Two New Residence Pathways for Skilled Migrants — SMC Changes Taking Effect August 2026
From late August 2026, Immigration New Zealand is introducing two new residence pathways under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): the **Trades and Technician pathway** and the **Skilled Work Experience pathway**. These are the biggest changes to the SMC since the simplified points system was introduced in 2023, and they open the door to residence for thousands of skilled workers who were previously locked out.
Here’s what’s changing and what it means for you.
The Trades and Technician Pathway
This pathway is designed for migrants working in specified ANZSCO skill level 1–3 trades and technician roles — think construction, engineering, automotive, electrical, and other technical occupations where New Zealand has persistent skill shortages.
To qualify, you need:
- Your occupation on the confirmed eligible occupation list (now published on the INZ website)
- A relevant Level 4 or above qualification (NZQCF)
- At least 4 years of directly relevant work experience gained after your qualification
- At least 1.5 years (18 months) of that experience in New Zealand, earned at or above the SMC median wage (1× median)
The lower wage threshold is the key change. Under the current system, most tradespeople need to earn 1.5× the median wage or hold a bachelor’s degree to qualify — requirements that simply don’t reflect the reality of skilled trades work. This pathway sets the bar at 1× the median wage, making residence genuinely achievable for qualified tradespeople.
Amber list occupations are not eligible for this pathway.
The Skilled Work Experience Pathway
This pathway recognises that substantial hands-on experience in skilled roles can be just as valuable as formal qualifications. It’s aimed at experienced professionals in ANZSCO skill level 1–3 occupations who may not hold a degree or occupational registration.
To qualify, you need:
- At least 5 years of directly relevant work experience in an ANZSCO skill level 1–3 occupation
- At least 2 years of that experience in New Zealand, earned at 1.1× the SMC median wage or above
- Current skilled employment or a job offer at the relevant wage rate
No specific qualification is required — that’s a key benefit of the Skilled Work Experience pathway.
Amber list occupations can access this pathway but face stricter requirements: 5 years of relevant experience in New Zealand (not just 5 years total), with 2 years at 1.2× the median wage.
Red and Amber Lists — Managing Immigration Risk
Alongside the new pathways, INZ has introduced red and amber occupation lists based on evidence of historic immigration risk, including role inflation and fraud.
Red list occupations are excluded from both new pathways entirely. Workers in these roles can only apply for residence under the existing SMC if they meet the 6-point threshold.
Amber list occupations can access the Skilled Work Experience pathway with additional requirements (outlined above) but cannot use the Trades and Technician pathway.
Red and amber list occupations
| Role type | Occupation | Red or Amber list |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation related manager roles | Accommodation and hospitality manager | Amber |
| Accommodation related manager roles | Hotel or Motel Manager | Amber |
| Accommodation related manager roles | Hotel Service Manager | Amber |
| Accommodation related manager roles | Bed and Breakfast operator | Amber |
| Accommodation related manager roles | Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager | Amber |
| Food service roles | Café/restaurant manager | Amber |
| Food service roles | Baker | Amber |
| Food service roles | Pastrycook | Amber |
| Food service roles | Chef | Amber |
| Generic management roles | Customer service manager | Amber |
| Generic management roles | Hospitality, Retail and Service manager Nec | Red |
| Generic management roles | Office manager | Amber |
| Generic management roles | Retail manager | Red |
| Health and Beauty roles | Beauty therapist | Red |
| Health and Beauty roles | Massage therapist | Red |
| Health and Beauty roles | Hairdresser | Red |
| Health and Beauty roles | Hair and beauty salon manager | Red |
| ICT roles | ICT Customer Support Officer | Amber |
| ICT roles | ICT Support Technician | Amber |
| ICT roles | Web Administrator | Amber |
Both lists will be reviewed regularly, with occupations added or removed as risk profiles change.
Simplified Wage Settings Across All Pathways
Two important changes apply to every Skilled Migrant pathway from August 2026:
No more wage uplift at application time.
You only need to meet the median wage threshold that applied when you started your qualifying NZ work experience, and maintain at least that rate through to your residence application. Previously, a rising median wage could push the goalposts further away while you were already working towards eligibility.
5-month grace period.
If the median wage increases after your work visa is granted but before you start working, the threshold from the date your visa was granted still applies — as long as you begin skilled work within 5 months.
For reference, the immigration median wage increases to NZ$35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026. That puts the approximate thresholds at $35.00/hr for the Trades and Technician pathway (1× median), $38.50/hr for the Skilled Work Experience pathway (1.1× median), and $42.00/hr for amber list occupations under the Skilled Work Experience pathway (1.2× median).
Other Changes Worth Knowing
Qualification points
NZ qualifications now earn 1 additional point over equivalent overseas qualifications (except doctorates and some master’s degrees). Applicants claiming points for a Level 8 or 9 qualification must also hold a bachelor’s degree. NZ master’s degree applicants claiming 6 points must have studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand.
English language test validity
Extended to 5 years for applicants with a recognised occupational registration.
New recognised registration for accountants
CPA Australia members who can undertake Qualified Statutory Accountant work in New Zealand will be eligible under the SMC.
AEWV extension (coming 2027)
Migrants who need up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience to meet SMC requirements will be able to extend their Accredited Employer Work Visa. Details on eligibility and process to follow.
What Should You Do Now?
The current SMC settings remain in place until late August 2026, and if you already qualify under the existing system you can still apply now. But if you’ve been waiting for a realistic pathway, now is the time to start planning.
If you’re already in New Zealand working, get in touch for a free chat about your residency pathways.