Immigration New Zealand confirms Skilled Migrant Category changes from 24 August 2026

Shi Sheng Cai (Shoosh) and Zach Holmes • 30 June 2026

Immigration New Zealand have released the final version of the revamped Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa which includes the Trade and Technician pathway, and non 6 point Skilled Work Experience pathway. The changes are due to take effect on 24 August 2026 and will be relevant for employers with migrant workers that don’t have Bachelor’s qualifications and who don’t work in occupations that require registration.


Summary of residence the traditional 6 point Skilled Migrant Category

There have been several changes to the traditional 6 point Skilled Migrant Category after 24 August 2026. The changes include:

  • Applicants will only need to meet the SMC wage threshold that applied when they started accruing their skilled work experience. This is different from the current approach, which considers also the wage threshold when a residence application is submitted. The change will allow migrant workers who met the SMC wage threshold when they started work in New Zealand to meet residence requirements without need to meet a higher SMC wage threshold when they submit their SMC residence application.
  • Self-employment/contractor work experience cannot be used to claim work experience.
  • Introduction of a new grace period rule. This is for situations a work visa has been approved but a migrant worker has not yet started work on their approved work visa and the SMC median wage rate increases. The grace period applies if the SMC median wage rate increases within 5 months of a worker being granted their AEWV, providing an exemption to use the SMC median wage rate in effect when the work visa is approved.
  • Shorter periods of work experience for bachelor’s degree and higher qualification holders.
  • Requiring applicants to have a bachelor’s qualifications in certain scenarios if they are claiming 5 or 6 points of a qualification. 


Summary of residence the Skilled Work Experience pathway

The Skilled Work Experience pathway is aimed at people who are working, or have a job offer, in a ANZSCO skill level 1-3 skilled role that is not on the red list. To qualify, applicants will generally need to:

  • work in, or have a job offer for, an ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 occupation paid at least 1.1 times the Skilled Migrant Category wage threshold;
  • have at least three years of relevant work experience in an ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 occupation; and
  • have a further two years of skilled work experience in New Zealand, paid at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage.


Employers that would like to utilise this pathway should take care around:

  • The Red list: Migrant workers working in roles on the Red list cannot apply for residence under the new non 6 point Skilled Work Experience pathway.
  • The Amber list: Migrant workers working in Amber list roles need to be paid at least a higher 1.2x multiplier for their skilled work experience in New Zealand.


Summary of residence the Trades and Technician pathway

The Trades and Technician pathway is aimed at people in specified trades and technician roles. To qualify, applicants will generally need to:


What this means for employers and migrants

The immigration landscape continues to change, and further updates are expected across 2026. Employers should consider whether key migrant workers may be affected by the new settings, particularly where those workers are in trade, technician or skilled work experience roles. Migrants who are planning a residence pathway should also review their position before the changes take effect. Our immigration specialists can provide practical advice on the options available and help you plan next steps.


Disclaimer: This article provides general commentary on employment, health and safety, and immigration matters. It is not a substitute for legal or professional advice about your specific circumstances. Please seek legal advice if you have questions about your workplace or immigration position.

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