Immigration New Zealand has introduced essential updates that can take impact on 9 March 2026. These modifications have an effect on each employers and migrant employees, notably these utilizing or planning to make use of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Right here’s what’s altering, and what it means for you.
From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage will increase from $33.56 to $35.00 per hour.
INZ introduced late final yr that in August 2026, modifications will come into impact in order that candidates will not should be paid the nationwide median wage which is in impact on the time of software lodgement.
Whereas AEWV not requires employers to pay the median wage (market price applies), a number of immigration settings are nonetheless tied to it.
What this impacts:
- Inexperienced Record pay thresholds
- Promoting exemptions (roles paid at the very least 2× median wage)
- Some most keep guidelines (roles paid at the very least 1.5× median wage)
- Revenue thresholds for supporting companions and youngsters
- Expert residence wage thresholds
Instance modifications:
- Ability Degree 1–3 accomplice assist threshold will increase to $28.00/hour
- Inexperienced Record accomplice assist threshold will increase to $52.50/hour
- Some roles (e.g., lecturers) should now be on larger pay steps to stay eligible for residence pathways
47 new roles recognised below the Nationwide Occupation Record (NOL)
Full record of the 47 newly recognised NOL occupations
From 9 March 2026, the next 47 occupations will likely be recognised below the Nationwide Occupation Record (NOL) at Ability Ranges 1–3 for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) functions.
In case your position seems beneath, it could now be handled in another way below AEWV settings. If you’re not sure how your job aligns, you will need to examine the occupation description fastidiously earlier than submitting a Job Test or visa software.
If you’re hiring or working in one in every of these roles, the ability degree classification could have an effect on promoting necessities, English language necessities, visa size, and household assist eligibility. It is very important assessment your scenario fastidiously earlier than submitting any new purposes.
In case your position will not be listed above, it stays categorized below the present settings.
Three roles reclassified to Ability Degree 4
The next roles are shifting from Ability Degree 3 to Ability Degree 4:
- Pet groomer
- Nanny
- Kennel hand
Timing issues
- Job Checks submitted on or after 9 March 2026 should meet Ability Degree 4 necessities
- Job Checks submitted on or earlier than 8 March 2026 will likely be assessed below the earlier settings
What modifications at Ability Degree 4?
For employers:
- Longer promoting necessities
- Necessary engagement with Work and Revenue (MSD)
For visa candidates:
- English language necessities apply
- Shorter most steady keep
- Could have an effect on capability to assist accomplice or dependent visas
Should you already maintain an AEWV in one in every of these roles, you aren’t affected, except you modify visas.
What employers ought to do now
What visa holders & candidates ought to do
The underside line
These modifications don’t simply replace classifications; additionally they have an effect on:
- Visa size
- Promoting obligations
- English necessities
- Household eligibility
- Residence pathways
Should you’re not sure how this impacts your particular scenario, skilled recommendation may also help you keep away from pricey delays or refusals.
