Skilled work experience pathway.

A residence pathway for people whose skills are demonstrated through a substantial employment history.

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What is the skilled experience pathway?

The Skilled Work Experience pathway is part of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). It recognises relevant employment experience rather than requiring you to qualify through the six-point route.

It is not available simply because you have worked for five years. The occupation, relationship between your past and current work, New Zealand experience and pay must all meet the rules.

How much experience is required?

The standard requirement is five years in total, made up of two separate components:

  • At least three years of directly relevant, full-time work in an ANZSCO skill level 1–3 occupation, gained within the ten years before your residence application.

  • An additional two years of qualifying skilled employment in New Zealand, in an ANZSCO skill level 1–3 occupation, gained within the four years before your residence application.

The same period cannot be used for both components. Your earlier relevant experience can generally be from overseas or New Zealand, but Amber List occupations have a stricter New Zealand experience requirement. Self-employment cannot be counted as directly relevant work experience for this pathway. A detailed employment timeline is important, particularly where you have changed roles or countries or have gaps in your records.

Your current New Zealand employment

You must have qualifying skilled employment or an offer from an accredited employer. The general SMC employment requirements cover guaranteed hours, employment duration and the relevant wage threshold.

Full-time employment means at least 30 hours a week.

An existing work visa does not establish that the residence requirements are met. A role may be suitable for temporary work without qualifying for this particular residence pathway.

What pay is required?

For occupations outside the Amber List, the current employment and qualifying New Zealand experience must meet at least 1.1 times the applicable SMC wage threshold.

The threshold date matters. Work does not necessarily start counting on your first day in New Zealand: it must meet the applicable requirements. Pay rises, changes in duties and gaps should be mapped against the periods claimed.

Preparing the evidence

Build a timeline showing the employer, country, dates, duties, hours and pay for each period. Keep the earlier relevant experience separate from the additional New Zealand component.

Useful preparation includes:

  • Employment agreements and detailed job descriptions.

  • Earnings or tax records supporting the periods claimed.

  • Supporting employer records explaining the work performed.

  • A record of promotions, duty changes and pay changes.

  • An explanation of any missing or inconsistent dates.

A CV helps organise the history, but the underlying records need to support it. Avoid reducing a complex career history to a total number of years without checking what each period can establish.

Which occupations can qualify?

Your current skilled job or offer must be in an ANZSCO skill level 1–3 occupation. ANZSCO is the occupational classification used to assess the type and skill level of the work.

The duties matter, not just the title on your agreement. Your evidence should explain what you actually do and how the experience being claimed is directly relevant to the current role.

Red List occupations are excluded from this pathway. Amber List occupations have additional requirements, including earning at least 1.2 times the applicable SMC wage threshold and gaining the three-year relevant-experience component in New Zealand. Combined with the additional two-year component, that means at least five years of qualifying New Zealand experience for an Amber List case.

General requirements

The principal applicant must be 55 or younger and meet the applicable English-language, health and character requirements. Eligible family members may be included, subject to their own requirements.

The SMC process begins with an Expression of Interest, followed by an invitation to apply where the requirements are met. The residence application must substantiate the claims. An invitation is not an approval.

Assess the occupation first, then the two experience components and pay history. This establishes whether there is a qualifying route now, what evidence needs strengthening and whether more qualifying work is required.

This guide explains the category in general terms. Immigration instructions can change; eligibility depends on the rules and circumstances applicable to your application.

Notes on this guide…

This guide explains the category in general terms. Immigration instructions can change; eligibility depends on the rules and circumstances applicable to your application.

Check your points-based eligibility

Try our online assessment form, which will give us all the information we need to determine the most suitable option for your circumstances.