05/03/2026
🚨 SMC RESIDENCE CHANGES CONFIRMED – Coming in LATE AUGUST 2026 (INZ Update)
Immigration New Zealand has released important new details about the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) changes starting late August 2026. If you are planning residence, read this carefully — it can change your strategy.
✅ What’s changing (in simple terms)
1) Trades & Technician pathway is CONFIRMED
This is a new residence pathway for people working in specified ANZSCO skill level 1–3 trade/technician jobs.
To qualify (from late August 2026), you will need:
✔ A relevant Level 4+ qualification
✔ 4 years directly relevant experience after the qualification
✔ Including 1.5 years in New Zealand earning at least the SMC median wage
INZ has also confirmed the full occupation list for this pathway.
2) Red list vs Amber list (very important)
INZ is introducing Red and Amber lists to manage immigration risk.
🔴 Red list:
These jobs cannot use the 2 new pathways (Trades & Technician and Skilled work experience pathways). You can only apply through existing SMC options (example: high pay at 1.5× SMC median wage, or Level 7+ qualification, or recognised registration + required NZ experience).
🟠 Amber list:
These jobs can use the Skilled Work Experience pathway, but with extra requirements:
✔ 5 years relevant eligible work experience in NZ, including
✔ 2 years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2× the SMC median wage
INZ has published examples of occupations on these lists (e.g., some hospitality/retail/beauty and certain ICT support roles).
3) Wage rules become more practical
Two key changes:
✅ You only need to meet the SMC median wage for your pathway when you start gaining skilled work experience — and maintain at least that rate when applying.
❌ You won’t need to meet a higher wage threshold at the time you apply.
✅ New 5-month grace period:
If the median wage increases after your visa is granted, and you start skilled work within 5 months, INZ can use the wage threshold that applied on the day your visa was granted.
4) AEWV extension (to finish SMC experience) – planned for 2027
If you are up to 12 months short of the skilled work experience needed for SMC, INZ says you will be able to extend your AEWV to complete it.
This is scheduled for 2027, with more details later.
5) Qualification points – new evidence + new rules
To claim points for a qualification, you must provide:
• Qualification certificate, and
• IQA if overseas qualification is not on the exempt list (LQEA).
New rule: If you claim points for Level 8 or Level 9, you must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (with a specific exception noted for applicants claiming 5 points for a NZ master’s degree).
For 6 points for a New Zealand master’s degree, you must have:
• studied full-time at least 30 weeks in NZ, and
• also hold a bachelor’s degree (from any country).
6) English test validity extended (for some applicants)
From late August 2026, English test results will be valid for 5 years for applicants who hold recognised occupational registration.
7) Accountants: new recognised registration option
From late August 2026, accountants who can undertake the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in NZ and who have membership with CPA Australia will be eligible under the SMC pathway.
✅ What should you do now?
If you want residence under SMC from late August 2026, the key is to check:
1. Is your job on the Trades & Technician list, Amber list, or Red list?
2. Are you meeting the right wage threshold at the right time?
3. Do your qualifications meet the new points rules?
Immigration Announcement can be found here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/.../further-changes-to.../
📩 Need a clear pathway plan (based on your job + pay + qualifications)?
Message Expert Visa Services Ltd.
📧 [email protected] | 📱 022 036 1962
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