2026 changes to wage rate rules for work to residence visas
On 24 August 2026, we will be making changes to the rules on how we calculate the wage rates for work to residence visas. This includes Tier 2 Green list, care workforce, and transport sector work to residence visas.
What is changing
From 24 August 2026, we are changing the way we calculate the required wage rate for residence applications. The required wage rate is the minimum amount you must be paid so your work experience counts towards residence. You will also no longer need to meet the increased wage rate when you apply for residence. The changes apply to these visas:
- Tier 2 Green List Work to Residence Visa
- Transport Work to Residence Visa
- Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa.
The following is a summary of the current rules, and the rule changes coming into effect.
The current wage rate rules
The wage rates are based on set pay requirements or on the median wage. As at March 2026, the median wage is NZD $35.00 per hour.
The wage rate that applies to you may be different depending on when you started counting work experience.
Under the current rules, you must meet the wage rate requirements for your job:
- to begin counting your 24 months of work experience
- if you change jobs or employer while counting work experience, and
- in your current job or job offer when you apply for residence.
For more information on wage rate and other Work to Residence Visa requirements:
The wage rate rules from 24 August 2026
From 24 August 2026, to be eligible for residence, you:
- only need to be paid the required wage rate for your job that was in place when you started counting work experience
- will not need to meet a higher wage rate if you change employer during your work experience period
- can use the required wage rate when your visa was granted, if you are within the grace period.
You will still need to have 24 months of eligible work experience within a 30-month period before you apply for residence.
Grace period
From 24 August 2026, a new grace period rule will apply. This is for situations where the required wage rate for your job increases between your work visa being granted and when you start your work experience.
A grace period will apply if:
- you started working within 5 months of your visa being granted
- you were paid the required wage rate for your job when your visa was granted, and
- you continue your work experience into the 30-month timeframe for counting eligible work experience.
If the grace period applies to you, you will be able to use the wage rate from when your visa was granted.
Changes to other skilled residence visas
The changes to wage threshold rules will also apply to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa.
For more information: