New Zealand has announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa that will help employers retain skilled workers. A Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa lets foreign workers stay in New Zealand indefinitely. After holding this visa for 2 years in a row, they can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa that lets them travel in and out of New Zealand indefinitely.
Two new residence pathways will be introduced under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa in August 2026.
One is for migrants in skilled roles who have at least five years of directly relevant work experience, and the other is for migrants in specified skilled roles in trades and as technicians.
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.
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.
New Zealand is also reducing the amount of time that migrants with New Zealand university qualifications need to work in New Zealand before they can get residence.
Two New Residence Pathways
Skilled work experience pathway — 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 — 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.
ANZSCO Skill Levels
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) lists job grades according to skill level. ANZSCO skill levels range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the most skilled and 5 being the least skilled.
Income Levels
You can use the income from your current New Zealand job or job offer to claim points if the income from the job is at least 1.5 times the 2024 median wage.
You can claim:
6 points — if the job is at 3 times the 2024 median wage (currently NZD $100.68 an hour) or more
4 points — if the job is at 2 times the 2024 median wage (currently NZD $67.12 an hour) or more
3 points — if the job is at 1.5 times the 2024 median wage (currently NZD $50.34 an hour) or more.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is available to foreign workers below 55 years, if they have a job or job offer from an accredited employer, and qualify for 6 points for their skills and work in New Zealand. This visa lets one live, work and study in New Zealand. One can claim 3 to 6 points based on their occupational registration, qualification, or income and claim up to 3 more points for skilled work experience in New Zealand. One must submit an expression of interest (EOI) and if accepted, New Zealand will invite the applicant to apply.
Other Changes
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 in New Zealand.