Foreign workers planning to move to New Zealand should note key changes in the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system. From 9 March 2026, 47 additional occupations will be recognized at skill levels 1–3 under the new National Occupation List (NOL).
The NOL, introduced in November 2024, replaces the previous Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and is designed to reflect New Zealand’s labor market needs more accurately. While some applications are still assessed under ANZSCO, the transition to NOL is accelerating.
The newly recognized occupations include roles in hospitality (Head Chef, Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, Chef de Partie), construction and engineering, ICT and software development, healthcare (Registered Nurse, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist), education (Primary, Secondary, Early Childhood Teachers), trades (Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, Diesel Mechanic), and agriculture and horticulture.
Employers must still meet labor market testing requirements before hiring a migrant worker: advertise the role for at least 14 days, make genuine efforts to hire a New Zealander, and demonstrate no suitable local candidate is available.
Three roles—Pet Groomer, Nanny, and Kennel Hand—have been downgraded from skill level 3 to 4. New applications for these roles will now face stricter English, wage, and partner sponsorship conditions, though current visa holders are unaffected.
From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage will increase to NZD $35.00 per hour, affecting Green List pay requirements, exemptions for high-paid roles, 5-year stay rules, and partner and dependent sponsorship thresholds. Skill level 1–3 roles now require NZD $28/hour, skill level 4–5 roles NZD $52.50/hour, and Green List roles NZD $35/hour.
These updates aim to refine New Zealand’s immigration system, targeting genuine skill shortages while tightening conditions for lower-skilled categories. Migrant workers should review the NOL, updated wage thresholds, partner sponsorship rules, and coordinate with employers before applying.
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