New Zealand Immigration Median Wage Increases to $35.00 from 9 March 2026 – What It Means for AEWV & Family Visas

New Zealand Immigration Median Wage Increases to $35.00

New Zealand’s immigration landscape is set for another important update. From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage will increase to NZD $35.00 per hour, based on June 2025 data.

This update directly impacts several visa categories including the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), partner visas, dependent child visas, and skilled residence pathways.

For migrants, employers, and families planning to apply for a New Zealand work visa, residence visa, or family visa, understanding these changes is crucial.

📌 What Is Changing in the Immigration Median Wage?

Although the general median wage requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) was removed in March 2025, several immigration settings remain tied to the median wage.

From 9 March 2026, the following thresholds will automatically update:

1️⃣ Green List Pay Requirements

Roles listed under the Green List will now need to meet the updated wage thresholds based on the new $35.00 median wage.

2️⃣ Exemptions from Advertising & Minimum Skills

Jobs paid at least twice the median wage will continue to qualify for:

• Exemption from advertising requirements

• Exemption from minimum skill thresholds

With the new rate, twice the median wage equals:

NZD $70.00 per hour

3️⃣ 5-Year Maximum Stay Rules (Lower Skilled Roles)

Some lower-skilled roles allow a maximum 5-year stay if paid at least 1.5 times the median wage.

With the updated wage:

1.5 × $35.00 = NZD $52.50 per hour

4️⃣ Income Thresholds for Supporting Partners & Dependent Children

Income requirements to support family members will also increase — affecting those applying for:

• Partner Visa NZ

• New Zealand dependent child visa

• New Zealand family visa

👨‍👩‍👧 Partner & Dependent Visa Income Threshold Increases

Here are the confirmed changes:

CategoryCurrent RateNew Rate (From 9 March 2026)Skill Level 1–3 Partner Support$26.85/hr$28.00/hrSkill Level 4–5 Partner Support$50.34/hr$52.50/hrGreen List Partner Support$33.56/hr$35.00/hr

These changes affect migrants holding or applying under:

• Accredited Employer Work Visa

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

• Green List Straight to Residence Visa

If you are planning to apply for New Zealand PR, apply for permanent residency NZ, or bring your partner to New Zealand, this wage adjustment could impact your eligibility.

🏠 Skilled Residence Pathways Also Affected

Wage thresholds for skilled residence pathways will increase in line with the new median wage. This impacts:

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

• Green List Work to Residence Visa

• Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa

Important Example: Teachers

Some applicants must now 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 was sufficient

This is a critical update for education sector professionals applying for New Zealand residency.

👵 Parent Category & Parent Boost Visitor Visa

Updates to sponsorship income thresholds for:

• Parent Category Resident Visa

• Parent Boost Visitor Visa

…will be announced separately and will take effect later in 2026.

If you are planning to sponsor your parents for New Zealand permanent residency or a long-term visitor visa, stay alert for further updates.