The New Zealand Government announced significant updates to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, coming into effect in August 2026. These changes are designed to help employers retain skilled workers and to support the country’s long-term economic growth.
New Points-Based System
The main requirement for obtaining residency remains the same — you must have a job (or a job offer) from an accredited New Zealand employer. However, the timeframes for applying for residency will be shorter, and the criteria will change:
Residency Without New Zealand Work Experience Requirement
- New Zealand qualification at Level 9–10 (Master’s Degree, PhD) OR
- Salary 3x the median wage OR
- Occupation requiring local registration that involves 6 years of education
Residency After 1 Year of Work
- Overseas qualification at Level 9 (Master’s Degree) or New Zealand qualification at Level 7–8 (Bachelor’s Degree, Postgraduate Diploma) OR
- Occupation requiring local registration that involves 5 years of education
Residency After 1.5 Years of Work
- Overseas qualification at Level 8 (Bachelor’s Degree with Honours, Postgraduate Diploma) OR
- Salary 2x the median wage OR
- Occupation requiring local registration that involves 4 years of education
Residency After 2 Years of Work
- Salary 1.5x the median wage OR
- Occupation requiring local registration that involves 2 years of education
Thus, studying in New Zealand can now lead to residency (provided you secure employment) — either immediately, without a work experience requirement (for a Master’s Degree), or after one year of work (for a Bachelor’s Degree or Postgraduate Diploma).
For reference, the median wage for 2025 is NZ$33.56 per hour.
Two new residence pathways
The following new options will be introduced:
- Skilled work experience pathway
For specialists in ANZSCO* skill levels 1–3 with at least 5 years of directly relevant work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand, earning at least 1.1 times the median wage. - Trades and technician pathway
For migrants in specified trades and technical roles who hold a Level 4 or higher qualification and have at least 4 years of post-qualification experience. This must include 18 months of New Zealand work experience, paid at or above the median wage.
*The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) provides information we use to check: the skill levels of jobs, the qualifications and experience you need to work in those jobs. Find your ANZSCO skill level
These changes highlight the importance of practical skills and the contribution of migrants to New Zealand’s workforce. Additional criteria will apply to certain occupations to ensure the pathways remain focused on genuine skill needs.
When the changes take effect
All updates will come into force from August 2026, with more detailed information to be provided closer to the date.
How Kiwi Education can help
At Kiwi Education, we closely follow every update to New Zealand’s immigration and education policies. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of students and professionals:
Find the right study programmes tailored to their background, skills, and goals
Secure an offer of place from a New Zealand university or institute
Prepare visa applications correctly and avoid costly mistakes
We guide you step by step — from choosing a course to get a study visa.
