Major Skilled Migrant Category Changes Coming August 2026
INZ has announced significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) taking effect in late August 2026, including two new residence pathways, updated points settings, and simplified wage requirements.
Key points
- ✓New Skilled Work Experience Pathway: 5 years experience (including 2 years in NZ) at 1.1x median wage.
- ✓New Trades & Technician Pathway: Level 4+ qualification with 4 years experience (18 months in NZ).
- ✓NZ qualifications now earn 1 more point than equivalent overseas qualifications.
- ✓English language test validity extended to 5 years for eligible applicants.
- ✓Accountants with CPA Australia membership now eligible under SMC from August 2026.
- ✓Migrants only need to maintain the median wage rate from when they started — no higher threshold at residence stage.
Immigration New Zealand has announced significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, taking effect from late August 2026.
Two new residence pathways will be introduced under the SMC: the Skilled Work Experience Pathway and the Trades and Technician Pathway.
Changes to points settings mean that New Zealand university-level qualifications will now earn 1 more point than equivalent overseas qualifications.
The wage requirements have also been simplified — migrants will only need to meet the SMC median wage in effect when they start gaining skilled work experience.
English language test validity will be extended to 5 years for applicants who hold a recognised qualification.
These pathways will open in late August 2026. Contact us now to start assessing your profile ahead of the opening date.
Information on this page is for general guidance only. Always refer to Immigration New Zealand for authoritative requirements.
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