Immigration Visa Changes

Immigration New Zealand has released further details about changes to the Skilled Migrant Resident Visa system, these updates will take effect from late August 2026.

Here’s what you need to know:

1️⃣ Trades and Technician pathway confirmed

The occupation list for the Trades and Technician residence pathway has now been released. This pathway is for migrants who:

✅ Work in specified ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 trade or technician roles

✅ Hold a relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification

✅ Have at least 4 years of directly relevant post-qualification experience in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 occupation (this can include overseas experience, and does not need to be at the median wage), however:

✅ The 4 years must include 1.5 years in New Zealand earning at least the SMC median wage

If you are looking at the list and you cannot see your occupation, keep in mind that the current list does not appear to include occupations under NOL. Also remember that the ANZSCO code used for your work visa is not determinative when it comes to applying for residency - it is possible to argue an application under a different code. We expect the list will be updated over time.

2️⃣ Introduction of Red and Amber lists

The previously announced Red and Amber occupation lists have now been released. These lists are designed to manage immigration risk and ensure residence pathways remain targeted to genuine skill needs. At this stage, these lists only impact pathways to residence under the Skilled Work Experience Category.

🔴 Red List occupations - NOT eligible under the Skilled Work Experience pathway.

If your occupation is on the Red List you may still have a pathway under the Skilled Migrant Category 6-point system.

For example by:

➡️ Earning at least 1.5 times the SMC median wage for 2 years, or

➡️ Holding a Bachelor’s (Level 7) or higher qualification and required NZ work experience, or

➡️ Holding recognised occupational registration and required NZ work experience

🟠 Amber List occupations - Eligible for the new Skilled Work Experience pathway.

These occupations have additional requirements:

✅ At least 5 years of directly relevant NZ work experience in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 occupation, including

✅ 2 years earning at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage,

If your role is not on the Red or Amber list then the requirements are slightly different:

➡️ At least 5 years of directly relevant work experience in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 occupation (it does not need to be in NZ), including

➡️ 2 years earning at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage.

These lists will be reviewed regularly, meaning occupations may be added or removed over time. We expect that when we transition to NOL more occupations will be added to the list which are similar in nature to the ones that are currently on the list.

3️⃣ AEWV extension option coming in 2027

From 2027, migrants who need up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience to meet skilled residence requirements will be able to apply to extend their Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

This is significant for those close to meeting residence thresholds but running out of visa time. Further eligibility details are still to come.

4️⃣ Qualification points changing

From August 2026 qualifications completed in New Zealand will receive 1 more point than comparable overseas qualifications (with limited exceptions for doctoral and some master’s degrees).

Applicants must provide:

➡️ Qualification certificate

➡️ An International Qualification Assessment (IQA) if the qualification was gained overseas and is not exempt

To claim 6 points for a NZ Master’s, applicants must:

✅ Have studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand

✅ Hold a Bachelor’s degree (from any country) - this may require an NZQA assessment

Applicants claiming points for a Level 8 or 9 qualification must also hold a Bachelor’s degree, except those claiming 5 points for a NZ Master’s degree

5️⃣ Simplified wage assessment settings

Across all Skilled Residence Categories, migrants only need to meet the SMC median wage that applied when they started gaining skilled work experience, and maintain at least that rate when applying for residence.

They will no longer need to meet a potentially higher wage at the time of application.

We have not confirmed yet if migrants will need to increase their wage to the current median if they change jobs.

A new 5-month grace period applies: If a migrant begins skilled work within 5 months of their work visa being granted, the wage threshold in place on the visa grant date will apply, even if the median wage increases afterwards.

This provides more predictability, but it does not help those who applied for a visa before a median wage increase where the visa was granted after the median wage increase.

6️⃣ English test validity extended

English language test results will be valid for 5 years for applicants who hold recognised occupational registration. This change does not apply for applicants under other pathways that do not include occupational registration, e.g. using qualifications, higher wages etc.

7️⃣ New recognised registration for accountants

From late August 2026, accountants who:

✅ Can undertake the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in New Zealand, and

✅ Hold membership with CPA Australia

will be eligible under the SMC pathway.

All these changes significantly affect:

➡️ How points are calculated

➡️ Which occupations qualify under new pathways

➡️ How wage thresholds are assessed

➡️ How long migrants have to meet experience requirements

For many migrants, the pathway to residence will now depend not just on salary, but on occupation lists, qualification structure, and precise timing of work visa

Supplied and copied from certified immigration advisors. If you would like to speak to our recommended advisor you can book a free call here Https://www.newlifenz.com/visa

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