Trades and Technician Pathway — NZ Residence Check

Level 4+ qualification plus 2.5 years post-qualification experience and 1.5 years skilled NZ work at the median wage.

About the Trades and Technician Pathway

Since 24 August 2026, the Trades and Technician pathway has been part of the Skilled Migrant Category for tradespeople and technicians whose occupation appears on the eligible Trades and Technician list. You need a relevant Level 4+ qualification on the NZQCF (or an overseas equivalent assessed by NZQA, unless an LQEA exemption applies), at least 2 years 6 months of relevant post-qualification experience in any country (within the last 10 years), and at least 1 year 6 months of skilled NZ experience in your trade after qualification (within the last 3 years) — paid at or above the SMC wage threshold.

All work experience must be completed after your qualification date. The NZ component must be paid at least the SMC wage threshold — $35.00 an hour for experience starting on or after 9 March 2026. 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. If your occupation was on the Trades and Technician list when you started your NZ experience, you remain eligible under this pathway even if the occupation is later removed.

Not sure this is your best route? The SMC Pathfinder compares Trades and Technician with the Points-based and Skilled Work Experience pathways. If you're close but not quite there — qualification recognition still pending, or short on New Zealand post-qualification experience — book a 30-minute consultation ($99) with our IAA Licensed Immigration Advisers and we'll map the shortest route.