NZ finalises skilled migrant visa changes
New Zealand has announced the final details of changes to its Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa and work-to-residence visa programmes, with the new rules
New Zealand has announced the final details of changes to its Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa and work-to-residence visa programmes, with the new rules set to take effect on August 24, 2026.Immigration New Zealand (INZ) said the changes are designed to simplify visa requirements, provide greater certainty for skilled migrants and employers, and strengthen the integrity of residence pathways. The updates follow reforms announced by the government in September 2025 to help employers attract and retain skilled workers while supporting long-term economic growth.One of the most significant changes relates to wage thresholds used for skilled residence applications. Under the new rules, most Skilled Migrant Category applicants will need to meet only one wage threshold rather than separate wage requirements during their work experience period and at the time of applying for residence.Wage rules simplified for skilled migrantsFrom August 24, applicants will generally be assessed against the wage threshold that was in effect when they began accumulating skilled work experience. They will not be required to meet a higher threshold if wage rates increase before they receive an invitation to apply for residence.A new five-month grace period will also apply.
Migrants who begin skilled employment within five months of receiving their work visa will be assessed using the wage threshold that applied when the visa was granted, even if wage rates increase during that period.INZ said similar changes will apply to several work-to-residence pathways, including the Work to Residence Visa, Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa and Transport Work to Residence Visa.Applicants under these pathways will be allowed to use the wage rate that applied when their work visa was granted to start counting work experience, provided they begin earning that rate within five months of visa approval. They must still complete 24 months of work experience in New Zealand within the 30 months before applying for residence.Qualification requirements updatedThe immigration authority has also clarified qualification requirements for residence applicants.People claiming points for Level 8 or Level 9 qualifications will generally need to provide evidence of a supporting bachelor's degree or equivalent undergraduate qualification. This includes submitting qualification certificates and academic transcripts.For overseas qualifications, an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) will usually be required unless the qualification is listed on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.
The BriefWire