New NOL Roles for AEWV and Median Wage Hike Explained
- iclegalnz
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
As licensed immigration advisers, we're alerting employers and migrants to significant policy changes affecting New Zealand's work visa landscape from March 2026. New Zealand's immigration landscape is set for a significant update on 9 March 2026. Key changes to the National Occupation List (NOL) and a new immigration median wage will impact Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications and pathways to residence. It is crucial to understand these shifts and act decisively.
Key Change 1: The National Occupation List (NOL) Matures
New Zealand is continuing its move from the old ANZSCO framework to the more responsive National Occupation List. On 9 March 2026, this transition accelerates with major expansions and reclassifications.
Expanded Opportunities: 47 New Roles in Skill Levels 1-3
Roles classified in NOL Skill Levels 1-3 benefit from longer visa durations and simpler pathways for family support. The expansion includes:
Skill Level 1: Leadership roles like Chief Sustainability Officer.
Skill Level 2: Technical roles such as Biomedical Technicians.
Skill Level 3: Trade roles including Electric Vehicle Mechanics and Wind Turbine Technicians.
Notably, the generic "Chef" role is now split for clarity:
Head Chef / Executive Chef (Skill Level 1)
Sous Chef / Chef de Partie (Skill Level 2)
Demi Chef de Partie (Skill Level 3)
Important Reclassifications: New Rules for Three Occupations
Three occupations will move from Skill Level 3 down to Skill Level 4, subjecting them to stricter requirements:
Pet Groomer
Nanny
Kennel Hand
For applications submitted from 9 March 2026, these roles will require 21-day advertising, MSD engagement, English language proficiency from the migrant, and will face shorter visa durations with restricted family support rights.
Key Change 2: Immigration Median Wage Increases to $35.00
The immigration median wage will rise to $35.00 per hour. This figure is the basis for several critical visa thresholds.
Setting Category | Old Rate (Approx.) | New Rate (from 9 Mar 2026) |
Immigration Median Wage | $33.56 | $35.00 |
Green List / Skilled Residence | $33.56 | $35.00 |
High Income (2x Median) | $67.12 | $70.00 |
5-Year Stay Rule (1.5x Median) | $50.34 | $52.50 |
Partner Support (Level 4-5) | $50.34 | $52.50 |
The Critical Deadline: Lodgement Date is Key
Any Job Check or AEWV application submitted on or before 8 March 2026 will be assessed under the current rules. Applications lodged from 9 March 2026 onwards must meet the new NOL skill levels and wage thresholds.
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