The New Skilled Work Experience Pathway Explained
One of the major changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is the introduction of the new Skilled Work Experience Pathway.
Here's a simplified breakdown of the policy:
Need to work in a skilled role (Level 1 - 3 ANZSCO)
5 years of directly relevant work experience
2 of those years must be gained in NZ at 1.1 times the SMC median wage
The New Skilled Work Experience Pathway
Right now, if your income, qualifications or occupational registration don't quite get you to the 6 points you need for residence, you can use your skilled work experience in New Zealand to help top up your points and reach that threshold.
From 24 August 2026, things are changing. A brand new pathway is opening up that lets you qualify for residence based on your work experience alone. This sits completely separate from the existing points-based system, so think of it as a second door into residence.
Who can use this pathway?
To qualify, you'll need to tick all three of these boxes:
You're working in (or have a job offer for) a skilled role that sits at ANZSCO skill level 1, 2 or 3, and that role pays at least 1.1 times the SMC wage threshold.
You have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in a skill level 1 to 3 occupation. This experience can be from anywhere, not just New Zealand.
On top of that, you have a further 2 years of skilled work experience here in New Zealand, again in a skill level 1 to 3 occupation, and again paid at least 1.1 times the SMC wage threshold.
In short, you're looking at 5 years of skilled experience in total, with at least 2 of those years earned in New Zealand at the required pay rate.
Here's a (very) simple scenario:
Jane is an accountant with 8 years of relevant work experience gained in South Africa.
She doesn't hold a formal qualification (i.e. a degree).
She is working in NZ as a Management Accountant for an accredited NZ employer.
Jane's occupation falls under ANZSCO Level 1 (Management Accountant).
She has worked in New Zealand with the same employer for 2 years and is receiving an annual salary of $75,000.
Based on the above scenario, an applicant like Jane would now qualify under the upcoming SMC instructions in August (provided she meets all other requirements).
Under the current settings, Jane would have had limited pathways to Residence (she would have had to meet much higher income requirements).
A few important things to know
If your job (or job offer) sits on the Amber List, there are some extra requirements you'll need to meet before you're eligible.
If your job is on the Red List or is an ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 occupation, this pathway won't be available to you.
And one more thing worth flagging: self-employment doesn't count as relevant work experience here, so it can't be used towards your years.
Questions or concerns? We’re here to help. Contact us today for a confidential, obligation-free chat about your Resident Visa options.
