In plain English
Most SMC applicants now meet a single wage threshold — generally the one in effect when they started skilled work. New Trades and Technician and Skilled Work Experience pathways are live.
Key points
- A 5-month grace period applies if the threshold rises before you start work.
- Level 8 or 9 points need a supporting bachelor’s degree (except a NZ master’s claiming 5 points).
- Bachelor’s degree points rose from 3 to 4.
- Self-employment doesn’t count as experience for the two new pathways.
Who’s affected
Skilled migrants and work-to-residence applicants.
What you should do
Re-check your points and wage history against the new rules.
Immigration New Zealand, “Skilled Migrant Category changes took effect on 24 August”, published 18 June 2026. Read the full announcement. Summary by Destination NZI; INZ content © Crown, licensed under CC BY 3.0 NZ.
Related visas
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