Skilled Migrant Category changes coming soon

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has confirmed changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa pathway will take effect from 24 August 2026 

SMC changes coming into effect on 24 August include confirmation of the key occupation list, an extended English language test validity for some applications and a future ability to extend an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to complete skilled work experience requirements. 

Unlike the AEWV, the SMC is designed to offer skilled migrants a pathway to permeant New Zealand residence. To find out more about the SMC, visit this link. 

The SMC consists of two visa pathways, the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway. The Skilled Work Experience pathway is for migrants working in a skilled role at ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3, who have at least five years of directly relevant work experience, including two years in New Zealand earning at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage ($38.5 per hour). 

The Trades and Technician pathway is for migrants working in specified trades and technician occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 who hold a relevant Level 4 or above qualification and have at least four years post-qualification experience, including 1.5 years in New Zealand at the SMC median wage ($35 per hour). 

Eligible Trades and Technician occupations relevant to the building and construction industry includes: 

• Carpenter and Joiner. 

• Construction estimator. 

• Fibrous plasterer. 

• Floor finisher. 

• Glazier. 

To see the full list of eligible occupations for the SMC Trades and Technician pathway, visit this link. 

Filling an important skills gap 

According to INZ’s website, the trades and technician occupations were added to the Trades and Technician pathway because they are skilled, have relevant qualification at the appropriate level for the pathway and bring important skills to the economy.  

“Many highly skilled workers in these roles did not have a realistic pathway to residence under the current SMC settings. There is a history of migrant recruitment showing that there is a gap in the labour market,” said the website. 

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the Government is carefully balancing attracting higher-skilled workers, while managing migration levels responsibly, and ensuring New Zealanders remain prioritised for jobs.  

“This helps Kiwi businesses access the skills and experience needed to grow the economy, while hiring New Zealanders where they can. 

“These changes are part of a suite of smart, flexible and nuanced immigration solutions we’ve introduced.  

“The Skilled Work Experience pathway is designed to help employers retain experienced workers who are already contributing to New Zealand’s economy and have demonstrated value in their roles. 

“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.”