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New Zealand offers several New Zealand Skilled Residence Pathways for people who wish to live and work in the country permanently. From 24 August 2026, significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) came into effect, introducing additional residence pathways and making it easier for many skilled workers already contributing to New Zealand's economy to qualify for residence.
The principal New Zealand Residence Visa pathways for skilled migrants are now:
Choosing the right pathway depends on factors such as your occupation, qualifications, occupational registration, salary, New Zealand work experience and employer.
Although all of these pathways lead to residence, their eligibility criteria differ significantly. Some are points-based, while others are occupation-specific or rely primarily on skilled work experience in New Zealand.
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa remains New Zealand's primary skilled residence programme. However, from 24 August 2026, the SMC consists of three separate pathways instead of one.
Applicants may now qualify through:
Each pathway has different eligibility requirements.
The Points-based pathway continues to require applicants to reach 6 points, but the way points are earned has changed.
Applicants may claim points based on:
The August 2026 changes include:
The new Skilled Work Experience pathway allows some applicants to qualify for residence primarily through their skilled employment history rather than qualifications or income.
Generally, applicants must demonstrate:
This pathway is particularly beneficial for experienced professionals who may not hold higher academic qualifications but have developed substantial expertise through skilled employment.
The Skilled Work Experience pathway is intended for experienced professionals who have made a substantial contribution to New Zealand's workforce. Applicants generally need at least 5 years of directly relevant skilled work experience, including 2 years of qualifying skilled employment in New Zealand, before they become eligible to apply for residence.
The new Trades and Technician pathway recognises that many skilled occupations rely on vocational qualifications and practical experience rather than university degrees.
Before becoming eligible to apply for residence, applicants generally need:
The Green List Residence Pathways remain separate from the Skilled Migrant Category.
Unlike the SMC, Green List residence is based primarily on working in an eligible occupation for an accredited employer and meeting the specific requirements for that occupation.
The Green List currently includes two residence pathways:
The Straight to Residence Visa is available to workers employed in eligible Tier 1 Green List occupations.
Eligible applicants can usually apply for residence immediately after obtaining qualifying employment, provided they satisfy all occupation-specific requirements, including any required:
This remains one of the fastest New Zealand Skilled Residence Pathways for eligible professionals.
The Work to Residence Visa applies primarily to eligible Tier 2 Green List occupations.
Applicants generally need to complete 24 months of qualifying employment in New Zealand before becoming eligible to apply for residence.
The employment must usually be:
New Zealand also provides a dedicated residence pathway for specified occupations within the care sector.
Eligible occupations include:
Applicants generally need to complete 24 months of qualifying employment while meeting the required pay and employment conditions.
The SMC may be appropriate if you:
The Green List may be appropriate if you:
Some applicants may qualify under more than one residence pathway. In these cases, obtaining professional advice can help determine which option provides the quickest, simplest or lowest-risk pathway to residence.
| Pathway | Main Eligibility | New Zealand Work Requirement | When Can You Apply for Residence? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Migrant Category – Points-based | 6 points through qualifications, occupational registration, income and/or NZ skilled work experience | Depends on how points are claimed. Some applicants may qualify immediately, while others need to complete qualifying NZ work experience to reach 6 points. | Once all eligibility requirements are met. |
| Skilled Work Experience Pathway | At least 5 years of directly relevant skilled work experience | At least 2 years of qualifying skilled work in New Zealand (or different requirements for certain occupations) before residence eligibility. | After completing the required New Zealand work experience. |
| Trades & Technician Pathway | Relevant Level 4+ qualification and at least 4 years of post-qualification experience | At least 18 months (1.5 years) of qualifying skilled work in New Zealand before residence eligibility. | After completing the required New Zealand work experience. |
| Straight to Residence | Tier 1 Green List occupation | No qualifying work period (unless required by the specific occupation). | Usually immediately after meeting all occupation-specific requirements. |
| Work to Residence | Tier 2 Green List occupation | 24 months of qualifying employment in New Zealand. | After completing 24 months of qualifying employment. |
| Care Workforce Work to Residence | Eligible care workforce occupation | 24 months of qualifying employment in New Zealand. | After completing 24 months of qualifying employment. |
Regardless of which New Zealand Skilled Residence Pathway you apply under, applicants must generally satisfy Immigration New Zealand's requirements relating to:
Partners and dependent children can often be included in the application, provided they also meet the relevant immigration requirements.
