Guide
The Skilled Migrant Category, explained
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is New Zealand's main skilled residence visa. To qualify you need skilled employment or a job offer with an accredited employer, to be aged 55 or younger, and to meet English, health, and character requirements. From 24 August 2026 there are three ways through: the existing Points-based pathway and two new ones, the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway.
What changes on 24 August 2026
Two new pathways, new points values, a simpler wage-threshold lock, and the deadline that decides which rules apply to you.
Points-based pathway
6 points from income, qualifications, or NZ registration, topped up with NZ work experience. Points values change on 24 August.
Skilled Work Experience pathway (new)
Residence from experience alone: 5 years total, no degree required. From 24 August 2026.
Trades & Technician pathway (new)
109 listed trades and technician occupations, a level 4 qualification, and 4 years of post-qualification experience. From 24 August 2026.
Check where you stand in 3 minutes
Answer a few questions about your job, pay, qualifications, and experience. See your position under the current rules and the 24 August 2026 rules, side by side, with every requirement referenced to the instructions.
Run the free SMC eligibility checker →Common questions
Figures and rules on this page are sourced from Immigration New Zealand (Amendment Circular 2026-16, the INZ Operational Manual, and INZ's published pay-rate tables), current as at 8 July 2026. The 24 August 2026 settings are provisional until the amended instructions are published on the INZ website. This page is general information about immigration settings, not immigration advice; for advice about your situation, talk to a licensed immigration adviser or lawyer. See the official INZ Skilled Migrant Category pages.