Skilled Migrant Category changes from 24 August 2026: what's different

On 24 August 2026, New Zealand's main skilled residence visa, the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), changed in three important ways. If you're working in New Zealand and planning for residence, these changes may shorten your path or make it more predictable.

1. Two new pathways sit beside the points system

The 6-point system still exists. Alongside it are two pathways built on New Zealand work experience:

• Skilled Work Experience pathway: a job at ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3, pay of at least 1.1 times the SMC wage threshold, 3 years of relevant experience, plus 2 more years of skilled work in New Zealand.
• Trades and Technician pathway: an eligible trades or technician job, pay of at least the SMC wage threshold, a relevant qualification, 2.5 years of post-qualification experience, plus 1.5 more years in New Zealand.

Self-employment doesn't count as experience on either pathway.

2. Your wage threshold is locked in

Before, rising wage thresholds could push people out of eligibility while they built experience. Now, most applicants only need to meet the threshold that applied when they started their skilled work experience, and keep being paid at least that rate.

Work to Residence applicants get a similar change: they can use the wage rate that applied when their work visa was granted, if they start earning it within 5 months.

3. Red and Amber lists

Some occupations now have extra rules. Red List occupations can't use the Skilled Work Experience pathway, and Amber List occupations face higher requirements. Check your occupation before you plan around a pathway.

What to do now

1. Check which of the three pathways your job, pay and experience fit. Our residence guide compares them side by side.
2. Gather evidence of your experience now: payslips, IRD records and employer letters. A CV alone isn't enough.
3. Don't rely on old points calculators. Many were built for the rules before 24 August 2026.