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Immigration News Alert
New Zealand Adds New Occupations to National Occupation List and Increases Median Wage
Key Point
- New Zealand added new occupations to the National Occupation List and confirmed an increase to the annual median wage used across multiple visa programs.
Median Wage and Occupation List
New Zealand announced updates to the National Occupation List (NOL) and an upcoming increase to the annual median wage, which serves as a key benchmark across several immigration pathways.
New Occupations Recognized
The government has added new occupations to the NOL, expanding the list of roles recognized for immigration purposes. These additions help ensure that the NOL reflects current workforce demands and supports employers seeking to fill skill shortages.
Immigration New Zealand notes that the NOL is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains up to date with evolving labor market conditions.
Median Wage Increases
Beginning 9 March, the following thresholds will automatically update:
- Green List pay requirements
- Exemptions from advertising and minimum skills for roles paid 2× the median wage
- Maximum five‑year stay rules for some lower‑skilled roles paid 1.5× the median wage
- Income thresholds for supporting partners and dependent children
Updated Partner and Dependent Support Thresholds
- Skill Levels 1–3: NZD $28.00/hr (up from $26.85)
- Skill Levels 4–5: NZD $52.50/hr (up from $50.34)
- Green List roles: NZD $35.00/hr (up from $33.56)
Residence Pathways
Wage thresholds for skilled residence pathways will also increase. These pathways include:
- Skilled Migrant Category
- Green List residence
- Transport Work to Residence
Don’t Miss an Update
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