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 trades & technicians pathway?
This is a pathway within the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) for people working in specified trade and technician occupations. It has its own qualification and experience requirements rather than requiring a six-point claim.
Not every trade or technical job qualifies. The occupation must be eligible, and the qualification and work experience must be relevant to the employment being used for the application.
The key requirements
The pathway requires:
•Qualifying employment in an eligible occupation, paid at least the applicable SMC wage threshold.
•A relevant qualification recognised at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
At least two years and six months of directly relevant post-qualification experience in an ANZSCO skill level 1–3 occupation.
An additional 18 months of qualifying post-qualification skilled employment in New Zealand.
This amounts to at least four years of post-qualification work. The same period cannot be counted in both experience components.
Understanding the qualification requirement
The qualification must be relevant to the role, not simply at a sufficient level. Where it was gained and how it was awarded also matter.
For a New Zealand qualification, the minimum is generally 120 credits. A qualifying combination of the relevant qualification and prerequisite New Zealand qualifications may meet that total. Credits awarded through recognition of prior learning do not count towards this minimum.
For an overseas qualification, an NZQA International Qualification Assessment is required for this pathway. The New Zealand 120-credit requirement does not apply to the overseas qualification. Do not assume that an exemption used for another immigration category removes the assessment requirement here.
Occupational registration may also be necessary to lawfully perform particular work. Holding registration and meeting the qualification requirement are separate matters to check.
When does work experience count?
All work being claimed must have been gained after receiving the relevant qualification. Experience before that point cannot be used to complete the four-year requirement.
The two-and-a-half-year relevant component must fall within the ten years before applying. It can be gained overseas or in New Zealand. The additional 18-month New Zealand component must fall within the three years before applying and meet the applicable pay and skilled-employment requirements.
Self-employment cannot be counted as directly relevant experience. Establishing the qualification date and separating the two components helps avoid counting the same months twice.
Personal requirements and applying
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.
An Expression of Interest and invitation precede the SMC residence application. The formal application needs evidence supporting the claims; completing the required work period does not result in residence automatically.
Checking the occupation
Eligibility depends on the specified occupation and its classification. A broad description such as “technician”, “builder” or “engineer” is not enough to establish the match.
Examples on the eligible list include Carpenter and Joiner, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Architectural Draftsperson and Veterinary Nurse.
These examples illustrate the range of roles; they do not mean every person using a similar title qualifies.
Compare the actual duties with the occupation being claimed. Keep the employment description, qualification and work-history records consistent with that assessment.
Preparing the evidence
Start with the qualification certificate, transcript and any required NZQA assessment. Then create a dated work history showing which employment occurred after the qualification was awarded.
Useful supporting records include:
Employment agreements and job descriptions.
Earnings and tax records supporting the work periods.
Records of pay changes, duties and hours.
Evidence of any relevant occupational registration.
An explanation of gaps or differences between documents.
The aim is a coherent record showing the eligible occupation, relevant qualification and two separate experience components.
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.
