Following the Government’s initial announcements in September 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has now released further details regarding the new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) framework set to take effect in late August 2026.
These changes aim to provide clearer pathways for skilled workers, particularly those in trades and technical roles, while managing immigration risk through new “Red” and “Amber” occupation lists.
It is important to note that the immigration instructions have still not been released, so there is still critical information, which we expect INZ will announce closer to August 2026.
What this means for migrant tradies
Essentially, this is the New Zealand government recognising the value skilled trade workers provide to New Zealand and, in particular, the value of trade qualifications and work experience as reasonable alternatives to a Bachelor’s degree.
Two New Residence Pathways
Trades & Technician Pathway
Trades & Technician PathwayWho it targets:
Skilled workers in trades or technician roles, especially those with sub-degree qualifications (Level 4 and above) whose skills are valued in industry.
- Requirement: working in specified ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 trades and technician occupations
- Qualification: relevant Level 4 qualification
- Experience: At least 4 years of directly relevant experience that is directly — including 1.5 years in NZ, earning:
- Earnings: At least the SMC median wage
List of eligible occupations can be found HERE.
Skilled Work Experience Pathway
Skilled Work Experience PathwayWho it targets:
Skilled workers with strong and long (5 years) experience in their role and, who are already contributing to NZ.
- Experience: 5 years of relevant work experience in New Zealand in your field
- Earnings: At least 2 of those years in NZ, earning at least 1.1x the SMC median wage
New Occupation Lists: The Red and Amber Lists
To ensure the system remains targeted, INZ has introduced two restrictive lists. If your occupation is on these lists, your path to residency changes:
Amber List
Migrants working in these occupations are eligible for the Skilled Work Experience Pathway IF they have:
- At least 5 years relevant work experience in NZ
- including 2 years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2 x SMC median wage
Red List
Migrants working in these occupations
- are NOT eligible for the 2 new pathways and
- will only be able to apply for residence under the SMC if they can claim 6 points
Key SMC Updates
Ability to extend AEWV
Migrants who need up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience to meet SMC requirements will be able to apply to extend their AEWV to complete the skilled work experience they need to apply for residence. This ability to extend an AEWV is scheduled to be introduced in 2027.
Qualification Points
For qualifications, applicants must provide:
- Qualification certificate; AND
- IAQ if qualification was gained overseas and isn’t on List of qualifications exempt from assessment
Under the new changes, applicants claiming points for a Level 8 or Level 9 qualification (on the NZQCF framework) must also hold a bachelor’s degree (except for applicants claiming 5 points for an New Zealand master’s degrees). A level 8 or Level 9 qualification includes:
- master’s degree (level 9)
- postgraduate diploma (level 8)
- postgraduate certificate (level 8)
- honour’s degree (level 8)
Applicants claiming 6 points for a New Zealand master’s degree must have studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand, and must have a bachelor’s degree (this can be gained in any country).
English Test Validity
From late August 2026, English language test results will be valid for 5 years for applicants who hold a recognised occupational registration.
Wage Assessment Settings
The Government has implemented 2 changes to wage settings.
- Migrants will only need to meet the SMC median wage (specific to their pathway) in effect when they start gaining skilled work experience and maintain at least that rate when applying for residence. They will no longer be required to meet a higher wage threshold when they apply for residence.
- A grace period will now apply to the situations where the SMC median wage increases before a migrant starts work. If a migrant begins skilled work experience within 5 months of their work visa being granted, the wage threshold that applied on the day the visa was granted will be used, even if the median wage has increased since then.
Talk to a Licensed Immigration Adviser
Planning ahead is crucial: checking whether your occupation is on the eligible list, making sure pay meets or exceeds those thresholds – including prior pay, and ensuring you are documenting your NZ work history as and how required.
To discuss which are best to you and your personal circumstances, you can talk to one of our Licensed Immigration Advisers.
Email our adviser team or call 021 711 071 .
