17/06/2026
📢 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND UPDATE – Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Changes Confirmed
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced the final details of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) changes, which will take effect from 24 August 2026.
Key Changes Include:
✅ Clarification of wage threshold assessments across all relevant Skilled Residence visa categories.
✅ Updated qualification evidence requirements.
✅ Removal of the 120-credit requirement for overseas Trade and Technician qualifications.
✅ Confirmation that New Zealand Trade and Technician qualifications must have a minimum of 120 credits (which may be achieved through multiple qualifications where lower-level qualifications are prerequisites).
✅ Self-employment will not be counted as directly relevant work experience under the new Trades and Technician Pathway and Skilled Work Experience Pathway.
✅ Stronger measures to support genuine skilled employment.
Qualification Evidence Requirements Clarified
📚 Applicants claiming points for Level 8 or Level 9 qualifications (except those claiming 5 points for a New Zealand Master's degree) must also hold a supporting Bachelor's degree or equivalent undergraduate qualification.
📄 Evidence required:
• Qualification certificate
• Academic transcript
🌏 For overseas qualifications, an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) is generally required unless the qualification appears on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA).
✔️ An IQA is not required for supporting Bachelor's degrees.
✔️ Applicants claiming 5 points for a New Zealand Master's degree do not need to provide evidence of a Bachelor's degree.
Points System Updates
⬆️ Bachelor's degrees increase from 3 to 4 points
⬆️ Washington Accord and Sydney Accord accredited qualifications increase from 3 to 4 points
➡️ Master's and Doctoral qualifications remain unchanged
The Government previously announced reforms designed to help New Zealand employers attract and retain skilled workers while supporting long-term economic growth through:
🔹 Trades and Technician Residence Pathway
🔹 Skilled Work Experience Residence Pathway
🔹 Greater recognition of New Zealand qualifications
🔹 Simplified Skilled Migrant Category settings
Source - Immigration New Zealand
📞 FREE Consultation Available
📧 [email protected]
📱 +64 22 025 4402
🌐 www.skilledmigrationnz.co.nz
📍 Skilled Migration NZ
⭐ Trusted. Experienced. Successful.
11/06/2026
⏳ Latest New Zealand Visa Processing Times – Immigration NZ Update 🇳🇿
Planning your journey to New Zealand? Here are the latest average processing times from Immigration New Zealand:
✈️ NZeTA – 24 Hours (80% completed within 3 days)
🧳 Visitor Visa – 4 Days (80% completed within 2 weeks)
💼 Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – 4 Weeks (80% completed within 7 weeks)
🏡 Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa – 10 Weeks (80% completed within 5 months)
🌟 Straight to Residence Visa – 9 Weeks (80% completed within 5 months)
🔹 Work to Residence Visa – 9 Weeks (80% completed within 11 weeks)
✅ Permanent Resident Visa – 3 Days (80% completed within 3 weeks)
⚠️ Processing times are indicative only and may vary depending on the complexity of the application and supporting documents provided.
Your New Zealand dream starts with the right guidance. Let us help you make it a reality! 🇳🇿
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.skilledmigrationnz.co.nz
📱 +64 22 025 4402
📍 Skilled Migration NZ
✅ Trusted. Experienced. Successful.
🇳🇿
10/06/2026
📢 Join Our Team – Licensed Immigration Adviser Wanted 🇳🇿
Skilled Migration NZ Limited is expanding, and we are looking for a motivated and professional Licensed Immigration Adviser to join our growing team in Auckland.
📍 Location: Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand
🔹 Position Available:
Licensed Immigration Adviser
We welcome applications from:
• Holders of a Full Immigration Adviser Licence
• Holders of a Provisional Immigration Adviser Licence
• Individuals currently studying towards becoming a Licensed Immigration Adviser (supervision and support available)
💼 What We Offer:
✔ Supportive and experienced team environment
✔ Professional development and career growth opportunities
✔ Supervision and mentoring for Provisional Licence holders
✔ Modern and friendly workplace
✔ Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in clients' immigration journeys
🎯 About You:
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to ethical and professional immigration advice
• Client-focused approach with excellent attention to detail
• Passion for helping individuals and families achieve their New Zealand goals
If you are looking to build your career with a trusted and growing immigration consultancy, we would love to hear from you.
📧 Please send your CV and Cover Letter to:
[email protected]
📞 For further information, contact:
+64 22 025 4402
Skilled Migration NZ Limited
Helping clients achieve their New Zealand dream with trusted immigration advice
11/06/2026
10/06/2026