The New Zealand government has announced two new residence pathways launching in August 2026 that fundamentally change how many skilled migrants qualify for permanent residence. These pathways — the Skilled Work Experience Pathway and the Trades and Technician Pathway — sit alongside the existing Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and offer a more direct, experience-based route to residence.
Status: These pathways are confirmed and take effect from August 2026. If you are currently planning your residence journey, you may be eligible to apply through one of these new routes once they open. Get advice now so you understand which pathway to target.
Why These Pathways Were Created
The old SMC points system worked well for highly-qualified professionals but created barriers for:
- Skilled workers without university degrees but with significant hands-on experience
- Trades workers who are in genuine shortage but don't accumulate high points
- Migrants where the "double wage check" — having to meet the median wage at both the qualifying period start AND at application — was causing practical problems
These new pathways address all three issues directly.
Pathway 1: Skilled Work Experience Pathway
Designed for skilled workers in any NOL/ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 occupation with substantial real-world experience.
Who Qualifies
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Occupation | NOL (or ANZSCO) Skill Level 1, 2, or 3 |
| Total experience | 5+ years in that occupation |
| NZ experience | 2 years of those 5 must be in New Zealand |
| Wage during NZ experience | At least 1.1× the immigration median wage (currently NZ$35.00/hr = threshold of ~NZ$38.50/hr) |
| Health and character | Standard requirements |
| English language | Standard requirements |
Key Difference: No Double Wage Check
Under the old SMC, you had to meet wage thresholds both at the start of your work experience and again when applying for residence — a real problem if wages hadn't risen fast enough or you changed roles.
Under this pathway, you only need to meet the wage threshold at the start of your 2-year NZ qualifying period and maintain it throughout. No second check at application.
Who This Suits
This pathway is ideal for:
- Experienced professionals who may not have high formal qualification points under the old SMC
- Migrants who've been working in NZ for 2+ years in skilled roles and are wage-stable
- Those who previously scored below 160 SMC points but have strong work experience
Example: A 35-year-old IT project manager with 6 years total experience (3 in India, 3 in NZ) earning NZ$90,000/year. Under the old SMC, their points might not reach 160 without a NZ qualification. Under the Skilled Work Experience Pathway: ✅ Skill Level 1 job, ✅ 5+ years total, ✅ 2 years NZ, ✅ Wage well above threshold.
Pathway 2: Trades and Technician Pathway
Specifically designed for skilled tradespeople and technical workers in recognised shortage occupations.
Who Qualifies
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Specified NOL Skill Level 1–3 trades and technician roles |
| Qualification | Relevant Level 4 or above NZ qualification (or overseas equivalent) |
| Total experience | 4 years post-qualification experience |
| NZ experience | 1.5 years of those 4 must be in New Zealand |
| Registration | Licensing/registration required where applicable (e.g. licensed electricians) |
| Health and character | Standard requirements |
Which Trades Are Included
The government has published a list of specified trades occupations covered by this pathway. Confirmed to include (but not limited to):
- Electricians (must hold NZ electrical licence)
- Plumbers and gasfitters (must hold NZ licence)
- Civil engineering technicians
- Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- Diesel motor mechanics
- Automotive electricians
- Joiners and carpenters
- Construction project managers
The full specified occupation list will be published with the August 2026 regulations. If your trade isn't listed, the Skilled Work Experience Pathway may still apply if you meet those requirements.
Key Difference from Old System
Previously, trades workers had to rely on the general SMC EOI pool, where they often couldn't score enough points to be selected. The Trades pathway creates a dedicated channel with no points minimum — just experience, qualification, NZ time, and licensing.
Example: A licensed electrician with 5 years experience (2 in the Philippines, 3 in NZ), NZ electrical licence, earning NZ$42/hr. Under old SMC: Would need 160 points, likely fell short. Under Trades pathway: ✅ Specified trade, ✅ Level 4 equivalent qualification, ✅ 4 years post-qual (3+ NZ), ✅ Licensed.
How These Pathways Relate to Existing Routes
| Pathway | Occupation requirement | Time in NZ | Wage | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Work Experience (new) | NOL Level 1–3 | 2 years | 1.1× median (~$38.50/hr) | None |
| Trades & Technician (new) | Specified trades | 1.5 years | None specified | None |
| SMC (existing) | Level 1–3 + NZ employment | Helps score | Median wage | 160+ |
| Green List Tier 1 | Specific listed occupations | Not required | Role-specific | None |
| Green List Tier 2 | Specific listed occupations | 24 months | Role-specific | None |
The new pathways don't replace SMC — they run alongside it. Some applicants will qualify for multiple routes; an adviser can identify which is fastest.
What You Should Do Now (Before August 2026)
If you're currently on an AEWV
Start tracking your qualifying NZ work experience now. If you're in a Level 1–3 occupation and your wage is above NZ$38.50/hr, you may be building eligibility for the Skilled Work Experience Pathway without needing to do anything different.
Document your employment carefully: Keep payslips, employment agreements, and tax records. When you apply in August 2026 or later, this evidence of continuous qualifying employment is essential.
If you're a tradesperson
Check whether your trade is on the specified list (to be published), ensure your NZ licence is current, and document your NZ work history. If you hit 1.5 years of NZ work before August 2026, you may be eligible to apply immediately when the pathway opens.
If you're below 160 SMC points
Don't give up on residence. Run both calculations: Can you meet the Skilled Work Experience requirements (5 years total, 2 NZ, wage threshold)? Are you in a trade covered by the Trades pathway? Many people who were stuck below the old SMC threshold will qualify under the new system.
Get professional advice
These pathways have eligibility nuances that aren't fully detailed in the headline announcement — especially around how "qualifying experience" is counted, what happens if you changed occupations, and how the wage threshold is applied to part-time or variable-hours roles. A licensed immigration adviser can assess your specific situation now so you're ready to apply from August.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for these pathways right now?
No — they open in August 2026. You can start planning and building your eligibility now.
Do I need to have a current AEWV to qualify?
Not necessarily. Any lawful skilled work in NZ (on any visa that permits it) may count toward the qualifying NZ experience, provided you were employed in a qualifying occupation at the required wage.
Does the 2-year NZ experience have to be continuous?
Exact rules on breaks in employment haven't been published as of April 2026. Watch for the full regulations in August. In similar previous policies, short gaps (e.g. between employers) were allowed.
What if I earn NZ$38.50/hr some months and less during others?
The requirement is to "maintain" the wage throughout the qualifying period. Fluctuating hourly wages on piece-rate or variable-hours work may need specific advice on how they're treated.
Will the old SMC EOI pool still run alongside these new pathways?
Yes — the traditional SMC points-based EOI system continues. The new pathways are additions, not replacements. Some applicants may find the old system faster if they already have high points.
What about the NOL — does my occupation need to be on the National Occupation List?
Yes, the new pathways use the NOL (National Occupation List, replacing ANZSCO). Most current ANZSCO Level 1–3 occupations will map directly to NOL equivalents. With 47 new occupations added in March 2026, the coverage is wider than ever.
These new pathways represent the biggest change to NZ skilled residence since the 2023 SMC restart. Find a licensed immigration adviser who can map your specific situation to the right pathway and help you prepare now.