Beginning in March 2026, New Zealand will broaden its AEWV skilled job roster by incorporating 47 new positions, raising wage thresholds, and revising partner income regulations.
If you are an overseas worker intending to work in New Zealand, there’s a key update you should be aware of. Immigration New Zealand is implementing another adjustment to the nation’s work visa policies.
As of 9 March 2026, a total of 47 additional positions will be acknowledged at skill levels 1 to 3 under the new National Occupation List (NOL) linked to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
If you are keeping an eye on the work visa changes in New Zealand, here’s the real impact this will have on both employers and migrant employees.
What Is the National Occupation List (NOL)?
The National Occupation List (NOL) serves as New Zealand’s updated categorization framework for jobs.
This new list supersedes the previous Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The primary objective is straightforward: to develop a system that accurately mirrors New Zealand’s labor market instead of a common Australia-New Zealand model.
The NOL was initially revealed in November 2024. Currently, Immigration New Zealand is introducing it gradually. Most applications still reference ANZSCO, although that shift is evidently accelerating.
47 New Skill Level 1–3 Occupations Added
Starting from 9 March 2026, employers will be allowed to submit a Job Check for an additional 47 recognized occupations at skill levels 1 to 3. Among them are newly categorized chef roles, now divided into more distinct groupings based on:
- Skill level
- Experience
- Position within the hierarchy
This distinction holds significance because the skill level influences:
- Visa stipulations
- Eligibility for partner sponsorship
- Duration of stay
- Paths to residency
Complete List of the 47 Additional Occupations
The additional recognized occupations include:
- Head Chef
- Sous Chef
- Pastry Chef
- Chef de Partie
- Commis Chef
- Restaurant Manager
- Café Manager
- Hotel Service Manager
- Accommodation Manager
- Event Manager
- Conference Organiser
- Construction Project Manager
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- ICT Support Engineer
- Software Tester
- Web Developer
- Multimedia Specialist
- Network Administrator
- Database Administrator
- Systems Analyst
- Marketing Specialist
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Sales Representative
- Procurement Manager
- Supply and Distribution Manager
- Logistics Coordinator
- Health Services Manager
- Aged Care Manager
- Registered Nurse
- Enrolled Nurse
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Primary School Teacher
- Automotive Electrician
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
- Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Fitter and Turner
- CNC Machinist
- Agricultural Technician
- Horticulture Supervisor
These positions are now formally acknowledged at skill levels 1 to 3 under the NOL applicable to AEWV.
What Employers Must Still Do
There are no changes in terms of labor market testing. Prior to employing a migrant worker under AEWV, employers are required to:
- Advertise the position for a minimum of 14 days
- Make genuine attempts to hire a local New Zealander
- Demonstrate that no appropriate local candidate exists
Only after fulfilling these conditions can they extend a job offer to a migrant worker.
Good News for Some Current AEWV Workers
This update might benefit certain AEWP workers currently residing in New Zealand. If an individual is working in a skill level 4 or 5 position, but their role is closely related to one of the newly categorized skill level 1 to 3 roles, they might have the opportunity to:
- Apply for a new AEWV
- Transition to a higher skill classification
- Extend their maximum continuous stay
This is contingent on obtaining an approved Job Check and fulfilling qualification criteria.
Three Occupations Downgraded to Skill Level 4
Not all updates are positive. Three roles have been downgraded from skill level 3 to skill level 4:
- Pet Groomer
- Nanny
- Kennel Hand
New applications for these positions will now need to comply with skill level 4 standards. This includes:
- English language proficiency
- Interaction with MSD during the Job Check
- Shortened maximum duration of stay
- Potential restrictions on supporting partners or dependents
It is critical to note that if an individual already holds an AEWV for these jobs, they remain unaffected. This change applies exclusively to new Job Checks submitted on or after 9 March 2026.
Immigration Median Wage Rising to NZD $35.00
Simultaneously, the immigration median wage will rise to NZD $35.00 per hour, drawing from the data of June 2025.
While the general median wage condition for AEWV was eliminated in 2025, several immigration parameters still utilize the median wage as a reference.
This update affects:
- Green List wage requirements
- Exceptions from advertising and skill conditions (for positions that pay at least double the median wage)
- Five-year stay guidelines for some lower-skilled occupations (1.5 times the median wage)
- Income criteria for supporting partners and dependent children
New Partner Support Income Thresholds
Effective from 9 March 2026:
- Partner support for skill level 1–3 rises to NZD $28.00 per hour
- Partner support for skill level 4–5 increases to NZD $52.50 per hour
- Partner support for Green List roles rises to NZD $35.00 per hour
Wage thresholds for residence pathway categories, including the Skilled Migrant Category and the Green List, will also see an increase.
For instance, teachers will now need to be on Step 5 of the pay scale, instead of Step 4, to maintain eligibility in certain scenarios.
What This Means for Migrant Workers
New Zealand is clearly enhancing its work visa framework to align better with actual labor shortages. By adding 47 further skilled roles at levels 1 to 3, the government is establishing more transparent pathways for specific professions.
Concurrently, the escalation of wage thresholds and role reclassifications indicate a more stringent approach for lower-skilled positions.
If you’re intending to apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa in 2026, this is the opportunity to:
- Verify your occupation under the NOL
- Examine the new wage thresholds
- Confirm eligibility for partner sponsorship
- Engage with your employer proactively
Minor changes in classification can greatly influence visa results.
In New Zealand’s immigration landscape, every detail counts.
Fonte: Travelo Biz
