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Skilled Migrant Category 2024–2026: What’s Changed and What It Means for You

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Want to turn your global skills into a ticket to New Zealand’s future?

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) has been reshaped—simplifying eligibility, adjusting wage benchmarks, and making pathways clearer. Here’s your go-to guide for the latest updates through 2024–2026 and how to navigate them with confidence.

What Changed Under the Hood?

1. Simplified Points System (from 9 October 2023)

  • The SMC now requires 6 points to qualify. Points are awarded in one of three main ways:
    • New Zealand occupational registration
    • Qualifications (A Bachelor’s degree at level 7 or higher (or equivalent, assessed by NZQA if required))
    • Income
  • You can also claim up to 3 points for skilled work experience in New Zealand.

Important: You must choose one main pathway (qualification, income, or registration). Points from these cannot be combined, but work experience can top up your score.

2. No Cap on Approvals

  • The government has removed the cap on SMC resident visa approvals.
  • This means there’s no longer a fixed annual “quota” for skilled migrants.

3. Median Wage Adjustments

  • As of 18 August 2025, the median wage used for immigration purposes is NZD 33.56/hour.
  • Wage-linked visa thresholds (including the SMC and AEWV) are tied to this figure and adjust periodically.

4. AEWV Updates (from 10 March 2025)

  • The median wage requirement was removed. Employers must pay at least the market rate for the role.
  • For ANZSCO Level 4–5 roles, the maximum visa length is now 3 years.
  • The work experience requirement dropped from 3 years to 2 years.
  • The income threshold to support dependent children rose to NZD 55,844/year.
  • Employers no longer need to show pre-advertising with Work and Income (MSD); instead, they provide a declaration.

5. From ANZSCO to the National Occupation List (NOL)

  • Immigration NZ has begun shifting away from the ANZSCO job classification system to a National Occupation List (NOL).
  • This affects how job skill levels are assessed and which roles are eligible for visas.

6. Family-Focused Reforms

  • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders who meet income thresholds can support partners and children.
  • The dependent child threshold is now NZD 55,844/year, strengthening family stability.

What This Means for You

Your SituationKey Benefits & Challenges
Skilled professional with NZ job offersClearer eligibility through the 6-point system
Family-focused applicantsStronger support options for partners and children, with updated income thresholds.
EmployersMore flexibility: no median wage rule, extended AEWV durations, but must meet “market rate” fairness.
Future planners (2026)Keep an eye on future NOL updates and median wage re-indexing to stay competitive.

Final Word

The 2024–2026 period marks a streamlined and more flexible phase for New Zealand’s skilled migration system. With simplified points, adjusted wage settings, and family-friendly updates, the focus is clear: attract and retain high-value talent. Whether you’re applying as a solo professional or planning a move with your family, staying aligned with official Immigration NZ updates is your best route to a smooth transition