The Changes to Come

SMC from 24^th August 2026 – Two weeks away.

As previously covered in early content, INZ will be making changes to the points system for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa. 

INZ will also be adding 2 new pathways to the SMC and making changes to the SMC wage threshold (median wage) rules.

From 24 August 2026, we will be introducing changes to the SMC, including:

• 2 new SMC pathways, alongside the existing Points-based pathway
• updates to the Points-based pathway, and
• changes to the SMC wage threshold (median wage) rules.

You may be affected if you:

• are already working in New Zealand and planning to apply for an SMC Resident Visa
• are relying on a qualification to get points
• do not currently meet the 6-point threshold, or
• work in a trades or technician role.

Parent Resident Visa Category 5^th October 2026 – Eight weeks away.

The Government has announced changes to the Parent Resident Visa Category, with a new hybrid selection model taking effect from 5 October 2026.

The annual cap of 2,500 Parent Resident Visas will remain unchanged each financial year.

Under the new system, approximately 90% of expressions of interest (EOIs) will be selected in date order, with around 10% selected through a ballot.

The changes are intended to provide a fairer and more predictable process for families, while continuing to allow newer applicants to be selected.

The first selection under the new hybrid model is scheduled for 10 November 2026. Before the new model takes effect, INZ will provide current and historical EOI holders with further information about the transition arrangements and what they mean for them. Information about queue positions will be made available to current EOI holders after the hybrid model takes effect on 5 October 2026.

The Parent Resident Visa is a 2-stage process. 

1. People first submit an expression of interest (EOI). 
2. If the EOI is selected and meets the relevant requirements, we will issue an "invite to apply" (ITA). Only people who have received an ITA can submit a residence application.

Current EOI holders will automatically transition into the new hybrid system on 5 October 2026 and will not need to submit a new EOI. 

People who have continually maintained an EOI in the pool, including those who submitted a replacement EOI within 90 days of a previous EOI expiring, will generally have their place in the queue based on the date their original EOI was accepted into the pool. Under the new model, EOIs will no longer expire, provided applicants confirm every 2 years that they wish to remain in the pool and keep their information up to date. No additional fee will be required.

Applicants and sponsors will still need to meet all existing Parent Resident Visa requirements. The changes affect how EOIs are selected for an invitation to apply and do not change visa eligibility requirements. INZ expect demand to remain higher than the number of places available, and some applicants may still wait some time before being selected.

If you require assistance with any of these changes to the INZ residency settings, please contact Steve on an obligation-free basis to discuss your situation.