19/08/2025
Heads up, Kiwi employers & skilled migrants! Big changes to skilled migration and residency rules are LIVE as of August 18—let’s break the key bits down!
First, employers sponsoring someone for a skilled residency visa? You must offer a role that hits the new wage threshold for their job. This applies to skilled migration, work-to-residency, and direct residency applications.
For folks on work visas already chasing residency: If you switch jobs, apply for a new work visa, or get a pay cut, your new wage needs to meet the current threshold to count toward residency. Good news? If thresholds go up later, employers don’t have to bump existing staff’s pay!
Oh, and a win for labor needs—10 new trades just joined the Work-to-Residency Green List! Think Metal Fabricators, Welders, Auto Painters, Road Paver Operators, and more. Work 2 years in these roles (and hit the wage bar) and you could apply for residency.
Need to check the right wage rate? Tap here: immigration.govt.nz/work/requirements-for-work-visas/wage-rates-for-work-visas/