New Zealand SMC Changes Now in Effect: What the 24 August 2026 Updates Mean

Date: 30 August 2026
Status: Draft for review. Not published.

The changes are now in effect.

From 24 August 2026, Immigration New Zealand updated the Skilled Migrant Category. The changes affect residence pathways, occupation lists, wages, qualifications, English tests, accountant registration, and future AEWV options.

A policy maze? A little.

The next step is practical. Check your occupation, wage, qualification, and New Zealand work history before relying on an SMC pathway.

The Skilled Migrant Category remains New Zealand’s main residence pathway for skilled migrants. It may lead to a New Zealand residence visa for eligible applicants working for, or holding an offer from, an accredited employer.

What changed on 24 August 2026?

The key changes include:

• A confirmed Trades and Technician pathway list.
• Red and amber occupation lists.
• New Skilled Work Experience pathway settings.
• Simpler wage assessment rules.
• Updated qualification points.
• Five-year English test validity for some registered professionals.
• New recognition for eligible accountants with CPA Australia membership.
• A planned AEWV extension from 2027.

These changes build on the SMC reforms announced in September 2025.

The three SMC pathways

The SMC now has three main pathways.

1. Points-based pathway

You need 6 points.

Points may come from:

• A qualification.
• Income.
• Recognised New Zealand occupational registration.
• Skilled work experience in New Zealand.

You can claim up to 6 points from one main skill category. You may then add up to 3 points from eligible New Zealand skilled work experience.

2. Skilled Work Experience pathway

This pathway is designed for applicants who have built their skills through employment.

For standard occupations, applicants generally need:

• An ANZSCO skill level 1–3 role.
• At least 5 years of directly relevant work experience.
• At least 2 years of eligible skilled work experience in New Zealand.
• Pay of at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage for the required skilled work.

Using the current SMC median wage of NZD $35 per hour, 1.1 times the threshold is NZD $38.50 per hour.

The job must be full-time. It must also be with an accredited employer.

Self-employment cannot be used to meet the directly relevant work experience requirement under this pathway.

3. Trades and Technician pathway

This pathway supports specified trade and technician occupations.

Applicants generally need:

• An eligible ANZSCO skill level 1–3 occupation.
• A relevant Level 4 or higher qualification.
• At least 4 years of directly relevant post-qualification experience.
• At least 1.5 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand.
• Pay of at least the SMC median wage during the required New Zealand experience.

For a New Zealand qualification, the qualification must generally meet the 120-credit requirement. Multiple prerequisite qualifications may be combined.

For an overseas qualification, an International Qualification Assessment may be required. The 120-credit requirement does not apply in the same way to relevant overseas qualifications.

Check the official Trades and Technician occupation list.

Red and amber occupation lists

The occupation lists now affect access to the two new pathways.

Red list occupations

Red list occupations cannot use the two new pathways.

Applicants in these roles may still qualify through the existing points-based pathway. They must reach 6 points through an eligible route.

This may involve:

• Earning at least 1.5 times the SMC median wage.
• Holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Holding recognised occupational registration.
• Meeting the required New Zealand skilled work experience rules.

Examples include:

• Hospitality, retail and service manager not elsewhere classified.
• Retail manager.
• Beauty therapist.
• Massage therapist.
• Hairdresser.
• Hair and beauty salon manager.

Amber list occupations

Amber list occupations may use the Skilled Work Experience pathway. Extra requirements apply.

Applicants generally need:

• At least 5 years of relevant eligible work experience in New Zealand.
• At least 2 years of skilled work experience.
• Pay of at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage during the required period.

At the current $35 hourly threshold, 1.2 times the median wage is NZD $42 per hour.

Examples include:

Amber occupation examples
Accommodation and hospitality manager	Hotel or motel manager
Hotel service manager	Café or restaurant manager
Baker	Pastrycook
Chef	Customer service manager
Office manager	ICT customer support officer
ICT support technician	Web administrator

The lists may be reviewed. Check your occupation against the current official list before planning a residence application.

Read the official red and amber occupation list.

Wage settings are now simpler

This is one of the most useful changes.

You generally need to meet the SMC wage threshold that applied when you started gaining skilled work experience. You must continue earning at least that rate when you apply.

You do not normally need to meet a higher threshold introduced later.

A five-month grace period also applies.

If the median wage increases after your work visa is granted, you may rely on the earlier wage rate if:

• You start skilled work within 5 months of your visa being granted.
• You meet the wage rate that applied when the visa was granted.
• Your work remains within the relevant eligibility period.

Keep your employment agreement, payslips, tax records, and job description. Wage evidence matters.

Check the current SMC pay rates.

Qualification points have changed

New Zealand qualifications generally receive one more point than equivalent overseas qualifications.

Exceptions apply. These include doctoral degrees and some master’s degrees.

Applicants must provide:

• The qualification certificate.
• Academic transcripts where required.
• An International Qualification Assessment if the overseas qualification is not on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.

Level 8 and Level 9 qualification points generally require a supporting bachelor’s degree.

