New Zealand Immigration Shake-Up: Clearer Pathways to Residence and Enhanced Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
A comprehensive analysis of the latest strategic immigration changes announced by Immigration New Zealand, aimed at attracting and retaining skilled talent.
written by: PL – Continent Surfer
In a comprehensive effort to foster long-term economic stability, encourage growth, and effectively retain skilled workers, the New Zealand government is implementing significant and thoughtful changes to its immigration system. These reforms focus on two key areas: the framework for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, which leads to permanent settlement.
1. Integrating the National Occupation List (NOL) into the AEWV
New Zealand’s immigration system is gradually transitioning to the new National Occupation List (NOL), which replaces the older ANZSCO system. The NOL is designed to be a more accurate reflection of the current New Zealand labour market.
Key Changes (Effective Date: November 3, 2025)
Recognition of 87 New Higher-Skilled Occupations
The most significant change is that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will begin recognizing 87 new occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 under the NOL for AEWV applications. This move is aimed at ensuring that higher-skilled occupations receive appropriate recognition within the temporary work visa framework.
Benefits for Skilled AEWV Holders:
- AEWV holders in Skill Level 1-3 roles will be able to stay longer in New Zealand (up to 5 years total, subject to standard AEWV settings).
- They may also find it easier to support family visa applications.
Transition Opportunity from Lower-Skilled Roles:
AEWV holders currently working in directly relevant Skill Level 4 or 5 roles may be able to transition into one of these 87 newly recognized roles if they meet one of the following criteria:
- They have at least 3 years of directly relevant work experience, OR
- They hold a recognised qualification in the field.
This flexibility allows experienced workers already in New Zealand to potentially extend their stay by moving into a higher-skilled designation.
Employer Requirements:
Employers must continue to comply with standard AEWV rules: advertising the role first, holding accreditation, and submitting a new “job check” application. Crucially, the job description and remuneration must clearly align with the requirements of the chosen NOL occupation.
2. Major Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
The second, and perhaps most impactful, area of reform involves the SMC Resident Visa, intended to make New Zealand more competitive in the global talent market.
Key Changes (Effective Date: August 2026)
A. Introducing Two New Residence Pathways to Value Practical Experience
The government is launching two new residence pathways that specifically reward local experience and vocational skills:
- Skilled work experience pathway:
- For migrants in skilled roles (ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3).
- Condition: At least 5 years of directly relevant skilled work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand, earning at least 1.1 times the median wage.
- Trades and technician pathway:
- For migrants in specified trades or technician roles.
- Condition: Holding a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification, and having at least 4 years of post-qualification relevant work experience, including 18 months in New Zealand, paid at or above the median wage.
B. Refinements to the Points System and Experience Reduction
The current points-based pathways are also being modernised:
- NZ Qualification Advantage: Increased points will be allocated for New Zealand university-level qualifications. This supports the International Education Plan for Growth and encourages international students to study locally.
- Reduced Required NZ Work Experience: The maximum period of New Zealand work experience required to reach certain points for SMC residence is being modestly reduced for most migrants, from a maximum of 3 years down to a maximum of 2 years. This significantly enhances the international competitiveness of the SMC.
- Simplified Wage Assessment: The former requirement to meet an increased wage rate when applying for residence is being removed. Instead, migrants will only need to maintain the relevant skilled wage rate (e.g., median wage, 1.5x median wage) throughout the entire required period of New Zealand work experience up until the residence application.
Important Exclusions and Notes:
- Occupations on the “Red list” will be excluded from the new Skilled work experience and Trades and technician pathways.
- Occupations on the “Amber list” will have additional eligibility criteria to access the Skilled work experience pathway and will not be eligible for the Trades and technician pathway.
- Standard requirements for health, character, and English language proficiency will continue to apply.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s comprehensive immigration reforms signal that the country acknowledges the value of skilled migrants’ contributions and is committed to creating a more flexible and predictable path towards long-term settlement.
The AEWV and NOL integration provides immediate benefits for higher-skilled workers, while the SMC reform offers targeted and equitable pathways to residence, specifically rewarding local experience and qualifications. Prospective migrants and employers should monitor official INZ announcements closely, particularly as detailed instructions for the SMC pathways become available closer to the August 2026 implementation date.
Did you know?
💡 New Zealand was the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in 1893! 🗳️ Equality First! ⛰️
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