New Zealand added two new residence pathways inside the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) on 24 August 2026. The SMC itself continues. The points-based pathway still needs 6 points, and the two new pathways are extra routes that rely on work experience and pay instead of points. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has also announced Green List changes for 8 March 2027. Everything below was checked against INZ pages on 6 November 2026.

Key Changes at a Glance

The Two New SMC Pathways

Other SMC Changes From 24 August 2026

• Qualification points: a qualification completed in New Zealand earns 1 point more than the same level completed overseas, except for doctoral degrees and some master's degrees. Claims for a Level 8 or 9 qualification generally also need a bachelor's degree.
• Pay setting: you need to meet the SMC median wage in force when you start gaining skilled work experience, with a grace period if you start within 5 months of your work visa being granted.
• English test validity: results are valid for 5 years for applicants with a recognised occupational registration.
• Accountants: a new recognised occupational registration covers accountants who can do the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in New Zealand and are CPA Australia members.
• Planned for 2027: an option to extend an Accredited Employer Work Visa by up to 12 months to finish the skilled work experience needed for residence.

The Green List: Two Tiers

The Green List is INZ's list of in-demand jobs. Tier 1 jobs can apply for a Straight to Residence Visa. Tier 2 jobs can apply for a Work to Residence Visa after 24 months of qualifying work in New Zealand within the 30 months before applying. Applicants need a job or job offer with an accredited employer and must be aged 55 or younger. INZ states that 80% of Straight to Residence applications are decided within 4 months.

Tier 1: Straight to Residence (examples)

• Construction Project Manager
• Software Engineer and ICT Security Specialist (pay at least NZD 72.80 an hour from 9 March 2026)
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• General Practitioner and other medical practitioners
• Veterinarian
• Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineer
• Primary and Secondary School Teacher (aimed at experienced teachers paid at least the median wage)

Tier 2: Work to Residence, 24 months (examples)

• Dairy Farm Manager
• Electrician and Plumber (registered)
• Sonographer
• Early Childhood Teacher (registered)

Green List Changes From 8 March 2027

INZ announced these changes on 3 November 2026:

• 17 occupations leave Tier 2. Thirteen move to the Trades and Technician pathway: Building Associate (Building Construction Supervisor), Automotive Electrician, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Motor Mechanic (General), Motorcycle Mechanic, Panel Beater, Vehicle Painter, Metal Fabricator, Welder, Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner, Fitter-Welder and Metal Machinist (First Class). Four move to the Skilled Work Experience pathway: Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator, Telecommunications Technician, Paving Plant Operator and Pressure Welder.
• Transition: work you start before 8 March 2027 can still count towards the 24 months for the Work to Residence Visa.
• Special education teachers: four roles move from Work to Residence to Straight to Residence.
• Career Counsellor is removed from Tier 1, and Sterilisation Technician eligibility is limited to members of the New Zealand Sterile Sciences Association.

Work Visa and Wage Changes

An AEWV can run up to 5 years for skill level 1 to 3 jobs and 3 years in total for skill level 4 or 5 jobs. INZ states that 80% of AEWV applications are decided within 5 weeks.

Students, Graduates and Parents

• Student work rights: eligible students on student visas granted from 3 November 2025 can work up to 25 hours a week during the semester, up from 20.
• Graduate work visas from 16 November 2026: the Post-Study Work Visa extends to Level 7 graduate diploma holders who also hold a bachelor's degree, and a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa gives 6 months of open work rights to some Level 5 to 7 graduates who do not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.
• Parent Boost Visitor Visa: open since 29 September 2025 for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents. It allows a stay of up to 5 years, with a second 5-year visa possible, but it is not a pathway to residence. The sponsor must be an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident, with income of at least the median wage (NZD 72,800 for one parent, NZD 109,200 for two), or at least 1.5 times the median wage if two sponsors apply together, unless the parents show enough income or funds of their own. Mandatory health insurance applies, and applicants cannot have dependent children.

Active Investor Plus Visa

INZ changed the Active Investor Plus Visa on 1 April 2025, and the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas no longer accept applications.

• Growth category: minimum investment of NZD 5 million for at least 3 years, focused on higher-risk investments such as managed funds and direct investment in New Zealand businesses.
• Balanced category: minimum investment of NZD 10 million over 5 years, with a wider choice of lower-risk investments, including bonds and property-type investments.
• Previous minimum: NZD 15 million (or a weighted equivalent).
• English: the English language requirement was removed.
• Time in New Zealand: reduced for investors who choose more active investments. Check INZ for the current requirement.

What Hasn't Changed

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): still the main route for temporary skilled work, and it needs an accredited employer.
• Partner and family support: an AEWV holder's ability to support a partner or children depends on the job's skill level and the holder's pay.
• Health and character: skilled residence visas still require good health and good character for everyone included.
• Age limit: applicants for the SMC, Straight to Residence and Work to Residence visas must be 55 or younger when they apply.

Timeline: Recent and Upcoming Dates

How to Prepare

1. Check your occupation: look up your job on INZ's Green List roles tool, and for the SMC pathways check the Trades and Technician list and the red and amber lists.
2. Check your pay: from 9 March 2026 the hourly rates are NZD 35.00 for Trades and Technician, NZD 38.50 for Skilled Work Experience and NZD 42.00 for amber list jobs. Use the hours stated in your employment agreement.
3. Get your English test done: residence visas need IELTS 6.5 overall or an equivalent score. The test must be taken in person and be no more than 2 years old when you apply.
4. Find an accredited employer: the SMC and Green List pathways both need a job or job offer with an accredited employer.
5. Gather documents early: police certificates, qualification assessments and medical exams take time.