The Trades and Technician Pathway is a new route to New Zealand residence, starting from 24 August 2026. It's built around trade quals and real on-the-job experience, not a degree or a top-dollar wage. It covers roles like electricians, plumbers, builders, HVAC technicians, and welders.
The tradie take: this is a good move for trades. It puts on-the-tools experience on the same footing as a degree, gives employers a real retention tool, and gives skilled migrant tradies a clear, achievable path to stay for good.
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The Trades and Technician Pathway is a new route to residence under New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), open from 24 August 2026. Unlike the broader SMC, which has usually favoured degree-level qualifications and higher wage thresholds, this pathway is built around trade quals and real on-the-job experience. If you've put in the years on the tools and hold a relevant Level 4 or above qualification, this immigration route is designed for you.
It's also worth being clear about what it isn't. It's not an open door. There are occupation, wage, qualification and work-history requirements behind it. But if you meet them, it's a genuine route to permanent residency for you and your family, with access to KiwiSaver, ACC, and public services.
To be eligible from 24 August 2026, you need to meet all four of the following criteria.
Covers ANZSCO skill level 1–3 trades, including electricians, plumbers, drainlayers, builders, HVAC/refrigeration mechanics, welders, and more.
Check the full list on the Immigration NZ website.
You to be on the NZ Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), Level 4 or above. NZ quals need 120+ credits. Overseas quals may need an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA).
This must be directly relevant experience in an ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 occupation, gained after you received your qualification. At least 18 months of this experience must have been completed in New Zealand, paid at or above the median wage. Work done before you qualified doesn't count, even if it was in the same trade.
Self-employed? It doesn't count. Immigration NZ has confirmed sole trader work can't be used as experience under this pathway. Only time spent as an employee counts. If you've been running your own business as a sole trader, that time won't count toward the requirements, even if the work itself was in your trade.
Must be paid at or above the SMC median wage, within a set lookback window. Timing is the thing most likely to trip people up; get it wrong, and your application can be declined.
Not every trade-sounding job qualifies as you'd expect. Some roles sit on the Red or Amber lists instead, which changes what's required:
Check your occupation and ANZSCO code at immigration.govt.nz before assuming this pathway applies to you.
It means that it'll be easier for you to keep your skilled migrant tradies for good. If they've got the trade quals and on-the-tools experience, they don't need a fancy degree or top-dollar wage to get residency anymore. That means less visa juggling, less risk of losing good staff when their work visa runs out, and more certainty when you're planning your crew long-term.
Residence is one of the strongest retention tools you've got. A worker who can see a clear path to residency through working for you is more likely to stay, and it means a more predictable pipeline through Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV), without paying well above median wage.
A few things worth knowing:
Being able to explain this pathway clearly to potential workers and demonstrate that you pay fairly and keep good records is a real advantage over employers who can't.
If you're a skilled tradie on a work visa in New Zealand and think you might qualify, the most important thing you can do right now is start keeping proper records of your experience.
The lookback windows and date requirements are specific. Getting the timing wrong can mean a declined application. A licensed immigration adviser can map your experience against the confirmed requirements before you apply. Find one at iaa.govt.nz. Avoid unlicensed advisers, as providing immigration advice without a licence is illegal in New Zealand.
A successful residence application covers you and your family. Partners may be eligible for open work visas, and dependent children can access schooling. Check the current family inclusion rules at immigration.govt.nz.
The pathway opens 24 August 2026, and you apply online through the Immigration NZ portal. Here's the general process:
Get advice if you're not sure. A licensed immigration adviser can check your eligibility before you apply and help you avoid common timing errors. Find one at iaa.govt.nz.
For trade employers, this pathway is a reminder that the paperwork behind your team is as important as the work. You need to get in order their pay slips, employment agreements, and accurate job records. They're going to be what your workers need to build their futures here.
Tradify keeps job records, timesheets, and invoicing in one place, so the information is there when you need it. If you're running a team and want to get on top of the admin side, try Tradify free for 14 days.
Start a 14-day free trial. No credit card required. No pressure. Or jump on one of our weekly 30-min live demos as we show you Tradify in action.