Working in a trade? Three simple things to know about New Zealand's residence route

Visa guide · 2026-09-26 · 3 min read

Do you work in construction or another skilled trade? New Zealand is short of skilled workers in many regions. Recently, Immigration New Zealand added two new routes to its Skilled Migrant Category. This is a visa system for skilled people who want to live in New Zealand. This guide explains the first route in simple words.

What is the Trades and Technician Pathway?

It is a way to apply for residence. Residence means you can live in New Zealand for the long term. The pathway is for people with trade skills and real work experience.

To qualify, you need three things:

A Level 4 or higher qualification.
At least four years of relevant experience.
18 months of this experience must be in New Zealand, and the pay must be at or above the median wage. The median wage is the middle wage of all workers.

The other new route is the Skilled Work Experience Pathway. It values practical, on-the-job experience.

An important point

You need 18 months of New Zealand work. So this pathway is for people who already work in New Zealand, or who will start there. Think of it as a step to residence, not a first step to enter.

Why does New Zealand need workers?

Look at the Mackenzie District. This area has the towns of Twizel, Tekapo and Fairlie. About 150 building consents were issued there this year. Several big solar projects are moving ahead, and the area may create work for close to 1,000 people over the coming years. The Haldon Solar project should start within 18 months. The district is small, so it cannot find enough workers locally. Homes for workers are also hard to find.

What do builders say?

Many people in the building industry welcome the pathway. But they say it is not enough alone. Work can rise and fall. Projects do not always arrive on time. Some skilled workers may leave for Australia when confidence is low. They also ask the government to keep the rules steady, because training a worker takes years. A 2026 report said building activity was at its lowest level since 2015, and two-thirds of companies had cancelled or paused projects.

How to prepare

Check your qualification level. Vietnamese vocational certificates are usually assessed again in New Zealand through qualification recognition. Some trades, such as electrical and plumbing work, also need occupational registration.
Keep proof of your work. Save letters, payslips and project records.
Prepare certified English translations of your Vietnamese documents.
If a police certificate is asked for, for Vietnamese citizens it is usually the Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp số 2).
Check IELTS or PTE if an English test is needed.
Stay safe. Deal only with licensed organisations and real employers. Never pay an unlicensed broker, and be careful with anyone who asks for money upfront to secure a job or a visa.

Always read the latest rules on the Immigration New Zealand website. A visa route is helpful, but good planning is what makes it work for you.

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