New Zealand continues to position itself as one of the most forward-looking countries for skilled migration. In October 2025, the government rolled out major updates that directly impact how overseas professionals can transition from work visas to permanent residency.
For migrants currently employed under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or those planning to build their careers in Aotearoa, these changes mark a major step forward. Let’s explore how the new policies reshape the path to long-term settlement.
Two New Residency Pathways Announced
In September 2025, the government introduced two new residence options that will officially take effect from mid-2026. These are designed to recognise experience and skill contribution rather than just salary thresholds:
- Skilled Work Experience Pathway – For applicants in ANZSCO Level 1–3 roles earning at least 1.1 times the median wage. Eligibility requires five years of relevant work experience, including at least two years in New Zealand.
- Trades and Technician Pathway – Tailored for qualified tradespeople and technical workers whose career growth may not align with high-income bands but who have accumulated strong practical experience.
Another welcome change is that applicants will no longer need to increase their wage during the residency process. Maintaining the median wage will now be sufficient, making the system fairer and more accessible.
These new pathways reflect the government’s ongoing effort to recognise long-term contribution and create a balanced approach for skilled workers across industries.
Reduced Work Experience Requirement
In a significant policy shift, the required work experience for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is being reduced from three years to two.
This means skilled professionals who have been working in New Zealand for at least two years may soon become eligible to apply for residency under the new rules. This change not only accelerates the migration timeline but also makes New Zealand a more competitive destination for global talent.
For many current AEWV holders, this could be the best time to start preparing documentation and aligning employment records with SMC requirements.
AEWV and National Occupation List Updates
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) remains at the heart of New Zealand’s skilled migration framework, and recent adjustments have made it more efficient and inclusive.
From 3 November 2025, nearly 90 new roles will be added to the National Occupation List (NOL), expanding eligibility for skilled employment across multiple industries, from healthcare and construction to engineering and IT.
At the same time, Immigration New Zealand has introduced a redesigned job check form to improve accuracy and speed. This new system includes:
- Clearer employer guidance,
- Built-in validation checks to reduce processing errors, and
- Simplified fields for faster approval times.
Updated wage thresholds have also come into effect, ensuring alignment with the latest median wage data from June 2024. These refinements are aimed at maintaining fairness and preventing exploitation, while still attracting top international talent.
New Seasonal Pathways Supporting the Workforce
While residency pathways take centre stage, the government has also developed complementary options that support the wider workforce. The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV), launching in December 2025, will provide structured, temporary opportunities for overseas workers.
These short-term visas not only address industry shortages but also give applicants a way to gain local experience that can later count towards permanent residency eligibility under skilled categories.
Why These Changes Matter
The October 2025 reforms show a clear policy direction: simplify the route to residency and make it more achievable for people who have proven their skills and commitment to New Zealand.
For international professionals, this means:
- Faster eligibility for residency through reduced experience requirements,
- Broader recognition of skills through new pathways, and
- Simpler AEWV processes that directly link to long-term residence opportunities.
For employers, the updates reduce administrative hurdles, allowing accredited companies to retain skilled staff who can confidently plan for residency.
Preparing for Residency in 2026
If you are currently on a work visa or planning to migrate soon, this is the right time to plan. Here’s how to stay ready:
- Track your New Zealand work experience closely, as the two-year benchmark will soon become key.
- Stay informed about your occupation’s status on the updated National Occupation List.
- Ensure your employment contract meets the latest median wage requirements.
- Discuss your residency timeline with your accredited employer to align expectations.
These proactive steps can make your transition from work to residency seamless when the new policies take full effect in 2026.
New Zealand’s immigration policy is evolving in a way that rewards skill, consistency, and contribution. The October 2025 updates show that the government wants to retain talent, simplify pathways, and give hardworking migrants a fair chance to call New Zealand home.
For those already contributing to the economy through work visas, the future looks brighter. With reduced barriers, clearer pathways, and stronger recognition of experience, the dream of permanent residency in New Zealand is now more achievable than ever.