New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Offers Three Pathways to Residence
What changed
New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) has changed a lot. The new rules started on 24 August 2026. The SMC now offers three ways to get residence: * The existing Points-based pathway. * A new Skilled Work Experience pathway. * A new Trades and Technician pathway. The changes also affect how New Zealand assesses skilled work experience, qualifications, pay, and what jobs qualify. The new system aims to recognise different ways migrants can show they contribute skilled work to New Zealand. It does not just rely on the old points system. The Skilled Work Experience pathway is for people who have gained skills through many years of relevant work. You need to have a qualifying skilled job and earn at least 1.1 times the SMC wage threshold. You must have at least three years of relevant work experience. You also need an extra two years of skilled work experience in New Zealand. The Trades and Technician pathway is for people in certain practical and technical jobs. You need to be in a qualifying job and earn at least the SMC wage threshold. You must have a relevant qualification that is at or similar to a level 4 or higher. You need at least 2.5 years of relevant experience after getting your qualification. You also need an extra 1.5 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand after getting your qualification.
The detail
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