New NZ Immigration Update: National Occupation List Expansion & Median Wage Increase

Published: 18 February 2026

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced significant updates impacting Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications, effective 9 March 2026.

The changes include:

• Recognition of 47 additional Skill Level 1–3 occupations under the National Occupation List (NOL)

• Reclassification of certain roles

• An increase to the immigration median wage

These updates will affect employers, AEWV applicants, and certain partner and residence visa categories.

Expansion of the National Occupation List (NOL)

The National Occupation List (NOL) replaces ANZSCO as New Zealand’s occupation classification framework and is designed to better reflect the New Zealand labour market.

From 9 March 2026:

• Employers may submit a Job Check for any of the 47 newly recognised Skill Level 1–3 occupations.

• Newly recognised chef roles have been split into clearer occupations based on skill and seniority.

• Employers must still advertise roles for at least 14 days and demonstrate genuine attempts to recruit a New Zealander before offering a role to a migrant worker.

This update may benefit some current AEWV holders working in related Skill Level 4–5 roles. If their employer secures an approved Job Check for a relevant Skill Level 1–3 NOL occupation and the worker meets qualification requirements, they may be eligible to apply for a new AEWV and extend their maximum continuous stay.

Reclassified Occupations

Three roles have moved from Skill Level 3 to Skill Level 4:

• Pet Groomer

• Nanny

• Kennel Hand

New Job Check and AEWV applications for these roles must now meet Skill Level 4 requirements, including English language criteria and MSD engagement.

Importantly:

• Current AEWV holders in these roles are not affected.

• Job Check applications submitted on or before 8 March 2026 remain valid under the previous classification.

Future applications, however, will be subject to:

• Shorter maximum continuous stay

• Updated English language requirements

• Potential limitations on supporting partners or dependents

Immigration Median Wage Increase

From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage will increase to NZD $35.00 per hour, based on June 2025 data.

Although the general median wage requirement for AEWV was removed in March 2025, several immigration settings remain linked to the median wage. These will automatically update, including:

• Green List pay thresholds

• Exemptions for roles paid at least twice the median wage

• Maximum five-year stay rules for some lower-skilled roles

• Partner and dependent income thresholds

Updated Partner Support Thresholds

• Skill Level 1–3: increasing from NZD $26.85 to $28.00 per hour

• Skill Level 4–5: increasing from NZD $50.34 to $52.50 per hour

• Green List: increasing from NZD $33.56 to $35.00 per hour

Wage thresholds for skilled residence pathways, including the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), Green List, and Transport Work to Residence pathways, will also increase. Some applicants may need to move to higher pay steps to remain eligible (for example, teachers must now be on Step 5 of the pay scale).

Further updates regarding Parent Category and Parent Boost Visitor Visa sponsorship thresholds will be announced separately later in 2026.

What This Means for Employers and Migrants

These changes represent a continued shift toward aligning immigration policy with labour market conditions. Employers should review workforce planning and Job Check strategies, while visa holders and applicants should carefully assess how updated skill classifications and wage thresholds may affect eligibility.

IR Legal’s New Zealand immigration team can assist with:

• AEWV applications and Job Checks

• NOL occupation assessments

• Wage compliance reviews

• Partner and residence pathway eligibility

If you are unsure how these updates impact your business or visa status, we encourage you to seek professional advice.

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Email: admin@irlegal.lawyer

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