Immigration Update - March 2026
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa that will help employers retain skilled workers and support long-term economic growth. These changes are set to take effect from August 2026. While a raft of changes have been announced, the full policy is not yet been released. We have summarized information in respect to the changes.
Two new residence pathways are set to be introduced.
Skilled Work Experience Pathway
This pathway is for migrants in skilled roles (ANZSCO 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
This pathway is for migrants who:
- work in specified ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 trades and technician occupations.
- who hold a relevant Level 4 or above qualification, and
- who have at least 4 years of directly relevant experience gained post qualification, including 1.5 years in New Zealand earning at least the SMC median wage.
English language
English language test results will be valid for 5 years for applicants who hold a recognised occupational registration.
Amber List
If a migrant wishes to apply under one of the two new skilled pathways but works in an occupation on the Amber List, they must meet additional eligibility requirements of:
- At least 5 years of relevant eligible work experience in New Zealand; including
- 2 years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage.
Red List
If a migrant wishes to apply under one of the two new skilled pathways but works in an occupation on the Red List, they will not be eligible.
Wage Settings
Migrants will only need to meet the SMC median wage specific to their pathway when they start gaining skilled work experience and maintain at least that rate when applying for residence. The changes also introduce a grace period for situations where the SMC median wage increases before a migrant starts work. If a migrant begins skilled work experience within 5 months of their work visa being granted, the wage threshold that applied on the day the visa was granted will be used.
Extension of Accredited Employer Work Visa
Migrants who need up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience will be able to apply to extend their visa to complete it. This extension ability is scheduled to be introduce in 2027.
Qualification Points
New Zealand degrees will now provide 1 more qualification point than for those completed overseas. With an exception for doctoral and some master’s degrees. Applicants must provide:
1. The qualification certificate; and
2. an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) if the qualification was gained overseas and is not on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA).
Quicker pathway to claiming 6 points
| New SMC Settings | Length of NZ work experience to reach 6 points |
|---|---|
| Qualification: Doctoral degree New Zealand master’s degree (with a bachelor's degree) Registration: New Zealand recognised registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 6 years’ training Income: Job or job offer that pays at least 3 times median wage | You do not need to claim points from work experience. 6 points straight away. |
| Qualification: Master’s degree gained outside New Zealand (with a bachelor's degree) New Zealand master's degree (without a bachelor's degree) New Zealand honours degree, post-graduate diploma or post-graduate certificate (each with a bachelor's degree) New Zealand bachelor's degree Registration: New Zealand recognised registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 5 years’ training | 1 year. 6 points after 1 year of NZ work experience |
| Qualification: Honour’s degree, post-graduate diploma or post-graduate certificate gained outside New Zealand (each with a bachelor's degree) Bachelor's degree gained outside New Zealand Registration: New Zealand recognised registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 4 years’ training Income: Job or job offer that pays at least 2 times median wage | 1.5 years. 6 points after 1.5 years of NZ work experience. |
| Registration: New Zealand recognised registration in a specified occupation, requiring at least 2 years’ training Income: Job or job offer that pays at least 1.5 times median wage | 2 years. 6 points after 2 years of NZ work experience. |
Moving Forward
The New Zealand immigration space continues to change and expect changes across 2026. Our team of specialists are ready to help with bespoke and practical advice and solutions on navigating the tricky and constantly changing immigration landscape. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need help.
Disclaimer: We remind you that while this article provides commentary on employment law, health and safety and immigration topics, it should not be used as a substitute for legal or professional advice for specific situations. Please seek legal advice from your lawyer for any questions specific to your workplace.
