The New Zealand Government has shared new updates to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa on 23 September 2025.

These changes aim to help employers retain skilled workers and make it easier for migrants to establish long-term careers in New Zealand.

Key updates

• Two new residence pathways will be introduced.

• Some pathways will now require less New Zealand work experience.

• Applicants will no longer need to meet a higher wage rate when applying for residence.

• New Zealand university-level qualifications will earn more points.

Two new residence pathways to open in August 2026

To make the pathway to residency more inclusive and aligned with real workforce needs, two new routes will be introduced under the SMC:

 1. Skilled Work Experience Pathway This pathway is for people in skilled jobs (ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3) who:

  • Have at least 5 years of relevant work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand

  • Earn at least 1.1 times the median wage

2. Trades and Technician Pathway

This pathway is for people working in trades roles who:

  • Have a Level 4 or higher qualification

  • Have at least 4 years of work experience after getting their qualification, including 18 months in New Zealand, paid at or above the median wage

These new pathways show that New Zealand values both practical skills and experience, not just formal education.

Know more about this update here

More points for studying in New Zealand

You can now earn more points if you have a qualification from a New Zealand university.

This helps students who studied in New Zealand move more easily from student visas to residence.

If you are using an overseas qualification, it needs to be checked by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) through an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).

You must also have an undergraduate degree if you are claiming points for a postgraduate qualification.


Less work experience needed

For some Skilled Migrant Category pathways, the required New Zealand work experience will be reduced from 3 years to a maximum of 2 years. This update makes residence more achievable for eligible applicants. Your relevant overseas work experience can also count toward your total work experience when applying.


Simpler wage requirement

Migrants no longer need to show a higher wage rate when applying for residence.

You only need to keep earning the required median wage while you complete your work experience in New Zealand.


What this means for international students

If you’re an international student, these changes can make it easier to stay and work in New Zealand after you graduate.

You may gain more points for New Zealand qualifications, which means your local study can help strengthen your residence application.

For some Skilled Migrant Category pathways, you’ll also need less New Zealand work experience than before, so it can be easier for you to apply for residency sooner.  Overall, these updates show that New Zealand values skilled graduates who study and work locally. 


Stay updated with IDP

These changes will start in August 2026, and more details will be shared closer to the date.

If you’re planning to study, work, or stay in New Zealand, IDP can help you understand how these changes fit your plans.

Our experts can guide you with IELTS, study options, and visa pathways that match your goals.

Talk to our MARA-registered agents today to plan your next step toward living and working in New Zealand.


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