Immigration New Zealand has introduced important immigration updates that will take effect from 9 March 2026, bringing changes to the National Occupation List (NOL) and wage requirements for several visa categories. These updates include the addition of 47 new skilled occupations, a higher immigration median wage, and revised income thresholds for partner sponsorship.

The changes mainly impact applications submitted under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway and are part of New Zealand’s ongoing shift toward the updated National Occupation List, which gradually replaces the older ANZSCO classification system.

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Key Highlights of the New Policy

Several major adjustments have been announced as part of the update:
  • 47 additional occupations have been added under Skill Levels 1–3 of the National Occupation List.
  • The immigration median wage has increased to NZD $35.00 per hour, based on updated wage data.
  • Pet groomer, nanny, and kennel hand roles have been reclassified from Skill Level 3 to Skill Level 4.
  • The partner support income threshold for Skill Level 1–3 roles has increased from NZD $26.85 to NZD $28.00 per hour.
  • The Green List partner support threshold has increased from NZD $33.56 to NZD $35.00 per hour, aligning with the new median wage.
These changes reflect the government’s effort to ensure that immigration settings align with the country’s current labour market needs.

Changes to Job Classifications

Three occupations will now fall under Skill Level 4, which brings additional requirements for applicants submitting new visa applications after 9 March 2026.

Reclassified Roles:

  • Pet Groomer
  • Nanny
  • Kennel Hand
Applicants applying under these roles may now face:
  • Higher English language requirements
  • Mandatory Ministry of Social Development (MSD) engagement during the Job Check stage
  • Possible shorter maximum stay periods
  • Potential restrictions on supporting partners or dependent children
However, applications approved before 8 March 2026 will not be affected by these changes.

Median Wage Increase and Its Impact

The increase in the immigration median wage to NZD $35.00 per hour will influence several visa and employment settings in New Zealand. This adjustment affects:
  • Green List salary requirements
  • Advertising exemptions for highly paid roles
  • Five-year maximum stay rules for certain lower-skilled jobs
  • Income thresholds for supporting partners and dependent children
For example, some professionals applying through skilled residence pathways may now need to meet higher salary steps to remain eligible.

47 New Occupations Added to the National Occupation List

From 9 March 2026, employers can use 47 newly recognised occupations under the National Occupation List for Accredited Employer Work Visa applications and Job Checks. The newly added roles cover several sectors, including:
  • Executive and corporate leadership roles
  • Engineering and technical specialists
  • Healthcare and medical support professions
  • Hospitality and culinary professionals
  • Forestry, agriculture, and environmental roles
  • Creative and digital media occupations
These additions are expected to expand hiring options for employers while opening new immigration opportunities for skilled foreign workers.

What This Means for AEWV Applicants                    

The expanded occupation list and wage adjustments could create new pathways for skilled professionals, particularly those working in roles that now fall under Skill Levels 1–3. Key implications include:
  • Employers can submit Job Checks for the newly recognised occupations.
  • Workers in related lower-skilled roles may transition into higher-skill classifications if their employer receives Job Check approval.
  • Applicants meeting updated salary and skill requirements may extend their work visa eligibility or explore residence pathways.
At the same time, employers must still conduct labour market testing, meaning roles must be advertised locally before hiring migrant workers.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming changes to the National Occupation List and wage thresholds show New Zealand’s continued effort to align immigration policies with labour market demands. While the expanded occupation list may open new opportunities for skilled workers, the increased wage thresholds and job classification changes mean applicants must carefully review eligibility before submitting their visa applications.

Planning to work in New Zealand? Make sure you understand the latest occupation list and wage rule changes before applying. Connect with our experts today and get step-by-step guidance for your New Zealand work visa application.