New Zealand Plans New Residency Pathways for Skilled Migrants

Following a record high number of New Zealand citizens leaving the country, the NZ government is planning to open new residency pathways to attract and retain skilled migrants. These pathways will be open to:

• Skilled professionals – roles that require higher education.

• Trades workers – roles that rely on practical skills and technical expertise.

Applicants in these roles must meet the required years of experience and wage thresholds.

Important: These updates will be introduced in mid-2026. Further information about the requirements and specific eligible roles is not yet announced.

We’ll monitor these updates closely, so keep an eye out on this page for more details.

Why is this happening?

New Zealand is losing people and workers.

Between July 2024 and July 2025, a record 73,400 New Zealand citizens left the country, while only 25,800 returned. 

With a population of just 5.3 million, this level of outmigration was a big loss to the workforce and the economy.

This also created shortages in the workforce. 

Skilled migrants are needed to fill workforce gaps

To address this, the government recognises the importance of skilled migrants in meeting workforce needs. 

Before this, many employers have already expressed concerns about how hard it was for migrants to gain residence, even if they have valuable skills.

As a response, Minister of Economic Growth, Nicola Willis, says, “We’re fixing it”.

“Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience that was not available in the existing workforce. We’re fixing it. This helps Kiwi businesses access the skills and experience needed to grow the economy, while hiring New Zealanders where they can.’  - Nicola Willis, minister for economic growth.

What this means for employers

They can keep skilled workers long-term and fill roles that can’t be covered locally.

What this means for migrants 

If you’re working in a professional or trades role, this means you’ll have more ways and possibly easier access to residency.

Nothing is final yet

For now, these pathways are not yet final until they officially launch in mid-2026.

Some government officials have also expressed concerns about this immigration plan. They think it could be an unfocused solution, especially if the new migrants who gain New Zealand citizenship may later move to Australia.

What these updates mean for you, as an international student

If these pathways launch as planned in 2026, you may have more options to stay in New Zealand after graduation, especially if you’ve gained work experience during or after your studies.

For now, nothing changes immediately. 

But these updates are a signal that New Zealand values international talent. And if you’re already here, studying and gaining skills, you’ll have better residency opportunities.

Trades and professional roles are more valued than ever

This immigration proposal also highlights how trade workers and skilled professionals are gaining more opportunities in New Zealand. 

If you haven’t decided on your study-to-PR pathways yet, this gives you a good option. Studying in trades or in a skilled role may improve your PR chances.

It’s a mix of feelings reading immigration updates like this.

One moment you’re excited (especially if you’re studying to be in a skilled profession or trades role). However, these updates are yet to launch next year. So now, you’re probably all confused.

What do these really mean for you and your chances for PR in NZ?

With these changes along the way and your current course, what could be the best pathway for you?

We can only provide general advice in this article. Let’s talk instead

Got concerns about your study and course plans in New Zealand? 

Our education counsellors can guide you.

Need help in your visa and migration plans? 

Our MARA-registered agents will help ease all your worries. We’ll help you plan the best PR pathways—according to the latest migration policies and your personal situation and goals.