Immigration New Zealand has announced further details on changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), taking effect from late August 2026.
For hospitality businesses that employ — or plan to recruit — migrant workers, the news is not particularly welcome. Several key hospitality roles have been placed on the amber list, meaning migrants in these positions will face additional requirements on their pathway to residence.
For hospitality businesses that employ — or plan to recruit — migrant workers, the news is not particularly welcome. Several key hospitality roles have been placed on the amber list, meaning migrants in these positions will face additional requirements on their pathway to residence.
What is the Skilled Migrant Category?
The SMC is New Zealand’s main residence pathway for skilled migrants. In September 2025, the Government announced a series of changes designed to help employers retain skilled workers and support long-term economic growth. The latest announcement confirms the finer details of how those changes will work in practice.
The Amber List — Hospitality roles
One of the more significant changes for the hospitality sector is the introduction of red and amber occupation lists. Several hospitality roles have been placed on the amber list, including:
- Café/restaurant manager
- Chef
- Baker
- Pastrycook
- Hotel or Motel Manager
- Hotel Service Manager
- Accommodation and Hospitality Manager
- Bed and Breakfast Operator
- Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager
Migrants working in amber list occupations are still eligible for residence, but face additional requirements under the new Skilled Work Experience pathway. Specifically, they must have at least five years of relevant eligible work experience in New Zealand, including two years earning at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage.
Amber list occupations are still eligible under the existing SMC pathway if the migrant earns at least 1.5 times the SMC median wage, holds a Bachelor’s qualification or above, or holds a recognised occupational registration.
The amber list was determined based on evidence of historic immigration risk, including indicators of role inflation and immigration fraud. Immigration New Zealand has noted these lists will be reviewed regularly.
Other key changes
Beyond the occupation lists, there are several other changes to note:
- Wage thresholds: Migrants will only need to meet the SMC median wage in effect when they start gaining skilled work experience, rather than meeting a potentially higher threshold at the time of application.
- Qualification points: From August 2026, qualifications completed in New Zealand will attract one additional point compared to equivalent overseas qualifications.
- English language tests: For applicants holding a recognised occupational registration, English language test results will be valid for five years.
- AEWV extension: From 2027, migrants who need up to 12 additional months of skilled work experience will be able to apply to extend their Accredited Employer Work Visa to meet SMC requirements.
What should employers do?
If your business employs migrant workers in any of the roles listed above, it is worth familiarising yourself with the new requirements ahead of the August 2026 changes. We recommend speaking with a licensed immigration adviser if you have specific questions about how these changes may affect your employees.
For full details, visit the Immigration New Zealand website.