New Zealand Raises the Median Wage — And Opens the Door to 47 More Occupations

From 9 March 2026, New Zealand’s immigration median wage rose to NZD $35.00 per hour.

That matters because the median wage sets the pay threshold for a range of visa categories — including the Accredited Employer Work Visa, the Skilled Migrant Category, and several employer accreditation standards. If your role or job offer is near this figure, now is the time to confirm where you stand.

47 new occupations added to the National Occupation List

At the same time, Immigration New Zealand expanded the National Occupation List (NOL) by 47 occupations at skill levels 1 to 3. Roles on the NOL allow employers to hire overseas workers under the AEWV without needing to complete the usual labour market advertising — a significant time and cost saving.

Some of the newly added roles include trades, technical, and professional positions across a range of industries. If your occupation was not previously on the list, it may be now.

Three roles moved off the list

Three occupations — pet groomer, nanny, and kennel hand — have been reclassified from skill level 3 to skill level 4. This means new applicants in these roles will face different requirements going forward.

If your Job Check was approved before 9 March 2026, existing AEWV holders in these roles are not affected.

What this means for employers

If you are hiring and your role has just been added to the NOL, you may no longer need to advertise locally before bringing in an overseas worker. We can confirm whether your role qualifies and what this means for your next Job Check.

What this means for workers

If your occupation is now on the list, your pathway to an AEWV may be faster. If your role was reclassified, your next application may involve additional requirements. Either way, we can confirm your position before you apply.

Contact us for a straightforward assessment of how these changes apply to your situation.

This content is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Immigration policies are subject to change. For advice specific to your circumstances, contact a Licensed Immigration Adviser.