Key Changes to the Skilled Migrant Visa Category

The following updated elements will apply to applications lodged from late August 2026:

1. Confirmation of two new residence pathways: the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway
2. Publication of detailed red and amber occupation lists with specific eligibility rules
3. Simplified median wage settings and a new grace period rule
4. Clarified qualification point rules, including IQA requirements
5. Extended English test validity for applicants with recognized occupational registration
6. Recognition of a new occupational registration pathway for accountants who hold membership with CPA Australia
7. Future ability to extend an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to complete skilled work experience (scheduled for 2027)

The Red and Amber Lists

Immigration NZ has published the red and amber occupation lists, which determine how migrants in certain roles will access residence pathways under the new SMC settings.

Red List Occupations — Restricted Eligibility

Occupations on the red list are considered higher risk or less aligned with skilled-migration needs under the new system. The implications are:

• Red list roles are not eligible for the new Skilled Work Experience or Trades and Technician pathways
• Migrants in red list roles still qualify via the existing SMC pathway

Red List roles include generic management roles, health and beauty roles, and certain hospitality and retail roles.

Amber List Occupations — Conditional Eligibility

Occupations on the amber list are eligible for the new Skilled Work Experience pathway, but only if additional criteria are met:

• At least 5 years of relevant eligible work experience in NZ; and
• At least 2 years of skilled work in NZ paid at or above 1.2× the SMC median wage

Amber list roles also still remain eligible under the existing SMC route if earnings, qualification, or occupational registration criteria are met.

Amber List roles include accommodation-related manager roles, food service roles, generic management roles, and certain ICT roles.

New Residence Pathways

Trades and Technician Pathway

The Trades and Technician pathway is for workers in specified trades and technician occupations. Key conditions include:

• Working in specified ANZSCO skill level 1-3 trades and technician occupations
• Relevant Level 4 or above qualification
• At least 4 years of directly relevant experience gained after qualification
• At least 1.5 years in NZ, paid at least the SMC median wage

A full list of eligible occupations can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Qualification Framework Updates

Under the updated system, applicants claiming points for qualifications under the SMC must provide the qualification certificate and, if overseas obtained and not on the list of exempt qualifications, provide an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA).

Additional requirements apply for those claiming points for level 8 or 9 qualifications and New Zealand master’s degrees.

Wage Assessment Changes

The reforms include two important wage changes:

1. You only need to meet the median wage relevant to your pathway at the time you start gaining skilled experience
2. A 5-month grace period applies if the SMC median wage rises between when your work visa is granted and the day you start work

English Test Validity and New Occupational Registration

From late August 2026, English language test results will be accepted as valid for 5 years for applicants who hold a recognized occupational registration.

INZ will also recognize a new occupational registration pathway for accountants who are members of CPA Australia and can perform the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant.

Practical Actions to Take Now

• Identify your occupation’s list status (red, amber, or eligible)
• Collect documentary evidence — qualifications, employment records, payslips, job descriptions
• Confirm qualification assessment requirements (such as IQA) early
• Track wage thresholds and timing carefully
• Plan for NZ experience requirements

With these changes coming into effect soon, preparation will be the single most important factor for success under the new Skilled Migrant Category rules. If you or your employees may be affected by these reforms, contact Sharma Law today for tailored advice and a clear plan of action. The earlier you get organized, the better positioned you’ll be to navigate the updated system confidently and successfully.

Sources & Further Reading

• INZ News Centre — Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (timing, wage-assessment change). Immigration New Zealand

• INZ — Skilled Migrant Visa Category Resident Visa (current rules & points). Immigration New Zealand

• INZ — Pay rates for the SMC Resident Visa (median-linked thresholds). Immigration New Zealand

• NZ Government (Beehive) — New residence options to bolster workforce (policy summary & criteria headlines). Beehive

Get in touch with the team at Sharma Law

Get clarity on your best residence route before August 2026.
Sharma Law will assess your points & pay-rate, confirm your best pathway (current SMC vs 2026 routes), and assemble precise evidence to avoid delays.
Book a consultation with Sharma Law today.