Skilled Work Experience Pathway — NZ Residence Check

5+ years of relevant experience structured as a non-overlapping 3 + 2 split, with the 2 NZ years at the elevated wage.

About the Skilled Work Experience Pathway (SR3.35)

Since 24 August 2026, the Skilled Work Experience pathway has been one of two newer routes within the Skilled Migrant Category. It is designed for experienced migrants who have built a long career in their occupation and have proved themselves at the elevated wage in New Zealand. You need at least 5 years of relevant work experience in total, split as a minimum of 3 years of directly relevant experience (any country, within the last 10 years) plus at least 2 years of skilled NZ work experience (within the last 4 years) — the two cannot overlap.

Standard occupations require the NZ portion to be paid at least 1.1× the SMC wage threshold ($38.50/hour for experience starting on or after 9 March 2026). Amber List occupations require 1.2× ($42.00/hour), and all 3 years of directly relevant experience must have been gained in New Zealand. Red List occupations are excluded from this pathway and must apply via the Points-based pathway. If you started work within 5 months of your work visa being granted, the threshold in force on your visa grant date can apply instead.

Not sure this is your best route? The SMC Pathfinder compares it with the Points-based and Trades and Technician pathways. If you're close on experience or wage, small changes — a higher rate, a slightly longer NZ stint, or a registration pathway — can swing eligibility. Book a consultation with our IAA Licensed Immigration Advisers and we'll map the cleanest route.