INZ’s August 2026 changes to Skilled Migrant Category Residence Pathways (SMC) explained.

New residence pathways are scheduled to take effect from late August 2026. 

These pathways are in addition to the current SMC system and require several key elements to be met. 

The Two new Residence pathways are:

1. Trades and Technicians Pathway 

This pathway applies to applicants working in specified trade or technician occupations who: 

Please see here for a published list of eligible Trades and Technician occupations. 

• Hold a relevant NZQF Level 4 or higher qualification; and 

• Have at least four years of directly relevant post-qualification experience, including at least 1.5 years of that experience gained in New Zealand while paid at or above the applicable SMC median wage. 

2. Skilled Work Pathway 

This pathway applies to applicants working in ANZSCO skill level 1–3 roles who have: 

• At least five years of directly relevant work experience in total; and 

• At least two years of skilled work experience gained in New Zealand in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 role earning at least 1.1 times the relevant SMC median wage. 

Skilled Work Experience Pathway for Amber List Occupations 

If a migrant is working in an occupation on the Amber List, they will have to meet the following different criteria to be eligible for Residence under the Skilled Work Experience pathway: 

• Be currently working in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 role; and 

• Have at least five years of directly relevant work experience in New Zealand in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 role; and 

• For at least two years of the five years of skilled work experience, be earning at least 1.2 times the relevant SMC median wage. 

Migrants working in a role on the Amber List are not eligible to apply for Residence under the Trades and Technician pathway. 

An applicant is eligible to apply for SMC residence if they score at least six points.

In late August 2026, changes to how qualification points are awarded under the Skilled Migrant Category will take effect.

Greater recognition is being given to qualifications completed in New Zealand. 

Key changes include: 

• New Zealand qualifications will generally receive one additional point compared to equivalent overseas qualifications. 

• When claiming points for a qualification, applicants must provide: 

∙ The qualification certificate, and 

∙ An International Qualification Assessment (IQA) if the qualification was completed overseas and is not listed on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). 

Applicants claiming points for a Level 8 or Level 9 qualification (NZQCF) must also hold a bachelor’s degree, unless they are claiming five points for a New Zealand Master’s degree. 

Applicants claiming six points for a New Zealand Master’s degree must have studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand for that Master’s degree,  and must hold a bachelor’s degree (this can be gained in any country).

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email Steve on steve@advisa.co.nz or call him on 0272125483 to discuss things further.