2026 changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Immigration New Zealand has published changes taking effect from 24 August 2026 for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, including new pathways, updated points rules, and revised wage threshold settings.
Key points
- ✓Two new SMC pathways start from 24 August 2026: Skilled Work Experience and Trades & Technician.
- ✓Points-based pathway updates include extra points for some qualifications and lower work experience requirements.
- ✓SMC wage threshold rules change so applicants only need to meet the rate in place when skilled work experience began.
- ✓Accountants with CPA Australia membership can claim 6 points for occupational registration.
- ✓English language test results for eligible occupational registration holders will be valid for 5 years.
- ✓Certificates of service can be used to evidence overseas work experience for the new pathways.
Immigration New Zealand is updating the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa rules from 24 August 2026.
Two new SMC pathways will be added: Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician, alongside the existing Points-based pathway.
The Points-based pathway will receive updates, including more points for New Zealand qualifications, more points for overseas bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate certificates, and lower work experience requirements.
Changes to the SMC wage threshold rules mean applicants only need to meet the wage that applied when their skilled work experience began.
Accountants with CPA Australia membership can claim 6 points for occupational registration and eligible occupational registration holders will have English language test results valid for 5 years.
From 24 August 2026, certificates of service can be used as evidence for overseas work experience in the Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways.
Information on this page is for general guidance only. Always refer to Immigration New Zealand for authoritative requirements.
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