The Skilled Work Experience pathway is a residence pathway under the Skilled Migrant Category that opened on 24 August 2026. It is designed for migrants who are already working in New Zealand in a skilled role (ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3). In general you need: • a total of at least 5 years of work experience, including at least 3 years of directly relevant experience and an additional 2 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand • current employment, or a job offer, paid at least 1.1 times the SMC wage threshold (1.2 times for occupations on the Amber List) Self-employment does not count as work experience. Wage thresholds and occupation lists can change, so please check your own situation before you apply. Contact us to discuss whether you are likely to qualify.

The changes to the Skilled Migrant Category took effect on 24 August 2026. Key changes include: • Two new residence pathways: the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway • Simplified median wage rules: you need to meet the SMC wage threshold that applied when you started gaining your skilled work experience, and maintain at least that rate through to your application • The existing points-based pathway continues, with changes to how qualifications and New Zealand work experience count towards points • Red and Amber occupation lists, which affect eligibility for the new pathways • English language test results are valid for 5 years for applicants who hold a recognised occupational registration • Accountants who hold CPA Australia membership and can do the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in New Zealand can be eligible Talk to us to see how the changes affect you.

The Trades and Technician pathway is a residence pathway under the Skilled Migrant Category that opened on 24 August 2026 for people working in an eligible trades or technician occupation. In general you need: • a Level 4 or higher qualification relevant to your occupation • at least 4 years of directly relevant skilled work experience after qualifying, including at least 18 months in New Zealand paid at or above the SMC wage threshold • current employment, or a job offer, in an eligible trades and technician occupation paid at least the SMC wage threshold Immigration New Zealand publishes the list of eligible occupations and may update it, so please check your occupation before you apply. Contact us and we can check whether you are likely to qualify.

Yes. Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category took effect on 24 August 2026. The points-based pathway continues, and two new pathways, the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway, now sit alongside it. Wage rules, qualification points and English test validity also changed. Contact us to find out which pathway may suit you.

The new pathways are now open, so the right choice depends on your situation. Depending on your occupation, wages and work history, you may be able to apply under the points-based pathway, the Skilled Work Experience pathway, the Trades and Technician pathway or another residence pathway. Because the wage threshold that applies is the one in place when you started gaining your skilled work experience, timing can matter. We recommend getting personalised advice before you decide. Contact us at info@iianz.com or call 0800 452 169.

Offering competitive salaries, promoting career development opportunities, and sponsoring the visa application process can make your company more attractive to skilled migrants.

Yes, if you meet the requirements of one of the Skilled Migrant Category pathways. For skilled work experience, your pay generally needs to meet the wage threshold that applied when you started gaining that experience, and you need to maintain at least that rate through to your application. Immigration New Zealand has also announced a future ability to extend an AEWV by up to 12 months so that migrants can complete the skilled work experience they need. Please check with us for the latest on when this is available. Talk to us about your specific situation, because the right time to apply depends on your circumstances.

There are 3 skills-based pathways that allow you to get New Zealand residence if you meet the eligibility criteria: • the Skilled Migrant Category pathway • the Care Workforce pathway • the Transport Sector Agreement pathway Some of the visas on these pathways allow you to apply for residence straight away, such as the Straight to Residence Visa. Other pathways may require you to work in New Zealand before you can apply for residence, such as the Work to Residence Visa.

The Green list is a selection of Job roles which are in higher demand. These are further divided into Tier 1 & Tier 2, which depend on criteria. ​ Its important to match the criteria , which is needed and one needs to check if you have the necessary qualifications , registration or experience , which may provide an immediate or after 2 years of work experience in the country.