The New Zealand Government has announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, including the creation of two new residence pathways set to take effect in August 2026. Officials say the reforms are aimed at helping employers retain skilled workers, and supporting long-term economic growth.
The changes will introduce two distinct pathways under the SMC: a Skilled Work Experience pathway, and a Trades and Technician pathway.
Licensed Immigration Adviser from Kiwiana Immigration, Pawandeep Singh, welcomed the move, calling it a positive change and a step towards strengthening New Zealand's workforce.
"By recognising the contribution of skilled migrants with proven work experience and qualifications, these policies will not only
Under the Skilled Work Experience pathway, migrants in skilled roles classified under ANZSCO skill levels 1 to 3 will be eligible if they have at least five years of directly relevant work experience, including two years in New Zealand earning at least 1.1 times the median wage.
The Trades and Technician pathway will apply to migrants in specified trades or technician roles who hold a Level 4 or higher qualification and have at least four years of post-qualification experience, including 18 months in New Zealand on or above the median wage.
"I believe the balance between protecting local opportunities and addressing genuine skill gaps shows a forward-looking approach that will benefit both New Zealand’s economy and its communities," Singh added.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said the move responds directly to concerns raised by businesses.
“Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant
The Government says the new pathways better reflect the value of practical skills and migrants’ contributions to the workforce. To manage immigration risk, additional eligibility restrictions will be placed on certain occupations. Details will be announced before the pathways open in mid-2026.
The reforms form part of the Government’s Going for Growth programme, which also includes refining the Accredited Employer Work Visa, improving education outcomes, and supporting young job seekers into employment or training.
Pawandeep Singh, whose firm has processed AEWV in the past few years weighed in on the outcomes.
"In the past 3 years, our firm has processed more than 2500 AEWVs and there is a good chunk of people who hold skilled work experience but no qualification such as Chefs, Carpenters etc and I believe this new initiative would cater many of those," Singh explained.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasised that the reforms strike a balance between attracting high-skilled workers and
“This helps Kiwi businesses access the skills and experience needed to grow the economy, while hiring New Zealanders where they can,” she said.
“These changes are part of a suite of smart, flexible and nuanced immigration solutions we’ve introduced. The Skilled Work Experience pathway is designed to help employers retain experienced workers who are already contributing to New Zealand’s economy and have demonstrated value in their roles.”
She added that the Trades and Technician pathway recognises “the practical skills needed in industries where sub-degree qualifications are widely used and valued”.
Beyond the new residence categories, the reforms also include:
Increased points for New Zealand university-level qualifications, making it easier for international graduates to transition to residence, in line with the Government’s International Education Plan for Growth.
Reduced work experience requirements, with the maximum lowered from three years to two years for most current pathways, to improve international competitiveness and attract skilled migrants.
Removal of the increased wage rate requirement, meaning migrants will only need to maintain the same median wage throughout their qualifying work experience, instead of meeting a higher threshold when applying for residence.
Stanford said the reduction in work experience for university graduates was about “further incentivising people to study here – and keep contributing after they graduate”.
Willis said the broader programme is centred on ensuring New Zealand’s skills and education system remains world-class, while also building an immigration system that complements the domestic workforce.
“These changes are focused on ensuring an immigration system that helps businesses thrive by attracting the skilled and talented people needed to drive long-term business performance,” she said.