Beginning 18 August 2025, ten in-demand trade occupations will be added to this pathway, offering a clearer route to residency for those with the right skills and experience.
This change reflects the country’s ongoing need for qualified trades professionals and aims to strengthen the workforce in key infrastructure and technical sectors.
New Occupations Eligible for Work to Residence
Applicants with a job or job offer in any of the following occupations — and who have worked in one of these roles in New Zealand for at least 24 months — will be eligible to apply for residence:
- Metal Fabricator
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter-Welder
- Pressure Welder
- Welder
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter
- Paving Plant Operator
- Eligibility Criteria
To apply under this new pathway from 18 August 2025, applicants must:
- Be employed (or have a valid job offer) in one of the newly listed trades
- Be 55 years old or younger at the time of applying
- Meet standard health, character, and English language criteria
- Have completed 24 months of relevant work experience in New Zealand
- Meet wage requirements specific to their occupation
Wage Requirements by Role
To qualify, applicants must be paid at a level reflecting their expertise:
$43.63/hour ($90,750/year) for Metal Fabricators, Welders, Fitters, and Machinists
$38.59/hour ($80,267/year) for Paving Plant Operators, Panel Beaters, and Vehicle Painters
Updated Median Wage Thresholds for Skilled Residency Visas
Also taking effect on 18 August 2025, Immigration New Zealand will update wage thresholds for skilled residence visa categories, including Skilled Migrant, Work to Residence, and Straight to Residence. These new residency thresholds will align with the new median wage of $33.56/hour, based on June 2024 figures from Statistics New Zealand.
It is important to note that these thresholds do not apply to the Accredited Employer Work Visa category, which solely relies on market rate for a given occupation.
