New occupations recognised under the National Occupation List and annual median wage increase

From 9 March 2026, we will recognise 47 additional skill level 1 to 3 occupations under the National Occupation List (NOL) for AEWV applications, alongside the annual update to the immigration median wage.

The National Occupation List (NOL) is New Zealand’s new job classification system, which replaces the Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The NOL better reflects the New Zealand labour market and is updated each year. It was first announced in November 2024.

For most visa applications, we are currently using ANZSCO to assess skill levels. We are introducing it gradually, as moving fully to the NOL is a significant change. We will continue to keep employers, migrants and advisers informed as the NOL is gradually integrated into our systems.

What employers need to know

From 9 March 2026, employers can submit a Job Check for any of the 47 newly recognised National Occupation List (NOL) occupations at skill levels 1 to 3. This includes newly recognised chef roles, which have been split into clearer occupations based on skill and seniority.

As with all AEWV applications, employers must advertise the role for at least 14 days and make genuine efforts to hire a suitable New Zealander before offering the job to a migrant worker.

This update may also help some current AEWV workers who are working in directly related skill level 4 or 5 roles. If their employer has an approved Job Check for a relevant NOL skill level 1 to 3 role (including some chef roles) and they are suitably qualified for the role, they may be able to apply for a new AEWV and extend their maximum continuous stay.

Reclassified roles

This update also includes changes to 3 occupations, which have moved from skill level 3 to 4:

• pet groomer
• nanny
• kennel hand

All new job check applications for these roles must meet the skill level 4 requirements.

These changes do not affect people who already have an AEWV for one of these roles. If a Job Check application was submitted on or before 8 March 2026 and approved at the applicable skill level, that application and all associated Job tokens and AEWV applications, including Job Change requests, will not be affected by this reclassification.

All future Job Check and AEWV applications for these roles will be treated as skill level 4. This means applicants must meet all AEWV requirements for this skill level, including English language requirements and MSD engagement as part of the Job Check process.They will also have a shorter maximum continuous stay, and it may affect their ability to support a partner or dependent.

Median wage changes

From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage will increase to NZD $35.00 per hour, based on June 2025 data. This affects several AEWV related and family visa settings.

Although the general median wage requirement for AEWV was removed in March 2025, some immigration settings are still linked to the median wage. From 9 March, these thresholds will automatically update, including:

• Green List pay requirements
• Exemptions from advertising and minimum skills (roles paid at least twice the median wage)
• Maximum 5 year stay rules for some lower skilled roles (paid at least 1.5 times the median wage)
• Income thresholds for supporting partners and dependent children

Partner and dependent income thresholds are also increasing. For example:

• Skill level 1 to 3 partner support threshold will increases from NZD $26.85 to $28.00 per hour
• Green List partner support threshold will increases from NZD $50.34 to $52.50 per hour

Wage thresholds for skilled residence pathways (SMC, Green List and Transport WTR) will also increase in line with the new median wage. Some applicants may need to move to a higher pay step to remain eligible — for example, teachers must now be on Step 5 of the pay scale (previously Step 4).

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

National Occupation List occupations used for an AEWV