Effective from 24 August 2026, the following two new resident visa pathways will be available under the Skilled Migrant Category:
- Skilled Work Experience Pathway.
- Trades and Technician Pathway.
Skilled Work Experience Pathway
To apply for resident visa under the Skilled Work Experience pathway, applicants must:
- Work in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 1-3.
- Have at least five years of directly relevant skilled work experience including two years in New Zealand, paid at or above 1.1 times the median wage (different criteria if occupation is on the Amber List).
- Meet the Health, Character and English language requirements.
Trades and Technicians Pathway
To apply for resident visa under the Trades and Technicians pathway, applicants must:
- Work in one of the specified trades and technicians role at ANZSCO skill level 1-3.
- Have a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification.
- Have at least four years of directly relevant skilled work experience including 18 months in New Zealand paid at or above at or above 1.1 times the median wage.
- Meet the Health, Character and English language requirements.
Amber List and Red List of Occupations
Occupations on the Amber list of occupations are for Skilled Work Experience pathway only (not Trades and Technicians pathway) and applicants must meet the following criteria:
- At least 5 years of relevant eligible work experience in New Zealand.
- Of the 5 years, at least two years should be earning at or above 1.2 times the median wage.
Occupations on the 'Red' list are excluded from both Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technicians pathways. Those with occupations on the Red list, will only be able to apply for the points-based Skilled Migrant Category visa.
Additional Changes
Increased Qualification Points
Points for New Zealand university-level qualifications will be increased. This will make it easier for graduates to transition to residence
Reduced Work Experience Requirements
Work experience requirements will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years for some existing pathways under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Wage Rate
Applicants will not be required to be employed at increased wage rate when applying for residence. They only need to maintain the required median wage rate throughout their period of New Zealand work experience.
Contact Us
The proposed changes including introduction of two new resident visa pathways are expected to enhance prospects of skilled migrants to secure residence under the Skilled Migrant Category. Contact us, if you wish to apply for resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category, under the existing or new pathways.