New Zealand will change the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) on August 24, 2026. The SMC is one of the country’s key pathways to permanent residence for skilled workers.
Two additional pathways will be introduced alongside the existing points-based pathway: the Skilled Work Experience Pathway for people with substantial skilled work experience and the Trades and Technician Pathway for specified trades and technical occupations.
The existing points system will also change. New Zealand qualifications can provide additional points, certain overseas bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate certificates will receive more points, and some applicants will be able to reach the required total with less skilled work experience in New Zealand.
For certain occupational registrations, English language test results will also be valid for five years instead of two. The rules governing the wage thresholds used for the Skilled Migrant Category are also changing.
People who already have a draft Expression of Interest should note the transition date. Unsubmitted draft EOIs will expire on August 24, 2026, after which applicants will have to use the new process and criteria.
Relevance: For skilled professionals considering New Zealand as a permanent emigration destination, the new pathways and revised points system may change their eligibility for residence. Anyone already preparing an application should pay particular attention to the changeover on August 24, 2026.
Effective date:
