From 24 August 2026 the Skilled Migrant Category gains two new residence pathways, revised points, and a new EOI form. Here is what changes and the EOI deadline.
Written by the ProVisas Editorial Team. ProVisas is a licensed New Zealand immigration advisory firm (IAA Licence 201301110).
From 24 August 2026 the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) gains two new residence pathways (Skilled Work Experience, and Trades and Technician), revised points and qualification rules, simplified wage thresholds, and a new Expression of Interest (EOI) form. The points threshold stays at 6 points plus a skilled job. To apply under the current rules, submit your EOI before 24 August 2026.
Current as at 29 June 2026, based on Immigration New Zealand policy. For advice on your own situation, talk to a ProVisas Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA Licence 201301110).
Immigration New Zealand announced the reform in September 2025, published the occupation lists and operational detail on 5 March 2026, and released final details on 18 June 2026 (immigration.govt.nz). All of the following take effect on 24 August 2026 (immigration.govt.nz):
For the full operational breakdown, see our pillar guide on the SMC changes from 24 August 2026.
After 24 August 2026 there are three ways to qualify (immigration.govt.nz):
| Pathway | Core requirement | Wage floor (from 9 Mar 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Points-based (existing) | 6 skilled resident points plus a skilled job or offer | Points pay rates unchanged |
| Skilled Work Experience (new) | Residence from work experience in an ANZSCO 1 to 3 role | 1.1x = NZD $38.50 per hour |
| Trades and Technician (new) | Eligible trades role plus a Level 4+ qualification | 1.0x = NZD $35.00 per hour |
The wage thresholds update annually, so always re-check the current rate on immigration.govt.nz before you lodge.
From 9 March 2026 the SMC wage threshold (the 1.0x median) is NZD $35.00 per hour (immigration.govt.nz). The two new pathways and the amber list use multiples of that figure:
From 24 August 2026 most applicants meet a single wage threshold rather than a lower work rate and a higher residence rate. The threshold is generally the one in effect when you started accruing skilled work experience, and a 5-month grace period can lock in your visa-grant-date rate. See our explainer on work-to-residence wage changes for 2026.
The threshold stays at 6 points plus a skilled job or job offer. From 24 August 2026, qualifications completed in New Zealand earn one more point than the same qualification gained overseas, except doctoral and (in some cases) master’s degrees (immigration.govt.nz):
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 6 |
| NZ master’s (30+ weeks NZ study) plus a bachelor’s | 6 |
| NZ master’s / NZ bachelor’s | 5 |
| Master’s gained outside NZ (bachelor’s required) | 5 |
| Overseas bachelor’s / overseas postgrad certificate | 4 |
| Washington or Sydney Accord accredited qualification | 4 |
New Zealand skilled work experience now reaches the maximum faster: 1 year = 1 point, 1.5 years = 2 points, and 2 years = 3 points (previously up to 3 years was needed for 3 points). For a deeper walkthrough, read our SMC points system explained and the NZ vs overseas qualification points comparison.
Some occupations are restricted from the two new pathways. Red-list occupations are excluded from both new pathways and can only use the points-based pathway. Amber-list occupations are eligible for the Skilled Work Experience pathway on stricter terms, and remain eligible for the points pathway (immigration.govt.nz):
| List | Pathway access | Example occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Red (6 roles) | Points-based only | Beauty Therapist, Hairdresser, Retail Manager (General) |
| Amber (14 roles) | Skilled Work Experience (stricter) plus points-based | Chef, Cafe or Restaurant Manager, Office Manager |
Amber applicants on the Skilled Work Experience pathway need at least 5 years of relevant eligible work experience in New Zealand, including 2 years earning at least 1.2x the median ($42.00 per hour from 9 March 2026). Both lists are reviewed regularly. See the full breakdown in our red list and amber list occupations guide.
| Feature | Until 23 Aug 2026 | From 24 Aug 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Pathways to residence | Points-based | Points-based plus two new pathways |
| Points threshold | 6 points plus skilled job | 6 points plus skilled job (unchanged) |
| NZ skilled work experience | Up to 3 years for 3 points | 2 years for 3 points |
| Wage rule | Work rate plus residence rate | Single threshold (with grace period) |
| EOI form | Current form | New form (drafts deleted) |
The SMC EOI form changes on 24 August 2026. To be assessed under the current rules, you must submit your EOI before that date. Critically, any draft (unsubmitted) EOI is deleted on 24 August 2026 and must be restarted on the new form (immigration.govt.nz). Whether the current rules or the new pathways suit you depends on your occupation, qualifications, and New Zealand work experience. We model your profile against each option before you lodge. Our timing guide on submitting your EOI before 24 August 2026 walks through the decision.
All SMC changes take effect on 24 August 2026. This includes the two new pathways (Skilled Work Experience, and Trades and Technician), updated points and qualification rules, the simplified wage threshold, and a new EOI form. Because dates and details can be updated, confirm the current detail on immigration.govt.nz before you lodge.
The Skilled Work Experience pathway lets people in ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 roles qualify for residence from relevant work experience, including time worked in New Zealand at or above the pathway wage threshold. The Trades and Technician pathway is for people in eligible trades or technician occupations who hold a relevant qualification at NZQCF Level 4 or higher with post-qualification experience. Which fits depends on your occupation, qualification, and New Zealand work history.
You need 6 skilled resident points plus a skilled job or job offer to apply under the points-based pathway. The threshold itself does not change on 24 August 2026, but how points are allocated does: New Zealand qualifications earn one more point than the same overseas qualification, and you reach the maximum 3 points for New Zealand skilled work experience after 2 years rather than 3.
If the current rules suit your profile, yes: submit before 24 August 2026 to be assessed under them. Any draft EOI that is not submitted is deleted on 24 August 2026 and must be restarted on the new form available that day. We assess whether the current rules or the new pathways are the better fit for your situation before you lodge.
Red-list occupations (6 roles, such as Beauty Therapist and Retail Manager) are excluded from both new pathways and can only use the points-based pathway. Amber-list occupations (14 roles, such as Chef and Office Manager) can use the Skilled Work Experience pathway on stricter terms, and remain eligible for the points-based pathway. Both lists are reviewed regularly, so confirm your ANZSCO code on immigration.govt.nz.
The right pathway and the timing of your EOI depend on your occupation, qualifications, age, and New Zealand work experience. We assess your points position against each option and prepare your application to meet INZ requirements. Check your eligibility or book a consultation with a ProVisas Licensed Immigration Adviser.
Last reviewed . Information may have changed since this article was reviewed. For your specific case, talk to a licensed immigration adviser.
policy updates
A fully cited guide to the Skilled Migrant Category changes from 24 August 2026: three pathways, the new points rules, single wage threshold, and the EOI cutover.
Read morepolicy updates
From 24 August 2026, Tier 2 Green List, Transport, and Care Workforce Work to Residence visas move to a single wage threshold with no higher rate at residence. Here is what changes.
Read moreguides
How the new Trades and Technician pathway to NZ residence works from 24 August 2026: wage floor, Level 4+ qualifications, the 120-credit rule, work experience, and the occupation list.
Read more