From late August 2026 Immigration New Zealand will add two new residence routes under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): the Trades and Technician pathway and the Skilled Work Experience pathway. These changes lower wage thresholds and relax qualification requirements, opening residency to many skilled workers who previously could not meet the SMC points test.
Trades and Technician pathway
Designed for migrants in ANZSCO skill‑level 1‑3 trades and technician roles (e.g., construction, engineering, automotive, electrical) where New Zealand has persistent skill shortages.
Eligibility criteria
- Occupation listed on the confirmed eligible occupation list (published on the INZ website)
- Level 4 or higher qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQCF)
- Minimum 4 years of directly relevant work experience obtained after qualification
- At least 18 months of that experience in New Zealand, earned at ≥ 1 × the SMC median wage (NZ$35.00/hr from 9 Mar 2026)
The pathway excludes occupations on the amber list.
Skilled Work Experience pathway
Targets experienced professionals in ANZSCO skill‑level 1‑3 occupations who may lack a formal degree or occupational registration.
Eligibility criteria
- Minimum 5 years of directly relevant work experience in an ANZSCO skill‑level 1‑3 occupation
- At least 2 years of that experience in New Zealand, earned at ≥ 1.1 × the SMC median wage (≈ NZ$38.50/hr)
- Current skilled employment or a job offer at the required wage rate
No specific qualification is required.
Amber‑list occupations can use this pathway but must meet stricter conditions: 5 years of New Zealand experience (rather than total experience) with 2 years at ≥ 1.2 × the median wage (≈ NZ$42.00/hr).
Red and amber occupation lists
INZ has introduced risk‑based occupation lists to manage historic immigration fraud and role inflation.
| List | Example occupations | Access to pathways |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Hospitality, Retail and Service manager (Nec); Retail manager; Beauty therapist; Massage therapist; Hairdresser; Hair and beauty salon manager | Excluded from both new pathways; can only apply under existing SMC if they meet the 6‑point threshold |
| Amber | Accommodation and hospitality manager; Hotel or motel manager; Café/restaurant manager; Baker; Pastrycook; Chef; Customer service manager; ICT Customer Support Officer; ICT Support Technician; Web Administrator | Can use Skilled Work Experience pathway with the additional wage/experience requirements; cannot use Trades and Technician pathway |
The lists will be reviewed regularly and occupations may be added or removed as risk profiles change.
Simplified wage settings (effective August 2026)
- No wage uplift at application time – applicants must meet the median‑wage threshold that applied when they began their qualifying New Zealand work experience and maintain at least that rate through to the residence application.
- 5‑month grace period – if the median wage rises after a work visa is granted but before the applicant starts work, the original threshold still applies provided skilled work begins within five months.
Current median wage (NZ$35.00/hr) sets the following approximate thresholds:
- Trades and Technician pathway: 1 × median → NZ$35.00/hr
- Skilled Work Experience pathway: 1.1 × median → NZ$38.50/hr
- Amber‑list Skilled Work Experience: 1.2 × median → NZ$42.00/hr
Other notable changes
- Qualification points – New Zealand qualifications now earn one extra point compared with equivalent overseas qualifications (except doctorates and some master’s degrees). Applicants claiming points for a Level 8 or 9 qualification must also hold a bachelor’s degree. NZ master’s degree applicants claiming six points must have studied full‑time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand.
- English language test validity – Extended to five years for applicants with recognised occupational registration.
- New recognised registration – CPA Australia members qualified to perform Qualified Statutory Accountant work in New Zealand will be eligible under the SMC.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) extension (planned for 2027) – Migrants needing up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience to meet SMC requirements will be able to extend their AEWV; details on eligibility and process are forthcoming.
Immediate considerations
- The existing SMC settings remain in force until late August 2026; applicants who already meet the current criteria can still apply now.
- Prospective residents should assess whether their occupation is on the red or amber list, verify wage rates against the new thresholds, and confirm that work experience meets the required New Zealand duration.
These pathway revisions aim to align immigration policy with New Zealand’s labour market needs, particularly in trades and skilled technical roles.
Source article: www.newzealandshores.com