The exception is a New Zealand master’s degree claimed at 5 points.

To claim 6 points for a New Zealand master’s degree, you generally need:

• At least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.
• A bachelor’s degree from any country.

Review the official SMC qualification requirements.

English test validity is longer for registered professionals

From 24 August 2026, English language test results may be valid for 5 years for applicants who hold recognised occupational registration.

The registration must qualify for points under the Points-based pathway. It must generally be full registration. Provisional or limited registration may not qualify.

For other applicants, standard English evidence rules continue to apply. Check the date and type of evidence before submitting an Expression of Interest.

Read the English language requirements for skilled residence visas.

New recognition for eligible accountants

From 24 August 2026, accountants may qualify under the SMC if they:

• Can undertake the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in New Zealand.
• Hold membership with CPA Australia.
• Meet the relevant SMC pathway, wage, registration, and evidence requirements.

This does not mean every accountant automatically qualifies.

Role duties matter. So do registration evidence, employment, pay, and the chosen pathway.

Accountants should also check the Green List New Zealand settings. Some accounting roles may have separate New Zealand work to residence or residence options, depending on the role and wage.

AEWV extension planned for 2027

INZ has announced a future AEWV extension option.

From 2027, migrants who need up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience may be able to extend their Accredited Employer Work Visa to complete the SMC requirement.

This is not part of the 24 August 2026 changes. The eligibility rules and application process are still to be confirmed.

Do not rely on the extension until INZ publishes the final instructions.

What should applicants do now?

Use this checklist.

1. Confirm your ANZSCO occupation.
   Your job title and duties must match the occupation requirements.

2. Check the red and amber lists.
   Your list status may change your pathway.

3. Check your wage history.
   Record the threshold that applied when you started counting skilled work.

4. Review your qualification evidence.
   Arrange an IQA early if required.

5. Check your English evidence.
   Registered professionals may have a five-year validity period.

6. Prepare work evidence.
   Keep employment agreements, job descriptions, payslips, tax records, and employer letters.

7. Confirm the employer is accredited.
   The job must meet the full-time and genuine employment requirements.

8. Get advice before submitting an EOI.
   A mistake in occupation classification or points evidence can cause delays.

Official Immigration New Zealand resources

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
• Further SMC changes effective 24 August 2026
• Final details of the SMC changes
• Work to residence wage rates
• Submit an SMC Expression of Interest

Comparing New Zealand and Australia?

Your best option may depend on your occupation, age, qualifications, work history, and location.

Skillage Nimbus also assists with Australian skilled migration, including South Australia skilled migration, SA 190 nomination, SA 491, the subclass 190 visa, the subclass 491 visa, and the skilled work regional visa 491.

We can also explain the State Nomination Occupation List, permanent residency Australia options, and employer-sponsored pathways.

Speak with a migration agent Adelaide, migration agent Australia, or an experienced immigration lawyer Adelaide before choosing a route.

Learn More

Need help assessing your SMC New Zealand options?

Book a migration consultation with Skillage Nimbus

We can help you review your occupation, wage, qualification, English evidence, work history, and likely pathway.

Important information

This article is based on Immigration New Zealand announcements published on 5 March 2026 and 18 June 2026, together with official INZ visa information available on 30 August 2026.

The planned 2027 AEWV extension is not yet fully confirmed. The specific unverified points are the final eligibility criteria, application process, visa duration, and evidence requirements. Verify these details directly on the official Immigration New Zealand website before making employment, visa, travel, or residence decisions.

This is general information only. It is not legal advice or immigration advice. Rules, wage thresholds, occupation lists, and document requirements can change. Individual eligibility depends on your complete circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Skilled Migrant Category?

The Skilled Migrant Category is New Zealand’s main residence pathway for skilled migrants. It includes the Points-based, Skilled Work Experience, and Trades and Technician pathways.

Can red list occupations qualify for New Zealand residence?

Possibly. Red list occupations cannot use the two new SMC pathways. However, an applicant may still qualify under the existing points-based pathway by meeting the 6-point requirement.

How much New Zealand work experience is required?

The standard Skilled Work Experience pathway requires at least 5 years of relevant experience, including 2 years of eligible skilled work in New Zealand.

The Trades and Technician pathway requires at least 4 years of post-qualification experience, including 1.5 years in New Zealand.

Do overseas qualifications need an IQA?

Usually. An overseas qualification may need an International Qualification Assessment unless it appears on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.

Check the current INZ and NZQA requirements.

Can an AEWV be extended under the 2026 changes?

Not immediately. INZ has announced a possible extension from 2027 for migrants who need up to 12 more months of skilled work experience.

Final details are still to come.

Can accountants use CPA Australia membership under the SMC?

Eligible accountants may qualify if they can undertake the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in New Zealand and hold CPA Australia membership. They must also meet the relevant pathway and evidence requirements.

Is this article immigration advice?

No. It is general information. Speak with a qualified New Zealand immigration adviser or licensed immigration adviser NZ before relying on the rules for your application.