What are wage thresholds for New Zealand work visas and why they matter

Foreign workers applying for work visas in New Zealand must meet specific wage requirements depending on the visa category they apply for. Immigration authorities use wage thresholds to determine whether a job offer qualifies for certain work visas and to assess eligibility for immigration pathways.

According to Immigration New Zealand, a wage threshold is the minimum pay level required for a visa. Authorities check the hourly wage offered by an employer to confirm that it meets the threshold set for the visa category.

How wage thresholds are determined

In many cases, wage thresholds are linked to the national median wage. This rate is updated regularly based on labour market data. When the median wage increases, immigration thresholds that depend on it may also rise.


The wage rate used in immigration assessments is usually calculated on an hourly basis and expressed in New Zealand dollars.

Authorities said the wage rate or threshold that applies to a worker depends on the type of visa they hold and the date on which it was issued.

If a worker already holds a visa and the threshold later increases, they do not need to meet the higher wage requirement for that existing visa. However, if they apply for a new visa, the updated threshold will apply.

Market rates and other pay benchmarks

Immigration rules also consider the “market rate” for a job. This refers to the typical pay range that a New Zealander or resident would earn for similar work.

For example, a role may have a market rate range between two hourly wage levels depending on industry standards and experience requirements.

In addition to the median wage and market rate, some visa thresholds may be linked to other benchmarks. These can include the national minimum wage or occupation-specific pay levels established through sector agreements or wage settlements.

Visa categories affected by wage requirements

Several work visa categories include wage requirements. These include the Accredited Employer Work Visa as well as visas connected to residence pathways such as work-to-residence and skilled migrant programs.

Other visas that may have wage-based requirements include those for seasonal workers, fishing crew members, partners of workers and certain specialised occupations.

Authorities advise applicants to check the wage threshold that applies to their visa category before submitting an application, as the required pay level can affect eligibility.