SMC Red List and Amber List Occupations (August 2026): Full List

From 24 August 2026 the Skilled Migrant Category sorts occupations into three groups. Red list roles (6 occupations) are excluded from both new pathways and can use only the Points-based pathway. Amber list roles (14 occupations) face stricter work-experience terms. Over 100 trades and technician occupations qualify for a dedicated new pathway. ANZSCO codes for all three are below.

What are the SMC red list, amber list and eligible occupations?

The 2026 Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) reform introduces two new residence pathways alongside the existing Points-based pathway, all taking effect on 24 August 2026 (immigration.govt.nz). To manage immigration risk in certain occupations, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) places some roles on a red list or an amber list:

• Red list: occupations excluded from both new pathways (Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician). People in these roles can still pursue residence, but only through the Points-based pathway.
• Amber list: occupations eligible for the Skilled Work Experience pathway, but on stricter terms than standard roles. They also keep access to the Points-based pathway.
• Eligible (everything else): ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 occupations that are not red-listed can use the Skilled Work Experience pathway on standard terms; qualifying trades and technician roles can use the Trades and Technician pathway.

INZ sets the lists on evidence of historic immigration risk (for example role inflation or fraud) and reviews them regularly, so occupations may be added or removed over time (immigration.govt.nz). For the wider picture of what changes on the cutover date, see our guide to the 24 August 2026 SMC changes.

Which occupations are on the SMC red list?

Six occupations are on the red list. They are excluded from both the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway. The only route to residence for these roles is the Points-based pathway, which requires reaching 6 skilled resident points plus a skilled job or job offer.

In practice, a red list applicant reaches the points threshold by meeting one of these (with the required New Zealand skilled work experience):

• Earn at least 1.5x the SMC median wage (NZD $52.50 per hour from 9 March 2026), OR
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZQCF Level 7) or higher, OR
• Hold a recognised occupational registration.

Income points figures are existing rates; confirm the current SMC median wage and multipliers on INZ before relying on them (immigration.govt.nz).

Which occupations are on the SMC amber list?

Fourteen occupations are on the amber list. Amber roles are eligible for the new Skilled Work Experience pathway, but on stricter terms than standard occupations. To qualify under that pathway, an amber list applicant needs:

• At least 5 years of relevant eligible work experience in New Zealand, including 2 years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2x the SMC median wage (NZD $42.00 per hour from 9 March 2026) (immigration.govt.nz).

The 1.2x rate applies to the 2-year skilled subcomponent; it is not a blanket floor across the full 5 years. Self-employment cannot count as relevant work experience.

Amber list applicants also remain eligible for the Points-based pathway on the same terms as red list applicants: earn at least 1.5x the median, OR hold a Bachelor’s (Level 7) or above, OR hold a recognised occupational registration.

For how the work-experience route works for non-red roles generally, see our Skilled Work Experience pathway guide.

How do red and amber lists compare?

What is the full Trades and Technician occupation list?

Over 100 trades and technician occupations are eligible for the new Trades and Technician pathway from 24 August 2026 (immigration.govt.nz). To use this pathway you must work in an eligible occupation paid at least the SMC wage threshold (1.0x = NZD $35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026), hold a relevant qualification at NZQCF Level 4 (or comparable, or higher), and have at least 2.5 years of relevant post-qualification experience in an ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 occupation plus a further 1.5 years of post-qualification skilled work experience in New Zealand paid at least the median.

The full INZ list, with ANZSCO codes, is below. For the eligibility detail and qualification-credit rules, see our Trades and Technician pathway guide.

Which roles qualify under ANZSCO 399999?

ANZSCO 399999 (Technicians and Trades Workers nec) is included only for seven specific sub-roles. No other job under that code qualifies for the Trades and Technician pathway:

Will the red and amber lists change?

Yes. INZ has stated that the lists are reviewed regularly, and occupations can be added or removed over time (immigration.govt.nz). The wage thresholds (1.0x, 1.2x, 1.5x of the SMC median) are also updated periodically. Always confirm your occupation status, the current ANZSCO code mapping, and the current wage rates on INZ before lodging. For an alternative residence route by occupation, you can also check the Green List.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the SMC red list and amber list?

Red list occupations (6 roles) are excluded from both new SMC pathways and can use only the Points-based pathway. Amber list occupations (14 roles) can use the Skilled Work Experience pathway but on stricter terms (5 years of New Zealand experience including 2 years at 1.2x the median wage), and they also keep access to the Points-based pathway.

How many occupations are on the SMC red and amber lists?

There are 6 occupations on the red list and 14 occupations on the amber list. Separately, over 100 trades and technician occupations are eligible for the new Trades and Technician pathway from 24 August 2026.

Can red list occupations still get NZ residence?

Yes. Red list applicants can pursue residence through the Points-based pathway by reaching 6 skilled resident points with a skilled job or job offer, for example by earning at least 1.5x the SMC median wage, holding a Bachelor’s degree (NZQCF Level 7) or higher, or holding a recognised occupational registration.

What are the amber list work-experience requirements?

Amber list applicants using the Skilled Work Experience pathway need at least 5 years of relevant eligible work experience in New Zealand, including 2 years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2x the SMC median wage (NZD $42.00 per hour from 9 March 2026). Self-employment cannot count.

What is the SMC wage threshold for the Trades and Technician pathway?

The Trades and Technician pathway requires pay of at least the SMC wage threshold, which is 1.0x the median (NZD $35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026). Wage rates are updated periodically, so confirm the current rate on immigration.govt.nz before applying.

Current as at 2026-06-29, based on Immigration New Zealand policy. For advice on your own situation, talk to a ProVisas Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA Licence 201301110).

Not sure whether your occupation sits on the red list, amber list, or qualifies for one of the new pathways? We assess your points position and occupation status against current INZ policy and prepare your application to meet INZ requirements. Check your eligibility or book a consultation to get started.