India, July 30 -- New Zealand will introduce significant changes to its Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa from August 24, 2026, adding two new pathways to residence, revising its existing points-based system and changing how wage thresholds are assessed.

For Indians planning to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category, the changes mean there will be additional routes to qualify for residence, alongside updates to qualification requirements, work experience rules and application procedures.

From August 24, 2026, New Zealand will introduce two new pathways under the Skilled Migrant Category:

These will be available alongside the existing Points-based pathway.

The Skilled Work Experience pathway will allow eligible applicants ...