New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category

The headline

Effective 24 August 2026, New Zealand introduced two new Skilled Migrant Category residence pathways: the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway.

What changed?

Immigration New Zealand has clarified how the revised Skilled Migrant Category operates. Applicants may qualify through a points-based pathway, the new Skilled Work Experience pathway, or the new Trades and Technician pathway. All applicants must generally have a skilled job or job offer with an accredited New Zealand employer and meet the applicable pay, health, character, and English-language requirements.

The Skilled Work Experience pathway is designed for people with substantial relevant experience and requires a skilled role, the applicable wage level, relevant work experience, and additional skilled work experience in New Zealand. The Trades and Technician pathway supports eligible practical and technical roles where the applicant has the required qualification and post-qualification experience.

Immigration New Zealand has also clarified wage-threshold treatment and the evidence needed to support work-experience claims. Self-employment is not counted as relevant work experience under the new pathways.

Employer checklist

Retention planning

Map eligible employees to the most suitable residence pathway early.

Job documentation

Keep job descriptions and employment agreements aligned with actual duties and occupation requirements.

Payroll evidence

Maintain accurate wage, tax, and employment records to support skilled-work claims.

Qualifications

Confirm that trade, technician, and other qualifications are documented and comparable where required.

Accreditation

Ensure the employing entity remains an accredited New Zealand employer where required.