Skilled Migrant Category changes confirmed for 24 August 2026

Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that the changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) will take effect from 24 August 2026. The changes were announced in September 2025 and further detail was released in March 2026. This is the main residence pathway for skilled migrants in New Zealand.

New residence pathways

From 24 August, two new pathways will be available alongside the existing SMC settings.

The Skilled Work Experience pathway is for migrants working in a skilled role at ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 who have at least five years of directly relevant work experience, including two years in New Zealand earning at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage.

The Trades and Technician pathway is for migrants working in specified trades and technician occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 who hold a relevant Level 4 or above qualification and have at least four years of post-qualification experience, including 1.5 years in New Zealand at the SMC median wage.

Red and amber occupation lists

New red and amber occupation lists will determine how some roles can access the new pathways.

Occupations on the red list are not eligible for the two new pathways. Migrants in these roles can only apply for residence under the existing SMC if they meet one of the higher threshold requirements, such as earning at least 1.5 times the SMC median wage or holding a bachelor’s degree at Level 7 or higher.

Occupations on the amber list are eligible for the Skilled Work Experience pathway but must meet additional requirements: at least five years of relevant work experience in New Zealand, including two years earning at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage.

Red and amber list occupations include roles across accommodation management, food service, generic management, health and beauty, and some ICT support roles. The lists were determined using evidence of historic immigration risk including indicators of role inflation. They will be reviewed regularly.

Changes to wage and qualification settings

Migrants will only need to meet the SMC median wage that applied when they started gaining skilled work experience, and maintain at least that rate when applying. They will no longer need to meet a higher threshold at the time of application.

A grace period applies if a migrant begins skilled work experience within five months of their work visa being granted.

Applicants claiming points for a Level 8 or Level 9 qualification must also hold a bachelor’s degree, with the exception of those 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 in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks and must also hold a bachelor’s degree.

Other updates

• English language test results will be valid for five years for applicants who hold a recognised New Zealand occupational registration, from 24 August 2026.

• Accountants who hold membership with Certified Practising Accountants Australia and can undertake the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in New Zealand will be eligible under the SMC pathway from 24 August 2026.

• From 2027, migrants who need up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience will be able to apply to extend their Accredited Employer Work Visa to complete the experience required to apply for residence.

If you would like to understand how these changes apply to your role or your employees, our team can assist.