18/02/2026
INZ update-18 February 2026
47 new roles added to the National Occupation List;
From 9 March 2026, 47 new roles will be recognised at skill level 1 to 3 roles for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications, while 3 roles are being reclassified to skill level 4.
These changes are part of reflecting the National Occupation List (NOL), New Zealand’s new job classification standard that is replacing the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
The skill level determines which requirements apply, such as advertising rules for employers and whether migrants need to meet English language requirements. It also impacts visa length and whether migrants can bring family. Higher skilled roles are subject to fewer requirements and offer more favourable conditions.
The 3 occupations that will be reclassified from skill level 3 to 4 are pet groomer, nanny and kennel hand.
Any Job Check applications for these roles submitted on or after 9 March 2026 will need to meet requirements for a skill level 4 occupation – including advertising longer and engaging with Work and Income. Any Job Check applications submitted before this date will be assessed at skill level 3. Any AEWV applications will be assessed at the skill level the Job Check was approved for.
Median wage and indexed thresholds to increase
On 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage will increase to NZ$35.00 per hour (up from NZ$33.56).
The median wage rate we use changes each year, meaning wage thresholds based on it also increase.
From March 2025, employers have only had to pay the market rate rather than the median wage under the AEWV.
However, some requirements continue to be linked to the median wage – including to determine eligibility for some visas, what migrant workers need to earn to gain work experience for skilled residence pathways, and whether they can bring family to New Zealand.
It can also affect how long migrants can stay in New Zealand and what Job Check advertising requirements apply to employers.
Employers must pay their migrant worker the relevant wage threshold in place when they start working on their visa. They do not need to provide pay increases for existing workers, unless they are changing visas.
Updates to sponsorship income thresholds for the Parent Category and Parent Boost Visitor Visa will be communicated separately and take effect later in 2026.
Key changes
• Immigration median wage increases:
From: NZ$33.56/hour → To: NZ$35.00/hour
• Partnership-based work visa sponsorship threshold (80% of median wage):
From: NZ$26.85/hour → To: NZ$28.00/hour
What this affects;
• Partners being supported for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa where the principal applicant must meet a wage threshold.
• Some AEWV and other visa settings that reference the median wage.
• Future applications lodged on or after 9 March 2026 — the new rate applies.
Practical implications;
• If someone is currently earning below $28/hour, they may not meet partnership sponsorship requirements after the change.
• Employment agreements, variation letters, or pay increases may be needed before lodging applications.
• For clients you’re advising (given your immigration work), timing lodgements before or after the change could be strategic.
With upcoming changes to immigration settings, including adjustments to the median wage and related visa requirements, we encourage all prospective applicants and employers to seek professional advice to understand how these updates may affect their plans.
We invite you to contact our team to discuss your individual circumstances and develop a strategy to ensure you are well-prepared and positioned for the changes. Early planning can help avoid delays and ensure compliance with the new requirements.
Please feel free to get in touch with us to arrange a consultation.
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