Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa announced

The Government has announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa that will help employers retain skilled workers and support long-term economic growth.

Two new residence pathways will be introduced under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa.

• Skilled work experience pathway — for migrants in skilled roles ( skill level 1 to 3) with at least 5 years of directly relevant work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand earning at least 1.1 times the median wage.
• Trades and technician pathway — for migrants in specified trades or technician roles who hold a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification and have at least 4 years of post-qualification experience, including 18 months in New Zealand paid at or above the median wage.

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.

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.

More information:
New residence options to bolster workforce — The Beehive
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa