Skilled Migrant Category – Introduction of New Pathways
The rules relating to Skilled Migrant Residence Visa applications are changing substantially on 24 August 2026.
There will be three pathways for a Skilled Migrant Residence Visa:
- Points-based,
- Skilled Work Experience, and
- Trades and Technicians.
The Three Pathways
A – Points-based
This pathway will be an updated version of the current system.
Applicants must qualify for six points from a points-based skill category; or a combination of points- from a point-based skill category and their skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Applicants must earn at least the median wage, which is currently $35 per hour, and their occupation must be at Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) skill level 1-3
or,
Applicants must earn at least 1.5 times the median wage (currently $52.50 per hour) if their occupation is listed at ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 or not included on the ANZSCO list at all.
B – Skilled work experience
This pathway is for skilled migrants with at least five years skilled work experience.
Applicants need three years of directly relevant work experience in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1- 3 role, within the last ten years, plus two years of directly relevant skilled work experience in New Zealand in an ANZSCO skill level 1-3 role, paid at least 1.1 times the median wage within the preceding four years.
The work experience cannot be self-employment.
If an applicant’s occupation is included in the Amber list, found at Amber and Red Lists, all five years’ work experience must be gained in New Zealand, and the wage paid must be at least 1.2 times the median wage.
C – Trades and Technicians
This is for skilled migrants employed in specific trade and technician occupations.
Applicants must have current employment or an offer of employment in an occupation included on the Trades & Technicians List and which pays at least the median wage, which is $35 per hour.
They must also have a relevant qualification that is at least level 4 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
Applicants must also have four years of directly relevant skilled work experience in an occupation listed at ANZSCO skill level 1-3 after the completion of their qualification, and within the last ten years, with at least 18 months of that experience being in New Zealand within the last three years.
The Red List
If occupation is on the Red list, found at Amber and Red Lists, they can only obtain residence through the first Points-based pathway. The Red list includes Retail Managers, Beauty Therapists, Massage Therapists, and Hairdressers.
Genuine employment
When the changes come into effect, they will allow Immigration New Zealand to closely check that the employment is genuine.
The employment cannot be created to facilitate a visa, and the employment must be because there is a genuine need for the applicant to be based in New Zealand.
English language requirements
The level of English language required for residence remains unchanged.
The main applicant must meet either specific English-language background requirements or have passed one of a set of approved English language tests. As an example, the standard for an IELTS test is set at 6.5.
Partners and children aged 16 or over must also demonstrate that they meet specific English-language background requirements or have passed one of a set of approved English language tests. As an example, for an IELTS test the standard is set at 5.0. Alternatively, dependent family members can prepurchase ESOL tuition, with the minimum amount set at NZ$1735.
English test certificates are valid for two years. However, for some occupations, English language tests will be valid for five years.
Qualifications
Qualifications and work experience must now be “directly” relevant to employment, rather than simply relevant.
Applicants claiming they have a master’s degree must prove they have a bachelor’s degree, unless only claiming five points rather than all six needed for the Points-based pathway.
Further, bachelor’s degrees obtained overseas, will qualify for four points, as long as they are recognised.
Do not apply early!
Invitations to apply issued prior to 24 August 2026 will be considered under the rules in effect on 23 August. Therefore, applicants who will only qualify for residence under one of the new pathways should not submit their Expressions of Interest any earlier than 24 August.
Conclusion
If anyone is interested in these pathways, we recommend they seek immigration advice before proceeding with a formal residence application. If you would like a member of our immigration team to undertake an eligibility assessment, please contact us.
Special thanks to Partner Nicola Tiffen and Special Counsel Nicky Robertson for preparing this article.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
