Major AEWV Changes from 9 March 2026: What Employers and Migrants Need to Know
On 18 February 2026, Immigration New Zealand announced significant updates affecting Accredited Employer Work Visa applications, wage thresholds, and occupation classifications. These changes come into effect from 9 March 2026 and will impact both employers and migrant workers across New Zealand.
At GRI Education, we are committed to keeping our students, clients, and employer partners informed about policy updates that may affect work visa pathways and long term settlement plans.
1. 47 New Occupations Added to the National Occupation List
From 9 March 2026, 47 additional occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 will be recognised under New Zealand’s National Occupation List (NOL) for AEWV applications.
The National Occupation List replaces the previous ANZSCO system and is designed to better reflect the New Zealand labour market. Although ANZSCO is still being used in many applications, the transition to NOL is being introduced gradually.
Why This Matters
- Employers can now submit Job Checks for these newly recognised occupations.
- Several chef roles have been reclassified and split into clearer occupations based on skill level and seniority.
- This may open new opportunities for migrants working in related skill level 4 or 5 roles to move into higher skilled roles and extend their maximum continuous stay.
If you are currently working under AEWV in a related lower skill role, this change could potentially allow you to apply for a new AEWV under a skill level 1 to 3 role, subject to qualification and employer approval.
2. Reclassified Occupations: Now Skill Level 4
Three occupations have been moved from skill level 3 to skill level 4:
- Pet groomer
- Nanny
- Kennel hand
What This Means
For all new Job Check applications from 9 March 2026, these roles must meet skill level 4 requirements.
However, if you already hold an AEWV for one of these occupations, your current visa will not be affected. Applications submitted on or before 8 March 2026 will continue under the previous classification.
Future applicants must now meet:
- English language requirements
- MSD engagement requirements during the Job Check process
- Shorter maximum continuous stay conditions
- Updated eligibility for supporting partners or dependent children
This reclassification could directly impact family visa planning and long term residence pathways.
3. Immigration Median Wage Increase to $35.00 Per Hour
From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage will increase to NZD $35.00 per hour, based on June 2025 data.
Although the general median wage requirement for AEWV was removed in March 2025, several immigration settings remain linked to the median wage. These will automatically update.
Settings Affected
- Green List pay requirements
- Exemptions from advertising for roles paid at least twice the median wage
- 5 year maximum stay rules for certain lower skilled roles paid at least 1.5 times the median wage
- Income thresholds for supporting partners and dependent children
4. Increased Partner Support Income Thresholds
From 9 March 2026:
- Skill level 1 to 3 partner support threshold increases from $26.85 to $28.00 per hour
- Green List partner support threshold increases from $50.34 to $52.50 per hour
In addition, wage thresholds for skilled residence pathways such as:
- Skilled Migrant Category
- Green List residence
- Transport Work to Residence
will increase in line with the new median wage.
For example, teachers applying for residence must now be on Step 5 of the pay scale, instead of Step 4.
5. What Employers Must Continue to Do
For AEWV applications, employers must still:
- Advertise the role for at least 14 days
- Make genuine attempts to recruit a suitable New Zealander before offering the job to a migrant worker
These requirements remain essential under the updated NOL framework.
What This Means for GRI Education Clients
These changes can significantly affect:
- Current AEWV holders
- Students planning to transition to work visas
- Migrants supporting partners and children
- Employers seeking overseas talent
Whether you are applying for a new visa, changing roles, planning residence, or supporting family members, it is critical to review your eligibility under the new wage and occupation settings.
At GRI Education, we carefully assess your profile and align your study and work pathway with long term immigration goals to reduce risk and maximise opportunity.
If you are unsure how these updates affect you, contact our team for personalised guidance.
Reference: Immigration New Zealand Announcement, 18 February 2026https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-occupations-recognised-under-the-national-occupation-list-and-annual-median-wage-increase/