Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category
What's Generally Changing from 24 August 2026
On 18 June 2026, Immigration New Zealand confirmed the final details of changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa and work to residence visas, taking effect on 24 August 2026. This is a general overview of what is changing and what to think about as the date approaches — general information only, not personalised advice. Exact rules, wage thresholds and forms are published on immigration.govt.nz, and how the changes apply to a particular situation is assessed by a licensed adviser.
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The Key Changes Confirmed for 24 August 2026
01.One Wage Threshold, Not Two
From 24 August 2026, most SMC applicants will generally only need to meet the wage threshold that applied when they started accruing skilled work experience — not a second, higher threshold at the time they apply for residence.
02.A Five-Month Grace Period
If the SMC wage threshold rises before a migrant starts work, the rate that applied on the day the work visa was granted can generally be used, provided skilled work begins within five months of the visa being granted.
03.Work to Residence Aligned
The same simplified wage logic generally extends to the Work to Residence, Care Workforce and Transport Work to Residence visas. Applicants must still complete 24 months of eligible work in the 30 months before applying.
04.Qualification Evidence & Points
Most applicants claiming points for a Level 8 or 9 qualification will generally also need a supporting bachelor's degree (certificate and transcript). Points for bachelor's degrees and Washington/Sydney Accord qualifications increase from 3 to 4; master's and doctoral points are unchanged.
05.Trades & Technician Credits Clarified
For New Zealand qualifications under the Trades and Technician pathway, the 120-credit requirement can generally be made up of more than one qualification where a lower one is a prerequisite for a higher one. Overseas qualifications need an IQA assessing them at Level 4 or higher, with no 120-credit rule.
06.Self-Employment Restriction
Under the two new pathways (Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician), self-employment generally cannot be counted as directly relevant work experience — independently verifiable employed experience is required.
Planning With VisaPlex
Map the Changes Against Your Situation
- 1
Plan your next step
To discuss your situation, contact Ava.
- 2
Licensed Adviser Review
A licensed immigration adviser reviews your situation against current policy and the confirmed changes, and explains the options that may apply before and after the changeover.
- 3
Decide Before 24 August 2026
Some settings, including the Expression of Interest form, change on 24 August 2026. Your adviser helps you understand the timing so you can decide whether to act under current or updated rules. Check immigration.govt.nz for the current EOI position.
- 4
Prepare & Submit
If you choose to proceed, your adviser guides the documents and evidence relevant to your pathway, and your application is supported through to a decision.
Common Questions
Questions About the 2026 SMC Changes
When do the changes take effect?
Immigration New Zealand has confirmed the changes take effect on 24 August 2026. The policy direction was announced in September 2025, with further detail in March 2026 and final details on 18 June 2026. The current and authoritative detail is on immigration.govt.nz.
I have a draft Expression of Interest — does it still count?
Immigration New Zealand has indicated the EOI form is being updated for the new settings on 24 August 2026. Timing matters if you have a draft EOI in progress. Check the current EOI position on immigration.govt.nz and request a review so your situation can be assessed against the right rules.
Are the wage thresholds changing?
The way the SMC wage threshold is applied is changing, but the threshold itself (based on the median wage) is updated separately by Immigration New Zealand. Rather than rely on a figure that may be out of date, check the current pay rates on immigration.govt.nz.
Does VisaPlex decide if I qualify under the new rules?
To discuss your situation, contact Ava.
Next Step
Plan Your Pathway Before the Changes
Tell us about your situation and our licensed adviser will review how the 24 August 2026 SMC and work to residence changes may apply to you — and what, if anything, is worth doing before the changeover.