SMC TRADES AND TECHNICIANS VISA

The Trades and Technician Resident Visa pathway provides a direct route to New Zealand permanent residency for skilled trade workers and technicians. Designed for migrants working in eligible practical and technical occupations, this non-points-based pathway recognizes relevant Level 4+ qualifications combined with post-qualification work experience in New Zealand.

Trades & Technician Visa Requirements

To qualify for residency under the Trades and Technician pathway, both the applicant and employment offer must satisfy strict criteria:

Age Limit: Be aged 55 years or under at the time of resident visa application.
Eligible Trade Occupation: Hold current skilled employment or a job offer in an occupation listed on INZ's official Trades and Technician list.
Relevant Trade Qualification: Hold a relevant qualification at NZQCF Level 4 or higher (or overseas equivalent).
Post-Qualification Experience: Demonstrate at least 4 years of relevant post-qualification work experience in your trade.
New Zealand Work History: Complete at least 1.5 years (18 months) of that post-qualification experience in New Zealand with an accredited employer.
Wage Threshold: Earn at or above the standard SMC median wage rate consistently throughout your qualifying NZ work period.
Health, Character & English: Meet standard INZ medical, police clearance, and English language proficiency requirements.

Eligible Occupations & Sector Scope

The Trades and Technician pathway covers selected ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3 practical and technical roles across key industries:

Construction & Building Trades: Carpenters, joiners, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, and bricklayers.
Engineering & Automotive: Motor mechanics, diesel mechanics, fitters, turners, welders, and metal fabricators.
Technical Support Roles: Architectural draftspersons, civil/electrical engineering technicians, and IT support specialists.
Occupational Registration: Roles requiring legal registration in New Zealand (e.g., plumbers, electricians) must hold current full or provisional registration.

Application Fees & Costs

Immigration New Zealand application fees for the Trades and Technician pathway:

INZ Government Fee: Starting from approximately $6,450 NZD (includes international visitor levies and immigration fees).
Additional Expenses: Medical examinations, police clearances, qualification evaluations (NZQA), and English language test fees.

*INZ government fees are subject to change. Contact our licensed adviser for an exact fee breakdown.

Estimated Processing Time

Immigration New Zealand processes decision-ready Trades and Technician applications efficiently:

Average Timeframe: Most applications are processed within 3 to 6 months for complete applications.
Common Delays: Verification of overseas trade experience, trade qualification equivalency, or missing pay records.

Work with a licensed adviser to verify your trade qualification and work history before lodging.