Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will introduce significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa from 24 August 2026. The reforms will introduce two new residence pathways, update the existing points system and change how wage thresholds and skilled work experience are assessed.
The changes affect several key parts of the Skilled Migrant Category framework, including the available residence pathways, points calculations, wage thresholds, skilled work experience and the Expression of Interest process. Employers and individuals considering New Zealand residence applications should therefore review how the updated rules may affect their current or future plans.
Two new residence pathways
Two new pathways will be added to the Skilled Migrant Category: the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway. These will provide additional routes to residence for eligible skilled workers.
- Changes to the existing points system: This pathway is designed for applicants with substantial relevant work experience. For applicants whose occupations are not on the relevant red or amber lists, the pathway generally requires at least five years of directly relevant work experience, including qualifying skilled work experience in New Zealand. Additional requirements apply to occupations on the amber list.
- Changes to wage threshold rules: This pathway will provide a residence option for workers in specified eligible trades and technician occupations. Applicants will need an eligible occupation, an appropriate qualification and the required relevant and New Zealand skilled work experience. INZ has published a specific list of occupations that will qualify for the pathway.
Changes to the existing points system
The existing points-based Skilled Migrant Category pathway will also be updated. Changes include adjustments to qualification points and reductions in the amount of New Zealand skilled work experience required to claim certain additional points. From 24 August, applicants may also receive different qualification points depending on the level and, in some cases, whether the qualification was completed in New Zealand or overseas.
Changes to SMC wage threshold rules
The way the Skilled Migrant Category wage threshold is assessed will also change. From 24 August 2026, applicants relying on skilled work experience will generally only need to meet the relevant SMC wage threshold that applied when they started gaining that skilled work experience, rather than having to satisfy a subsequently increased threshold when applying for residence.
INZ is also introducing a grace-period provision for certain situations where the wage threshold changes between the grant of a work visa and the commencement of qualifying skilled employment.
Changes to skilled work experience requirements
The new pathways will introduce specific requirements for the amount and type of skilled work experience applicants must demonstrate. The requirements will vary depending on the pathway being used. The amount and type of work experience required will depend on the Skilled Migrant Category pathway being used.
Under the new Trades and Technician pathway, applicants will generally need at least 2.5 years of relevant post-qualification work experience, together with an additional 1.5 years of post-qualification skilled work experience in New Zealand meeting the applicable wage threshold.
For the Skilled Work Experience pathway, applicants will generally need substantial directly relevant work experience, with additional conditions applying to certain occupations. INZ has also confirmed that self-employment cannot be counted as directly relevant work experience under the two new pathways.
Changes to Expressions of Interest
The Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest (EOI) process will also be updated. INZ has confirmed that any draft, unsubmitted EOIs will expire and be deleted on 24 August 2026.
Anyone intending to apply under the current rules must submit their EOI before 24 August. If an unsubmitted draft expires, the applicant will need to begin a new EOI using the updated form available from 24 August.
Who is affected?
The changes may affect skilled workers seeking residence in New Zealand, particularly people who:
- are already working in New Zealand and planning to apply for an SMC Resident Visa
- intend to rely on a qualification for points
- do not currently meet the six-point threshold
- work in an eligible trades or technician occupation
- intend to rely on skilled New Zealand work experience.
Employers supporting employees with New Zealand residence applications may also need to take the changes into account when considering recruitment, retention and international mobility planning. INZ identifies these groups among those potentially affected by the August reforms.
What should employers / individuals do now?
Applicants and employers should review upcoming residence plans against the new rules and ensure that employment records, role information, qualifications and work-experience evidence accurately support any Skilled Migrant Category application.
Anyone who currently has a draft SMC Expression of Interest and intends to apply under the existing rules should submit it before 24 August 2026. Otherwise, the draft will expire and a new EOI will need to be started under the updated process.
Applicants planning to use one of the new pathways should also confirm that their occupation, qualification, work experience and remuneration satisfy the requirements of the relevant pathway before applying.
How Hudson McKenzie can help
Hudson McKenzie advises individuals and employers on immigration and global mobility matters in New Zealand and other jurisdictions. For more information about immigration options in New Zealand, contact our team for advice based on your circumstances.
Get the latest insights on global immigration delivered straight to your inbox
