New visa rules open door to trades

Tradespeople and employers in construction stand to gain from the Government’s new residence pathways under the Skilled Migrant Category, but success will hinge on matching the right qualifications and the right roles – and not all trades will qualify 

From August 2026, two new pathways open – a Skilled Work Experience pathway and a Trades and Technician pathway.  

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the new pathway will help trades to attract skilled and experienced migrants in areas they are most needed. 

“The Trades and Technician pathway recognises the practical skills needed in industries where sub-degree qualifications are widely used and valued. 

“To ensure the new pathways are focused on where skilled and experienced migrants are most needed, additional eligibility restrictions will be placed on some occupations.” 

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said the change was inspired by businesses’ struggle to retain skilled migrants on their staff. 

“Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience,” she said. 

Trades and Technician pathway 

The announced legislation means that trade and technical workers on an approved list (yet to be released) who hold a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above, for example NZ Certificate in Carpentry, and have four years post-qualification relevant work experience (of which at least 18 months was completed in New Zealand and paid at or above median wage) become eligible for residence. 

Skilled Work Experience pathway 

Additionally, people holding a ANZSCO level 1-3 skilled job in New Zealand and have at least five years relevant experience (at least two completed in New Zealand) and are paid 1.1 times the median wage will become eligible for residence. 

Occupations at Skill Level 3 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following:  

• NZQF Level 4 qualification. 

• AQF Certificate IV. 

• AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training. 

Occupations at Skill Level 2 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following: 

• NZQF Diploma. 

• AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma. 

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. 

For example, a bricklayer, plumber or carpenter will be assessed as ANZSCO skill level 3 if they have at least 3 years’ work experience. 

The current median wage is $33.56 per hour, while $33.92 per hour is 1.1 times the median wage. 

Red and Amber List – risks for certain trades 

According to Immigration NZ, not all trades will qualify under the new pathway. Trades excluded will be placed on a red list, while others may be put on an amber list with more restrictive criteria or additional scrutiny. Red and Amber list occupations have not yet been announced.