Significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category will come into effect from 24 August 2026. They will introduce two new residence pathways, updated qualification points, new wage assessment settings and occupation lists.

For migrants considering immigration to New Zealand, it is important to understand how the new rules may affect their eligibility, work experience requirements and future residence options.

1. Trades and Technicians Pathway

This pathway to residence will offer options to migrants who work in specified ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 trades and technician roles and who:

  • hold a relevant NZQCF Level 4 or higher qualification;
  • can show four years of directly relevant post-qualification experience;
  • have completed at least 1.5 years of relevant work experience in New Zealand; and
  • earned at least the SMC median wage during their required New Zealand work experience.

This pathway may open doors for some migrants. However, we also know that a number of experienced tradespeople may not hold a formal qualification. English language requirements will also continue to apply.

At least this is a start and will allow some migrants working in trade and technician roles to qualify for the skilled migrant category resident visa.

2. Skilled Work Experience Pathway

Migrants working in ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 occupations may be eligible under this pathway if they have:

  • at least five years of directly relevant work experience;
  • including two years of skilled work experience in New Zealand; and
  • earned at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage during their required New Zealand work experience.

As part of the wider skilled migrant category changes, Immigration New Zealand has also introduced occupation lists that operate under a traffic-light system.

Standard Eligible Roles

Occupations that are not included on the Red or Amber Lists may qualify under the standard Skilled Work Experience Pathway requirements.

Red List 👎🏼

Occupations on the Red List are not eligible for the new Skilled Work Experience or Trades and Technicians pathways.

These roles include Retail Manager and several health and beauty sector occupations.

Migrants working in these occupations may still qualify under other SMC categories, such as through a high income, an eligible tertiary qualification or recognised occupational registration.

Amber List 😑

The Amber List allows some migrants to apply for residence, but stricter requirements apply.

Applicants must have:

  • at least five years of relevant eligible work experience in New Zealand; and
  • two years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage.

Roles on the Amber List include:

  • Accommodation and Hospitality Managers;
  • Hotel or Motel Managers;
  • Café or Restaurant Managers;
  • Chefs;
  • Bakers and Pastry chefs;
  • Office and Customer Service Managers; and
  • selected ICT support roles.

Although this is now a viable pathway, it will take migrants working in these occupations longer to become eligible for residence.

The updated skilled migrant category list will be reviewed regularly. If there are indications of role inflation or immigration fraud, occupations may be added to or removed from the Red and Amber Lists where necessary.

3. Additional Key Changes That Matter

1. Ability to Extend an Accredited Employer Work Visa

Migrants who need up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience to meet SMC requirements will be able to apply to extend their Accredited Employer Work Visa.

This will allow eligible migrants to complete the required skilled work experience before applying for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category.

The ability to extend an AEWV is scheduled to be introduced in 2027. Further details about eligibility and the application process will be released at a later date.

2. New Zealand Qualifications Will Carry More Points

From 24 August 2026, many qualifications completed in New Zealand will receive one additional point compared with equivalent overseas qualifications. Exceptions apply to doctoral degrees and some master’s degrees.

Some applicants will also need fewer years of New Zealand work experience before they can apply for residence.

Applicants claiming points for a qualification will generally need:

Additional evidence may be required depending on the qualification level.

3. Wage Assessment Settings

Two major clarifications to wage assessment settings should provide relief to employers who have previously been asked to increase wages for immigration purposes rather than for market or performance reasons.

From 24 August 2026:

  • Applicants will generally only need to meet the SMC median wage specific to their pathway that applied when they started gaining skilled work experience.
  • They must continue to earn at least that rate when applying for residence.
  • They will no longer need to meet a higher wage threshold simply because the median wage increased before they submitted their application.

A five-month grace period will also apply. If a migrant begins skilled work experience within five months of their work visa being granted, the wage threshold that applied on the date the visa was granted will be used.

These settings may make it easier for some applicants to plan their pathway towards a skilled migrant category resident visa.

4. English Language Test Results

From 24 August 2026, English language test results will be valid for five years instead of two years for applicants who hold an eligible recognised occupational registration.

The same five-year validity may apply to a partner included in the application if they also hold an eligible occupational registration.

5. Registration Recognised for Accountants

From 24 August 2026, accountants who can undertake the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in New Zealand and who are members of Certified Practising Accountants Australia will be able to claim six points under the points-based SMC pathway.

6. SMC Median Wage Increase

From 9 March 2026, the SMC median wage increased to NZD $35 per hour.

This is approximately:

  • NZD $72,800 per year based on 40 hours per week; or
  • NZD $54,600 per year based on 30 hours per week.

Different wage multiples apply depending on the relevant pathway or the points being claimed.

Discuss the Skilled Migrant Category Changes with Michelle

The new rules create additional opportunities for some migrants, but eligibility will depend on the applicant’s occupation, qualifications, work experience, wage level and time spent working in New Zealand.

Professional immigration services can help you understand how the changes apply to your individual circumstances and whether you may qualify under one of the available pathways.

Contact Michelle to discuss any of the above in further detail

Disclaimer: The information contained in this news update is of a general nature and is not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter.  It should not be relied upon for that purpose, and it is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.

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