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Policy updates

Policy updates log

Changes to New Zealand immigration rules that affect the tools and guides on this site, newest first. Each entry links to its official source.

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  1. In effect

    SMC overhaul in effect: 2 new pathways, higher qualification points, faster experience points

    The Skilled Work Experience and Trades & Technician pathways opened alongside the Points-based pathway. Overseas bachelor's degrees now earn 4 points (was 3), NZ bachelor's/honours/PGDip/PGCert earn 5, and a NZ master's with 30 weeks of full-time NZ study plus a bachelor's earns 6. NZ skilled work experience now scores 3 points for 2 years (was 3 years), 2 points for 1.5 years. CPA Australia members who can work as Qualified Statutory Accountants can claim 6 points via registration, and English test validity extends to 5 years for registered applicants.

    Source: INZ — Final details about changes to the SMC Resident Visa and work to residence visas; Amendment Circular 2026-16

  2. In effect

    Work to Residence wage calculation rules changed

    From 24 August 2026, work-to-residence applicants (Work to Residence, Care Workforce WTR, Transport WTR) can count NZ work experience at the wage rate that applied to their occupation when their work visa was granted, provided they started earning at least that rate within 5 months of the grant. The 24-months-in-30-months experience requirement is unchanged. Most SMC applicants also now only meet the wage threshold in effect when they started accruing skilled work experience.

    Source: INZ — Final details about changes to the SMC Resident Visa and work to residence visas

  3. In effect

    Immigration median wage rises to $35.00/hour; 47 new occupations recognised

    The immigration median wage increased from $33.56 to $35.00/hour, moving every indexed threshold (SMC job requirements, income points, Green List pay rates). 47 occupations were added to the National Occupation List for AEWV purposes.

    Source: INZ — New occupations recognised and annual median wage increase

  4. In effect

    Pearson publishes updated PTE Academic ↔ IELTS concordance

    Pearson's July 2025 concordance study supersedes the 2020 table for the enhanced PTE Academic (IELTS 6.5 now concords with PTE 55–62, previously 58–64). INZ still sets its own minimum scores — the SMC line remains PTE 58 / IELTS 6.5.

    Source: Pearson — PTE Academic / IELTS concordance study summary (July 2025)