The New Zealand government has announced significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, set to take effect from August 2026.1 Two new pathways to residence will be introduced under this visa: a ”skilled work experience” pathway for migrants in ANZSCO skill levels 1 to 3 occupations; and a “trades and technician” pathway for trades or technician roles with a level 4 or higher qualification. As part of these changes, work experience and wage requirements have been reduced.
WHY THIS MATTERS
These changes significantly open up the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa to a wider cohort of talent, in occupations of skill shortage across a range of sectors.
The reductions of work experience and wage requirements are expected to streamline the application process for skilled professionals and trades-people.
This could make bringing skilled individuals, eligible under this visa category, into New Zelaland, simpler and more flexible.
Highlights
Skilled work experience pathway:
- This pathway is for migrants in ANZSCO skill level 1–3 roles.
- Applicants will need five years of relevant experience, including two years in New Zealand.
- Earnings will need to be at least 1.1× the median wage
Trades and technician pathway:
- This pathway is for migrants in specified trades/technician roles.
- Applicants will need a level 4+ qualification.
- Applicants will require four+ years’ post-qualification experience, including 18 months in New Zealand.
- Earnings will need to be at or above the median wage.
Additional Points and Wage Criteria
As part of these changes, additional points will also be awarded for New Zealand university-level qualifications to further incentivise international students obtaining local qualifications.
Simplified wage criteria will also be applied; from August 2026, applicants will only need to evidence maintenance of the median wage throughout their New Zealand employment experience period, removing the current requirements for an increased wage at the time of the residence application.
KPMG INSIGHTS
These new pathways are designed to strengthen the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) programme to better attract and retain top international talent.
Additional points for New Zealand qualifications support the government’s “International Education Plan for Growth”2 by encouraging international students to obtain local qualifications and remain in New Zealand beyond their period of study.
Individuals who may qualify for the expanded pathways under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa should famliarise themselves with the new rules. If they have questions about the application process and their eligibility, they should consult with their qualified immigration adviser or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in Australia, which has responsibility for New Zealand immigration matters (see the Contacts section).
FOOTNOTES:
1 New Zealand Immigration, "Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa announced" (published 23 September 2025).
2 Education New Zealand, "International Education Going for Growth."
Education New Zealand, "Government announces International Education Going for Growth Plan" (14 July 2025).
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
**Please note also that the KPMG International member firm in Australia is currently providing New Zealand immigration services.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Australia.
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