Median Wage Increase
From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage will increase to $35.00 NZD per hour. This increase will affect many visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa and skilled resident-class visa categories.
On 9 March 2026, this increase will automatically apply for:
- Green List pay requirements, including exceptions from advertising and minimum skills (e.g. roles paid at least x2 the median wage).
- Maximum 5 year stay rules for lower skilled roles (paid at least x1.5 the median wage).
- Income thresholds for supporting partners and dependent children.
- Skill level 1-3 support threshold will increase from $26.85 NZD per hour to $28.00 NZD per hour.
- Skill level 4-5 support threshold will increase from $50.34 NZD per hour to $52.50 NZD per hour.
- Green List support threshold will increase from $33.56 NZD per hour to $35 NZD per hour.
- Wage thresholds for the skilled resident-class visas (such as the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List, and Transport Work to Resident) will also be increased to keep in line with the new median wage.
Updates regarding sponsorship income thresholds for the Parent Category and Parent Boost Visitor Visa will be updated at a later date in 2026.
National Occupational List (NOL)
NOL is New Zealand’s new job classification system which will eventually replace the Australian New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). This new classification system will better represent the New Zealand labour market and will be updated each year. We first discussed this change in a previous blog which can be found here.
From 9 March 2026, 47 newly recognised NOL occupations at skill levels 1 – 3 will be added to the list. This includes chef roles which are categorised into clearly occupations based on skill and seniority.
This update may be helpful for current Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders who are working in skill level 4 or 5 roles; if their employer has an approved job check for a NOL skill level 1 – 3 role then they may be able to apply for a new AEWV and extend their maximum continuous stay.
There are 3 occupations which are reclassified. Pet Groomer, Nanny and Kennel Hand have been changed from skill level 3 to skill level 4. This reclassification will affect all future applications and will not affect those who already have a visa for one of those roles.
If you would like further information about these changes, please contact Richard Small and our friendly team at Pacific Legal.