Skilled Migrant Residence Visa Category: What New Zealand’s New Changes Mean (2025–26)

September 24, 2025

New Zealand is reshaping skilled residence again. The Government has announced two new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) residence pathways—aimed at workers with proven experience and at trades/technician talent—and signalled a reduction in NZ work-experience time for many applicants. The goal: help employers retain proven people already here and keep the economy moving).

Quick recap: the current SMC (6-point) baseline

Since October 2023, the SMC has used a 6-point threshold, earned from high income, recognised qualifications or NZ occupational registration, plus up to 3 points for skilled NZ work experience. That simplified system replaced the old points grid.

What just changed

Skilled Work Experience Pathway (opens mid-2026)

• For migrants in skilled roles with 5+ years directly relevant experience, including at least 2 years in NZ paid at ≥1.1× median wage. Successful applicants can apply for a resident-class visa.

Trades & Technician Pathway (opens mid-2026)

• For specified trades/technician roles where sub-degree qualifications are standard. Requires a Level 4+ qualification and 4+ years post-qualification experience, including ≥18 months in NZ at or above the median wage. Eligible occupations will be listed closer to launch.

Less NZ work experience for many applicants.

• INZ indicates the NZ work-experience requirement will drop from up to 3 years to up to 2 years for most migrants—making residence reachable sooner for people who are already contributing. (Further operational detail to follow.)

Incentive for NZ-educated grads.

• Ministers also flagged reduced NZ work-time before residence for people with New Zealand university qualifications, to better retain international graduates.

Why this matters (employers & migrants)

• Employers get a clearer retention route for experienced staff who meet wage/experience settings.
• Skilled workers—including many in trades/technical roles previously “locked out”—gain defined residence tracks without needing a high-level degree.
• Policy intent is to be targeted, not wide-open; some occupations may face extra eligibility limits. Expect more guidance before the 2026 go-live.

Timelines & what to do now

• Mid-2026: both new pathways open (exact date and eligible roles pending). Keep evidence tight: job descriptions mapped to the relevant occupation, pay at (or above) required wage multiples, and verifiable experience/qualifications.
• If you’re aiming for residence today, the 6-point SMC and other skilled residence routes (e.g., Green List, Work to Residence) continue to operate—choose the fastest fit for your profile.

Reality check

There’s political debate around the scope of these changes, so expect refinements before launch. Plan using the ministerial settings above, but don’t assume automatic eligibility until INZ publishes final operational policy.

Need help?

If you want straight advice—not fluff—send your CV/role details and we’ll map you to the quickest lawful pathway (current 6-point SMC vs. a 2026 pathway), plus a document checklist aligned to INZ rules and wage thresholds.