INZ Update: New Occupations Added Under the National Occupation List and Median Wage Increase

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced important updates taking effect from 9 March 2026, including the addition of new occupations under the National Occupation List (NOL) for Accredited Employer Work Visa applications and the annual increase to the immigration median wage.

This update forms part of the ongoing transition to a new occupation classification system and will have practical implications for employers, migrant workers, and applicants planning residence pathways.

National Occupation List (NOL): 47 New Occupations Recognised

From 9 March 2026, 47 additional occupations will be recognised at Skill Levels 1 to 3 under the National Occupation List for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications.

The NOL is gradually replacing the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and is intended to better reflect the New Zealand labour market.

At present:

• Both NOL and ANZSCO remain in use.

• NOL occupations currently apply only to AEWV applications.

• Skilled residence pathways continue to rely on existing classification frameworks.

Skill level classification is important because it determines:

• Employer advertising and MSD engagement requirements

• English language requirements

• Maximum continuous stay on AEWV

• Eligibility to support partners and dependent children

Generally, higher-skilled roles are subject to fewer restrictions and more favourable visa conditions.

Reclassified Occupations

Three occupations will move from Skill Level 3 to Skill Level 4:

• Pet groomer

• Nanny

• Kennel hand

Transitional arrangements apply:

• Job Check applications submitted on or before 8 March 2026 will be assessed at the previous skill level.

• Applications submitted from 9 March 2026 must meet Skill Level 4 requirements.

• Existing AEWV holders in these roles are not affected.

Skill Level 4 classification introduces additional requirements, including English language requirements, MSD engagement, longer advertising periods, shorter maximum stay settings, and potential limitations on supporting family members.

Immigration Median Wage Increase

From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage will increase to NZD $35.00 per hour, up from NZD $33.56.

Although the general median wage requirement for AEWV applications was removed in March 2025 (with employers now required to pay market rate), a number of immigration settings remain linked to the median wage. As a result, several thresholds will automatically increase.

Settings Affected Include:

• Green List pay thresholds

• Exemptions from advertising and minimum skill requirements (roles paid at least twice the median wage)

• Maximum five-year stay provisions for certain roles (paid at least 1.5 times the median wage)

• Income thresholds for supporting partners and dependent children

• Wage thresholds under Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), Green List, and Transport Work to Residence pathways

For example:

• The Skill Level 1–3 partner support threshold increases from $26.85 to $28.00 per hour

• The Green List partner support threshold increases from $50.34 to $52.50 per hour

• Some residence applicants, such as teachers, may need to move to higher pay steps to remain eligible (for example, Step 5 instead of Step 4).

Employers must pay the applicable wage threshold in place at the time a migrant worker begins employment on their visa. Existing workers do not need to receive pay increases unless they apply for a new visa or change visa category.

Parent Category and Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Updates to sponsorship income thresholds for the Parent Category and Parent Boost Visitor Visa will be announced separately and are expected to take effect later in 2026.

Practical Interpretation and Key Considerations

These changes reflect INZ’s continued transition toward the National Occupation List and a gradual refinement of skill classification settings.

Key practical points include:

• The introduction of new Skill Level 1–3 roles may provide opportunities for some current AEWV holders to move into higher-skilled classifications and potentially extend their stay.

• The reclassification of certain care and service roles signals tighter settings for lower-skilled occupations.

• While the AEWV median wage requirement no longer applies generally, median wage increases continue to significantly influence residence eligibility, partner sponsorship, and advertising exemptions.

Employers and migrants should review occupation classifications and remuneration levels ahead of 9 March 2026 to ensure continued eligibility and compliance, particularly where applications or visa transitions are being planned.