirements.
From 24 August 2026, New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa will undergo significant changes, introducing new residence pathways for experienced skilled workers, tradespeople and technicians.
The existing points-based pathway will remain, but applicants may also be able to qualify through a new Skilled Work Experience pathway or Trades and Technician pathway.
The changes also affect qualification points, New Zealand work experience requirements, wage thresholds and occupation eligibility.
From 24 August 2026, the Skilled Migrant Category will have three main pathways to residence.
The existing points-based Skilled Migrant Category pathway will continue.
Applicants generally need six skilled resident points, which may come from qualifications, occupational registration, income and eligible skilled work experience in New Zealand.
The 2026 changes make this pathway more accessible for some applicants by increasing the points available for certain qualifications and reducing the New Zealand work experience needed to gain additional points.
The new Skilled Work Experience pathway is designed for people with substantial experience in skilled occupations.
Applicants will generally need to:
This generally means applicants need at least 5 years of relevant work experience, including two years in New Zealand.
The new Trades and Technician pathway provides a dedicated residence route for people working in selected trade and technical occupations.
Applicants will generally need to:
This generally results in at least 4 years of relevant post-qualification experience, including 18 months in New Zealand.
Qualification points under the existing Skilled Migrant Category pathway will also change.
From 24 August 2026:
These changes may particularly benefit international students who complete higher-level qualifications in New Zealand and intend to work toward residence.
Applicants using New Zealand skilled work experience to reach the six-point requirement will also need less time to earn additional points.
From 24 August 2026:
Previously, applicants generally needed three years of qualifying New Zealand skilled work experience to receive the maximum three additional points.
The way Skilled Migrant Category wage thresholds are assessed will also change.
For many applicants, the relevant wage threshold will be based on the threshold that applied when they started accumulating qualifying skilled work experience.
For skilled work experience beginning from 9 March 2026, the relevant figures include:
The correct threshold can depend on when the applicant began their qualifying employment.
Occupation classification will play an important role under the new Skilled Work Experience pathway.
Occupations on the Red List cannot use the new Skilled Work Experience or Trades and Technician pathways.
Applicants in these occupations may still be able to qualify through the existing points-based Skilled Migrant Category pathway if they meet its requirements.
Occupations on the Amber List may still use the Skilled Work Experience pathway, but stricter requirements apply.
Applicants may generally need:
Applicants should confirm their correct occupation classification rather than relying only on their job title.
Applicants with an existing draft Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest should pay close attention to the change date.
Unsubmitted draft EOIs will expire on 24 August 2026.
Applicants who want to be considered under the rules operating before the change need to submit their EOI before that date.
Draft applications that remain unsubmitted will be removed, and applicants will need to start again using the updated EOI process.
The changes may be particularly relevant for:
The best pathway will depend on the applicant's occupation, qualifications, pay rate and work history.
Applicants considering residence should review their circumstances before deciding which pathway may be suitable.
Important factors include:
Understanding these factors early can help avoid spending time accumulating work experience that may not count toward residence.
The Skilled Migrant Category remains one of New Zealand's main pathways for skilled migrants seeking residence.
The 2026 changes create additional options for experienced workers and eligible tradespeople while also improving the existing points-based pathway for some applicants.
However, eligibility can vary significantly depending on occupation, qualifications, work experience and income.
Applicants should assess their long-term residence strategy carefully before making major decisions about employment, study or visas.
Common mistakes include:
Careful planning can help reduce delays and avoid unnecessary immigration complications.
This guide is suitable for:
From 24 August 2026, New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category will include three main pathways: the existing Points-Based pathway, the new Skilled Work Experience pathway and the new Trades and Technician pathway.
The changes also introduce new qualification points, reduced New Zealand work experience requirements, revised wage-threshold rules and occupation-specific eligibility requirements.
Applicants should review their occupation, qualifications, work history and income carefully to understand which Skilled Migrant Category pathway may apply to them.
When do the new Skilled Migrant Category changes start?
The new rules take effect on 24 August 2026.
What are the new Skilled Migrant Category pathways?
Two new pathways are being introduced: the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway. They will operate alongside the existing points-based pathway.
Do I still need six points for the Skilled Migrant Category?
The existing points-based pathway still uses the six-point system. The two new pathways have separate eligibility requirements based primarily on occupation and work experience.
What is the Skilled Work Experience pathway?
It is a new pathway for eligible migrants with substantial skilled work experience. Standard applicants generally need at least five years of relevant experience, including two years of qualifying skilled work in New Zealand.
What is the Trades and Technician pathway?
It is a dedicated residence pathway for people working in selected trade and technician occupations who meet qualification, work experience and wage requirements.
Are qualification points changing?
Yes. Some New Zealand qualifications will receive more Skilled Migrant Category points from 24 August 2026.
How much New Zealand work experience is needed for additional points?
Under the revised points-based pathway, one year may provide 1 point, 1.5 years may provide 2 points and two years may provide 3 points.
What happens if my occupation is on the Red List?
Red List occupations cannot use the two new pathways, although applicants may still qualify through the existing points-based Skilled Migrant Category pathway.
What happens if my occupation is on the Amber List?
Amber List occupations may use the Skilled Work Experience pathway but generally face stricter New Zealand work experience and wage requirements.
What happens to draft Expressions of Interest?
Unsubmitted draft SMC Expressions of Interest will expire on 24 August 2026. Applicants wishing to use the current process need to submit before that date.
Do the new pathways guarantee residence?
No. Applicants must still meet all applicable Skilled Migrant Category requirements, including employment, health, character and English language requirements.
