New Zealand has announced significant changes to its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. From 9 March 2026, 47 additional occupations will be added to the National Occupation List, while the immigration median wage threshold will also increase.
These updates aim to address ongoing skill shortages while aligning migration settings with local labour market conditions.
Below is a structured breakdown of what has changed, who it affects, and what applicants and employers should consider next.
What Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
The AEWV allows overseas workers to work in New Zealand for an accredited employer who has demonstrated a genuine need to hire migrant labour.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have a job offer from an accredited employer
- Be paid at or above the immigration wage threshold
- Meet skill, qualification, and character requirements
The expansion of the occupation list directly increases eligibility opportunities under this pathway.
47 New Occupations Added to the List
From March 2026, 47 additional occupations will be recognized under the AEWV framework.
While the official list should be checked through New Zealand immigration authorities, reports indicate additions in areas such as:
- Construction trades
- Healthcare and aged care roles
- Engineering and technical positions
- Selected hospitality and service roles
This expansion reflects sustained workforce gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, and regional industries. Workers previously ineligible due to occupation classification may now qualify under the AEWV if all other criteria are met.
Immigration Median Wage Threshold Increased
In addition to expanding the occupation list, New Zealand will raise the immigration median wage threshold.
The median wage is used to:
- Determine AEWV eligibility
- Set minimum salary requirements
- Influence visa duration and pathway options
A higher threshold means:
- Employers must offer higher salaries to sponsor overseas workers
- Applicants earning below the new threshold may no longer qualify
- Some lower-paid roles may face additional restrictions
This adjustment aligns migration settings with domestic wage growth and labour protections.
Who Is Most Affected?
- New Applicants: Those applying after 9 March 2026 must meet the new wage benchmark.
- Accredited Employers: Businesses must review employment contracts and workforce budgets to remain compliant.
- Current AEWV Holders: Existing visa holders are generally assessed under the rules in place at the time of application. However, future renewals may require compliance with updated wage thresholds.
Applicants should always verify their position with official policy updates before submitting applications.
Strategic Implications for Skilled Workers
For professionals considering migration to New Zealand:
- Check if your occupation is now included
- Benchmark your salary against the updated median wage
- Ensure employer accreditation status is valid
- Prepare qualification and experience documentation early
If your occupation has just been added, this could represent a timely opportunity, provided salary and eligibility criteria are satisfied.
FAQs
When do the new AEWV rules start?
The changes take effect from 9 March 2026.
How many new occupations were added?
A total of 47 new occupations have been added to the National Occupation List.
Does the wage increase affect current visa holders?
Existing visa holders are typically assessed under the rules at the time of application. However, renewals may be subject to updated requirements.
Where can I confirm eligibility?
Always refer to official immigration guidance or consult a licensed immigration adviser for a case-specific assessment.
Disclaimer: All information is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to note that immigration policies and operational practices are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.
What Should You Do Next?
Policy updates can significantly affect eligibility, salary thresholds, and long-term residency planning. If you are:
- Exploring work opportunities in New Zealand
- An employer planning to sponsor overseas talent
- A worker whose occupation was recently added
A structured eligibility review is recommended before proceeding. As a Licensed Migration Adviser for New Zealand, our team provides compliant, up-to-date guidance aligned with official immigration policy.