Major Changes to Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa Announced - What it Means for Migrants and Employers

23 September 2025

The New Zealand Government has announced significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, introducing new pathways designed to better retain skilled migrants and align immigration policy with long-term economic goals. At IR Legal, we welcome these developments and are committed to supporting clients in navigating the evolving immigration landscape.

Two New Residence Pathways Introduced

Coming into effect in August 2026, the revamped SMC will include two targeted residence pathways:

• Skilled Work Experience Pathway:
  For migrants in ANZSCO skill level 1–3 roles with at least 5 years of directly relevant work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand at a wage of at least 1.1 times the median.

• Trades and Technician Pathway:
  For migrants in specified trade or technician roles who hold a Level 4 or higher qualification and have at least 4 years of post-qualification experience, including 18 months in New Zealand earning at or above the median wage.

These pathways represent a shift toward recognising the real-world value and contribution of skilled workers, particularly in technical and vocational roles. The new approach is more flexible and responsive to the needs of both employers and the New Zealand economy.

Enhancing Accessibility and Reducing Barriers

The Government has also taken steps to make residence more accessible:

• Increased points for NZ university qualifications, helping international graduates’ transition more easily to residence.

• Reduced New Zealand work experience requirements, cutting the maximum from 3 years to 2 years in most cases.

• Stability in wage requirements, removing the need for an increased wage rate at the time of applying for residence, as long as migrants maintain the median wage throughout their required work experience.

These updates support the broader “Going for Growth” programme, which also includes enhancements to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), improved education outcomes, and better support for young job seekers.

What This Means for Employers and Migrants

For New Zealand employers, these changes offer a clearer and more sustainable pathway to retain skilled talent. For migrants, it provides greater clarity, fairness, and opportunity especially for those in trade and technical fields who may not have previously qualified under older, points-based systems.

At IR Legal, we advise all employers and migrants to start planning early to ensure they are well-positioned when the new rules take effect in 2026.

About IR Legal

IR Legal is a leading immigration law firm specialises in complex visa matters, employer accreditation, and legal support for skilled migrants and businesses. Our mission is to simplify immigration pathways and ensure compliance in a fast-changing legal environment.

📞 Contact us to discuss how these changes may affect you or your organisation.

🌐 www.irlegal.lawyer