As of March 2026, New Zealand has added 47 skilled jobs to the AEWV list.
Beginning in March 2026, New Zealand will add 47 AEWV skilled positions to its list, along with revised partner income regulations and higher wage standards.
There is a crucial update that foreign workers who intend to work in New Zealand should be aware of. Another modification to the nation's work visa program is being implemented by Immigration New Zealand.
revised Zealand's revised National Occupation List (NOL) for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will recognize 47 additional jobs at skill levels 1 through 3 starting on March 9, 2026.
Here's what this actually means for both employers and migrant workers if you keep up with New Zealand work visa developments.
The National Occupation List (NOL): What is it?
The new approach for classifying jobs in New Zealand is called the National Occupation List (NOL).
The outdated Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) has been replaced with this one. The objective is straightforward: develop a system that represents the actual New Zealand labor market rather than a framework that is shared by Australia and New Zealand.
November 2024 saw the initial announcement of the NOL. Immigration New Zealand is currently introducing it gradually. ANZSCO is still used to evaluate the majority of applications, although this change is undoubtedly accelerating.
47 New Jobs in Skill Levels 1–3 Added
Employers may submit a Job Check for 47 newly recognized occupations at skill levels 1 through 3 starting on March 9, 2026. These include chef positions that have been redefined and are now more clearly divided into groups according to:
Level of skill
Get to Know Seniority
This is significant since skill level influences:
Conditions for visas
Partner sponsorship qualifications
The longest stay possible
Pathways through residences
A Comprehensive List of the 47 Extra Careers
Among the recently recognized professions are:
Head Chef; sous chef; pastry chef; chef de parties; commis chef; restaurant manager; café manager; hotel service manager; event manager; conference organizer; 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
Salesperson, Digital Marketing Expert, Procurement Manager, Supply and Distribution Manager, Logistics Coordinator, Manager of Health Services, and Manager of Elder Care
A registered nurse
Nurse Enrolled
Physiotherapist
Early childhood educator, secondary school teacher, primary school teacher, occupational therapist, automotive electrician, diesel motor mechanic, heavy vehicle mechanic, and plumber
Electrician and carpenter
Turner and Fitter
Supervisor of Horticulture, Agricultural Technician, and CNC Machinist
According to the NOL, these positions are now formally recognized for AEWV purposes at competence levels 1 through 3.
What Employers Still Need to Do
When it comes to labor market testing, nothing changes. Employers who wish to hire a migrant worker under the AEWV must:
Promote the position for a minimum of 14 days.
Make a sincere attempt to employ a New Zealander.
Show that there isn't a qualified local applicant available.
They can then offer a migrant worker the position.
Positive News for a Few Current AEWV Employees
Some AEWP employees who are currently in New Zealand may benefit from this update. If a person's work closely relates to one of the recently identified skill level 1 to 3 roles yet they are now in a skill level 4 or 5 role, they might be able to:
Make a new AEWV application.
Enter a more difficult skill category.
prolong their longest possible stay.
Having a valid Job Check and fulfilling the necessary qualifications are prerequisites for it.
Three Jobs Reduced to Level 4 Proficiency
Not every change is good. The following three positions have advanced from skill level 3 to level 4:
Pet Groomer
Hand of Nanny Kennel
The skill level 4 requirements are now m
mandatory for new applicants for these positions. This comprises:
English language proficiency requirements
Interaction with MSD during the Job Check
Reduced maximum duration of stay
Potential restrictions on helping partners or kids
Important: Those who currently have an AEWV for these positions are unaffected. Only new Job Checks submitted on or after March 9, 2026, are subject to the modification.
The median salary for immigrants has increased to NZD $35.00.
According to data from June 2025, the immigration median income rises to NZD $35.00 per hour on the same day.
Several immigration settings continue to use the median wage as a standard even after the overall median wage requirement for AEWV was eliminated in 2025.
This update has an impact on:
Pay requirements for the Green List
exemptions from skill requirements and advertising (for positions that pay at least twice the median income)
Certain lower-skilled positions have five-year stay requirements (1.5 times the median income).
Income requirements for dependent children and supporting partners
Thresholds for New Partner Support Income
Beginning on March 9, 2026:
Partner help for skill levels 1-3 rises to NZD $28.00 per hour.
The hourly rate for skill level 4–5 partner support rises to NZD $52.50.
Support for Green List partners is now available at NZD $35.00 per hour.
Additionally, wage thresholds for residency pathways including the Green List and the Skilled Migrant Category will increase.
For instance, in order to be eligible in some situations, teachers must now be on Step 5 of the wage scale rather than Step 4.
The Implications for Migrant Employees
It is evident that New Zealand is improving its work visa system to better account for actual labor shortages. The government is creating more defined career tracks for some professions by recognizing 47 more skilled occupations at levels 1 through 3.
Concurrently, reclassified occupations and higher wage limits indicate a more stringent approach for lower-skilled groups.
This is the time to do the following if you intend to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in 2026:
Verify your line of work under the NOL
Examine the updated wage thresholds.
Verify your eligibility for partner sponsorship.
Consult your employer as soon as possible.
Minor classification adjustments can have a big impact on visa results.
Additionally, details are crucial in the immigration system of New Zealand.
