New National Occupation List Updates & Immigration Median Wage Increase from March 2026

New immigration changes are set to take effect from 9 March 2026, affecting employers, migrant workers, and anyone planning a New Zealand work visa application. The updates include new occupations recognised under the National Occupation List (NOL) and an increase to the immigration median wage, which is used across multiple visa categories.

This article is shared for public information purposes only. We are not Immigration New Zealand.

Expanded National Occupation List (NOL)
The National Occupation List (NOL) is New Zealand’s occupation classification system used for work visa settings, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
From March 2026:

• 47 additional occupations at skill levels 1–3 will be recognised under the NOL
• Employers will be able to use these roles for AEWV job checks and visa applications
• Several chef roles have been expanded and more clearly defined by skill and seniority

This expansion reflects current labour market needs and allows more roles to be supported under employer-led work visa pathways.

Occupations Reclassified to Skill Level 4
Three occupations will be reclassified from skill level 3 to skill level 4:

• Pet groomer
• Nanny
• Kennel hand

From 9 March 2026, new job checks for these roles must meet skill level 4 requirements, which may affect visa length, work conditions, and eligibility for supporting family members.

Immigration Median Wage Increase
The immigration median wage will increase to NZD 35.00 per hour, based on June 2025 wage data. This benchmark is used across multiple immigration policies.
The increase affects areas such as:

• Green List pay thresholds
• Wage-based exemptions from advertising or skill requirements
• Maximum stay rules for certain work visas
• Income thresholds for supporting partners and dependent children

As a result, minimum pay rates for some visa pathways will rise, including partner support thresholds for both general skilled roles and Green List roles.

What This Means for Employers and Migrants

• Employers should review job offers and job check applications to ensure pay rates and occupation classifications align with the updated rules
• Migrant workers may see new opportunities if their role is now recognised at a higher skill level
• Anyone relying on wage-based thresholds should reassess eligibility under the new median wage

Preparing early can help avoid delays once the changes take effect.

Final Note
These updates are part of New Zealand’s ongoing effort to better align immigration settings with labour market demand and wage growth. Immigration rules can be complex, and outcomes depend heavily on individual circumstances.
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For the official announcement, refer to Immigration New Zealand’s update here:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-occupations-recognised-under-the-national-occupation-list-and-annual-median-wage-increase/

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