More New Zealand businesses, including automotive trades, will soon be able to attract and retain the workforce they need under the Government’s introduction of two new skilled migrant residence pathways.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says skilled and experienced migrants play a vital role in filling workforce gaps and helping businesses grow.
“Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience that was not available in the existing workforce. We’re fixing it.”
From mid-2026, the Government will open two new residence pathways.
The Skilled Work Experience pathway will apply to migrants in skilled roles with at least five years of directly relevant work experience, including two years in New Zealand where they have been paid at least 1.1 times the median wage.
The Trades and Technician pathway will be for migrants in specified skilled roles who hold a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above and have at least four years of relevant post-qualification experience, including 18 months in New Zealand where they have been paid at or above the median wage.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the Government is balancing the need to attract higher-skilled workers while managing migration levels and ensuring New Zealanders remain prioritised for jobs.
“This helps Kiwi businesses access the skills and experience needed to grow the economy, while hiring New Zealanders where they can.
“These changes are part of a suite of smart, flexible and nuanced immigration solutions we’ve introduced.
“The Skilled Work Experience pathway is designed to help employers retain experienced workers who are already contributing to New Zealand’s economy and have demonstrated value in their roles.
“The Trades and Technician pathway recognises the practical skills needed in industries where sub-degree qualifications are widely used and valued.
“To ensure the new pathways are focused on where skilled and experienced migrants are most needed, additional eligibility restrictions will be placed on some occupations.”
Details on eligible occupations and requirements for the Trades and Technician pathway will be released before the mid-2026 rollout.
Stanford says another change will shorten the time migrants with New Zealand university qualifications must work in the country before being eligible for residence.
“We are also reducing the amount of time that migrants with New Zealand university qualifications need to work in New Zealand before they can get residence. This is about further incentivising people to study here – and keep contributing after they graduate.”
