Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa that take effect on 24 August 2026. This is a general summary of what is changing and where to find the detail. It is general information only — not personalised immigration advice.
How the SMC works today
Under the current points-based pathway, you generally need a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer and a total of 6 skilled resident points. Points come from one of three categories — occupational registration, qualification, or income (3 to 6 points) — plus up to 3 more points for skilled work experience in New Zealand if you need them to reach 6.
You can explore exactly how the current points are awarded on our SMC Points Reference, and compare a pay rate against the income-points figures with the median wage calculator.
What changes from 24 August 2026
1. Two new pathways
Alongside the existing points-based pathway, INZ is adding two new routes to residence:
- Skilled Work Experience pathway — for people with a strong work history, generally based on around five or more years of qualifying work experience rather than points.
- Trades and Technician pathway — for eligible trades and technical occupations, generally requiring a relevant qualification (level 4 or higher) plus relevant and New Zealand-based skilled work experience.
2. Updates to the points-based pathway
INZ has signalled that, from 24 August 2026, applicants will be able to:
- earn extra points for New Zealand qualifications;
- earn more points for overseas bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate certificates; and
- reach the 6-point threshold with less New Zealand work experience.
A new occupational registration will also be recognised: accountants who can do the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant and are members of CPA Australia will be able to claim 6 points.
3. New wage-threshold rules
The way the SMC wage threshold (based on the median wage) is applied is changing. In general, you will only need to meet the threshold that was in place when you started gaining your skilled work experience, rather than a higher rate that applied later. A new grace-period rule will also apply in some situations.
What this means in practice
Whether the current settings or the new pathways are more favourable depends entirely on individual circumstances — qualifications, occupation, income, and how much New Zealand work experience you have. Announced changes can also be adjusted before they take effect.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz — “2026 changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa” and “Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa”, as at February 2026. Always confirm current detail on immigration.govt.nz.
If you’d like to understand how these changes might apply to your situation — now or after 24 August 2026 — you can request a review with our licensed adviser.