New pathways to open in mid-2026, government says
The New Zealand government has announced two new residence pathways that businesses have said would give them "certainty" and help fill critical skills gaps.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis introduced on Tuesday the new Skilled Work Experience Pathway and the Trades and Technician Pathway.
The pathways, which will open in mid-2026, aim to ease the challenges faced by skilled migrants on their way to residency.
"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," Willis said in a statement.
"We're fixing it."
The Skilled Work Experience Pathway is for migrant workers in skilled roles who have at least five years of directly relevant work experience.
This should include two years of experience in New Zealand where they have been paid at least 1.1 times the median wage.
"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," said Immigration Minister Erica Stanford in a statement.
The Trades and Technician Pathway is for migrants in specified skilled roles who have a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above.
They would also need to have at least four years of relevant post-qualification skilled work experience, including at least 18 months in New Zealand where they have been paid at or above the minimum wage.
"The Trades and Technician pathway recognises the practical skills needed in industries where sub-degree qualifications are widely used and valued," Stanford said.
The immigration minister said the new pathways will help employers access the skills and experience needed to grow the economy, while also hiring New Zealanders where they can.
"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," she added.
New pathways welcomed
The Employers and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand (EMA) welcomed the new pathways and agreed that they will help fill critical skills gaps across sectors.
"These changes give certainty to businesses that they can retain valued staff who are already contributing to New Zealand, while also signalling to migrants that their skills and experience are recognised and rewarded," said Joanna Hall, EMA Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, in a statement.
"Importantly, it shows the government is listening to employers and recognising the vital role vocational education and training plays in driving growth."
Hall said they will work closely with their members and the government to ensure that the new pathways will meet the needs of employers.
