New Zealand expands work visa list, raises immigration wage threshold

New Zealand will recognise 47 additional skill level 1 to 3 occupations under its National Occupation List (NOL) for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications from March 9, 2026. The immigration median wage will also increase to NZ $35.00 per hour from the same date.

The changes expand the number of roles eligible under the AEWV system and adjust income-linked visa settings. The National Occupation List replaced the earlier classification system and is updated annually to reflect labour market conditions.

More jobs added to visa list

From March 9, employers can submit a Job Check for any of the 47 newly recognised occupations at skill levels 1 to 3. The update includes chef roles that have been divided into clearer categories based on skill and seniority.


Employers must advertise the role for at least 14 days and make genuine efforts to recruit a New Zealander before offering the job to a migrant worker.

The update may also help some current AEWV holders working in related skill level 4 or 5 roles. If their employer secures an approved Job Check for a relevant skill level 1 to 3 position and the worker meets qualification requirements, they may apply for a new AEWV and extend their maximum continuous stay.

Three roles reclassified

Pet groomer, nanny and kennel hand will move from skill level 3 to skill level 4.

New Job Check applications for these roles must meet skill level 4 requirements. Applications submitted on or before March 8, 2026 will not be affected.

Future applicants for these roles must meet additional conditions, including English language requirements and engagement with the Ministry of Social Development during the Job Check process. The change will also mean a shorter maximum continuous stay and could affect the ability to support a partner or dependent.

Wage thresholds revised

The immigration median wage will rise to NZ $35.00 per hour, based on June 2025 data. Although the general median wage requirement for AEWV was removed in March 2025, several visa settings remain linked to the median wage.
From March 9, thresholds tied to Green List pay requirements, exemptions for roles paid at least twice the median wage, five-year stay rules for certain lower skilled roles, and income requirements for supporting partners and dependent children will update automatically.

For partner support, the threshold for skill level 1 to 3 roles will increase from NZ $26.85 to NZ $28.00 per hour. For skill level 4 to 5 roles, it will rise from NZ $50.34 to NZ $52.50 per hour. The Green List partner support threshold will increase from NZ $33.56 to NZ $35.00 per hour.
Wage thresholds for skilled residence pathways, including the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List and Transport Work to Residence pathways, will also increase. Authorities said updates to sponsorship income thresholds for the Parent Category and Parent Boost Visitor Visa will be announced later in 2026.