Welcome News as New Skilled Migrant Pathways Announced

In a significant move to attract skilled migrants, two new residence pathways will be introduced under the Skilled Migrant Category in mid-2026.

Two new residence pathways:

• Skilled work experience pathway: for migrants in skilled roles (ANZSCO skill level 1 – 3 occupations) who have completed at least five years of directly relevant skilled work experience, including a minimum of two years in New Zealand paid at or above 1.1 times the median wage.
• Trades and technician pathway: for migrants in specified trades or technician roles who also hold a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification, and have completed at least four years of work experience post-qualification, including a minimum of 18 months in New Zealand paid at or above the median wage.

When the above changes come into effect, there will also be additional criteria that apply to certain occupations, although no further information has been released at this stage.

INZ has also announced some adjustments to the current pathways for skilled migrants, including increased points for New Zealand university-level qualifications, which will provide a more straightforward pathway for New Zealand graduates to transition to residence with the intention of also encouraging international students to study here. New Zealand work experience requirements will also undergo minor reductions to reduce the amount of New Zealand work experience required.

Finally, INZ has announced that the need for an increased wage rate when applying for residence will be removed. This is a significant change, as migrants will now only need to maintain the same median wage rate throughout their required period of New Zealand work experience rather than need to renegotiate with their employer for a pay increase prior to being able to apply for residence, providing them with certainty about their residence pathway once they start on it.

Reasons for change

While further details will be announced in due course, the reasons behind the changes are to align with the Government’s ‘Going for Growth’ programme and to support its ‘International Education Plan for Growth’. Local qualifications and work experience will be recognised, as will a number of valued occupations that currently have limited residence pathways available under the existing points structure.

If you would like to discuss any of the above changes, or plan an application for residence when these changes take effect next year, please contact us.