New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa Updates

The situation 

As expected, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has provided additional guidance on the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.  

A closer look 

• • List of new residence pathways now available. New residence pathways will be introduced under the Skilled Migrant Category, consisting of two distinct streams. The complete list of eligible occupations has been published here.
  • Wage requirements. The government has introduced two changes to wage rules under the category:
    • First, foreign nationals will be required to meet the median wage applicable to their pathway at the time they begin gaining skilled work experience and must continue to meet at least that rate when applying for residence. They will no longer be required to meet a higher wage threshold that may be in effect at the time of their residence application.
    • Second, a grace period will apply where the median wage increases before a foreign national commences employment. If a migrant begins their skilled work experience within five months of their work visa being granted, the wage threshold in effect on the date the visa was issued will apply, even if the median wage has subsequently increased.
  • Qualifications. Under the updated guidance:
    • Applicants claiming points for a Level 8 or Level 9 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) must also hold a bachelor’s degree, unless they are claiming five points for a New Zealand master’s degree.  
    • Level 8 and Level 9 qualifications include a master’s degree (Level 9), a postgraduate diploma (Level 8), a postgraduate certificate (Level 8), and an honors degree (Level 8).  
    • Those seeking six points for a New Zealand master’s degree must have completed at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand and must also hold a bachelor’s degree, which may have been obtained in any country.  
    • Individuals claiming points for a qualification must submit the relevant qualification certificate and, where the qualification was obtained overseas and is not included on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment, an International Qualification Assessment.
  • Red and amber lists. The New Zealand government confirmed the creation of “red” and “amber” occupation lists to help manage immigration risk and ensure the pathways remain focused on genuine skills shortages. The full list can be found here.
  • Extension of English language test validity. English language test results will be valid for five years for applicants who hold a recognized occupational registration.
  • New recognised registration for accountants. Accountants who can undertake the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in New Zealand and who have membership with Certified Practising Accountants Australia will be eligible under the Skilled Migrant Category pathway. 

Impact 

• • Benefits to foreign nationals. For applicants, the reforms present several advantages. Individuals with shorter work histories in New Zealand may benefit from the reduced work experience requirements, while international students graduating from New Zealand universities gain an advantage through the increased weighting of local qualifications. Additionally, the removal of wage uplift obligations is expected to ease financial pressure during the residence application process. The new framework will expand eligibility by recognizing both professional and trade skills while reducing barriers linked to wage progression and lengthy work experience.
  • Benefits for employers. For employers, the upcoming changes may make it easier to retain international graduates and skilled individuals, strengthening workforce stability. However, careful planning around job offers, salary structures, and qualification recognition will be essential to align with the new framework.  

Background 

The Skilled Migrant Category was previously updated in October 2023 with the introduction of a simplified points system. The newly announced reforms build on that foundation, aiming to broaden access to residence for a wider range of skilled workers while continuing to align the system with New Zealand’s long-term economic and labor market priorities. 

Looking ahead 

• • Current rules to remain in place. Until implementation in late August 2026, the current Skilled Migrant Category settings (including the simplified points system introduced in 2023) will remain in place.
  • Visa extension eligibility forthcoming. In 2027, foreign nationals who require up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience to meet the Skilled Migrant Category requirements will be able to apply for an extension of their Accredited Employer Work Visa. This extension will allow them to complete the remaining skilled work experience needed to qualify for residence. Further information regarding eligibility and the application process will be released closer to that time. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.