For many skilled professionals dreaming of settling permanently in New Zealand, the question is simple but pressing:
“Which pathway actually works for me — and what’s changed now?”
What Has Actually Changed
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is restructuring residence pathways to make the system more predictable and performance-based.
The biggest shift came with the SMC 6-Point system introduced in 2023 — and now, further refinements announced in September 2025 will take effect from August 2026.
Here’s the plain-English summary:
Pathway
Who It’s For
What’s New / Key Features
Skilled Migrant Category (6-Point System)
Professionals with NZ registration, higher qualifications, or high income
You now need 6 points from one main skill source (registration, qualification, or income) + up to 3 points from NZ work experience.
New SMC Skilled Work Experience Pathway (2026)
Applicants in Skill Levels 1–3 with ≥5 years of directly relevant experience (including 2 years in NZ at ≥1.1× median wage)
New route designed for experienced workers who may not hold a high-level qualification but can prove depth of experience.
New SMC Trades & Technician Pathway (2026)
Qualified tradespeople or technicians with Level 4 or higher trade qualification + ≥4 years post-qualification experience (including 18 months in NZ at ≥ median wage)
Recognises hands-on trades and technical experience as a legitimate pathway to residence.
Two new residence pathways — Skilled Work Experience and Trades & Technician — will launch August 2026, giving experienced workers alternative entry points.
Points for NZ qualifications will increase, rewarding local study.
NZ work-experience requirements for existing pathways are being reduced (from up to 3 years down to 2 years in some cases).
The wage-rate rule is being simplified: applicants must maintain the wage threshold throughout their NZ experience period, rather than only at the residence application date.
Together, these adjustments aim to make the SMC more inclusive of real-world experience while still maintaining quality and wage standards.
Why Migrants Are Feeling Overwhelmed
Between the shifting points tables, new sub-pathways, and Green List tiers, many skilled migrants are asking:
“Should I apply under SMC now, wait for the 2026 pathways, or look at Green List residence?”
The answer depends on your timing, occupation, registration, and work experience.
Because different pathways overlap but don’t replace each other, professional advice is crucial — a misstep could cost you eligibility or delay your residence application by months.
How to Navigate This Maze
If you’re a regulated professional (teacher, nurse, engineer): prioritise occupational registration and check your job against the Green List Tier 1 or SMC registration bands.
If you’re in IT, management, or skilled trades: the updated SMC work-experience or Trades & Technician pathways may fit you better than older routes.
If you’re an investor: the Business Investor Work Visa (launching Nov 2025) remains the main route to residence via business ownership, with two clear investment levels.
The golden rule: don’t chase headlines — build a personalised plan that reflects your occupation, qualification, wage level, and long-term goal.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.
