Exciting news for skilled tradespeople! New Zealand has announced an expansion of its immigration pathways, with ten new trades occupations set to be added to a key residency pathway starting August 2025. This move aims to address skill shortages and attract experienced talent to the country.
This development offers a significant opportunity for trades workers seeking to establish themselves permanently in New Zealand. For those already working in relevant roles within New Zealand, this could be a direct route to long-term residency, providing greater stability and access to benefits.
Ten New Jobs To Be Added Immediately in Hiring List for New Zealand
Starting in August 2025, the following occupations will be included in the pathway:
- Paving Plant Operator
- Metal Fabricator
- Welder workers
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Vehicle Painter
- Pressure Welder
- Panel Beater
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter Welder
- Fitter (General)
Individuals employed or with a job offer in one of these fields who have accumulated 24 months of work experience in New Zealand will become eligible to apply for residency under this updated pathway.
New Hiring Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants will need to meet several criteria, including:
- A job or job offer in one of the newly listed trades.
- Being 55 years of age or under at the time of application.
- Meeting health, character, and English language standards.
- Having 24 months of full-time, paid work experience in the nominated role in New Zealand.
- Earning at least the specified hourly wage:
- A set rate for Metalworkers, Fitters, and Welders.
- A separate rate for Vehicle Painters, Panel Beaters, and Paving Plant Operators.
These wage levels have been established to attract experienced professionals and were determined in consultation with industry representatives.
Updated Wage Thresholds Coming in August 2025:
Alongside the addition of these new occupations, Immigration New Zealand will also be updating the median wage thresholds across various skilled residence visa categories in August 2025. This adjustment reflects current market data and aims to ensure immigration policies remain responsive to economic needs.
A Positive Step for Skilled Workers:
This update is a positive signal for skilled trades professionals around the world, offering a clearer and more accessible route to building a future in New Zealand. With defined wage benchmarks and a direct pathway to residency for these in-demand occupations, August 2025 marks an important development for skilled migration to New Zealand. For further details on eligibility and application processes, individuals are encouraged to consult the official resources from Immigration New Zealand.
