New Zealand’s immigration median wage was raised to $35.00 per hour on 9 March 2026, replacing the previous $33.56 rate. The median wage itself is not a visa condition, but it serves as the reference point for a range of income thresholds across several visa categories. The new figure therefore changes the minimum earnings required for partner sponsorship, Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) pathways, Green List occupations, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) five‑year stays, and employer advertising exemptions.
Partner visa sponsor income thresholds
The required sponsor income is expressed as a multiple of the median wage and varies with the sponsor’s occupation skill level:
| Sponsor occupation skill level | Minimum hourly earnings (effective 9 Mar 2026) |
|---|---|
| Level 1‑3 | $28.00 (up from $26.85) |
| Level 4‑5 | $52.50 (up from $50.34) |
| Green List occupation | $35.00 (up from $33.56) |
Applications lodged on or before 8 Mar 2026 are assessed against the old figures; those lodged from 9 Mar 2026 onward must meet the new thresholds.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) wage thresholds
The SMC was restructured on 24 August 2026 (Amendment Circular 2026‑16) into three pathways: Points‑based, Skilled Work Experience, and Trades & Technician. The $35.00 median wage remains the base for all pathways, but the way the threshold is “locked in” changed:
- Lock‑in rule – Applicants now generally need to meet only the wage rate that was in force when they began accruing skilled work experience in New Zealand. Once locked, the threshold does not rise, provided the applicant’s pay stays at or above it.
- Grace period – If an applicant starts work within five months of their work visa grant and the median wage rises between the grant date and the start date, the lower rate that applied at grant can still be used.
Typical hourly thresholds (from 9 Mar 2026) are:
- Skill level 1‑3 occupations – $35.00 /hr
- Skill level 4‑5 or unlisted occupations – $52.50 /hr
(Exact figures may differ for specific SMC pathways; applicants should verify the threshold that applies to their work history.)
Green List occupations
For Green List roles without a specific remuneration floor in the immigration instructions, the minimum pay is now $35.00 /hr, up from $33.56. Green List occupations that already have a fixed wage ceiling are unaffected by the median‑wage change.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – five‑year maximum stay
Since March 2025 the AEWV pay floor is set by market rates, not the median wage. However, for skill level 4‑5 roles seeking the five‑year maximum visa term, the applicant must earn 1.5 × the median wage, i.e.:
- $52.50 /hr (up from $50.34) as of 9 Mar 2026.
If earnings are below this level, the AEWV is still valid under market‑rate rules, but the visa term will be limited to the standard period for the occupation’s skill level.
Employer advertising exemption (Job Check)
Employers filing a Job Check normally must advertise the role locally. An exemption applies when the offered wage is twice the median wage:
- $70.00 /hr (up from $67.12) from 9 Mar 2026.
Offers at or above this rate can bypass the standard labour‑market test; lower offers remain subject to the usual advertising requirements.
Summary of key thresholds (effective 9 Mar 2026)
| Setting | Threshold (multiple of $35/hr) | Hourly amount |
|---|---|---|
| Partner support – skill level 1‑3 | 0.80 × median | $28.00 |
| Partner support – skill level 4‑5 | 1.50 × median | $52.50 |
| Partner support – Green List | 1.00 × median | $35.00 |
| Green List (no specific floor) | 1.00 × median | $35.00 |
| AEWV 5‑year stay eligibility | 1.50 × median | $52.50 |
| Employer advertising exemption | 2.00 × median | $70.00 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the current immigration median wage?
$35.00 per hour, effective 9 March 2026.
Do AEWV holders still have to meet the median wage?
No blanket requirement since March 2025. Pay is set by market rates, with the median wage only relevant for the 1.5 × threshold needed for a five‑year stay in skill level 4‑5 roles.
How much must a sponsor earn for a partner visa?
- Level 1‑3 occupation: $28.00 /hr
- Level 4‑5 occupation: $52.50 /hr
- Green List occupation: $35.00 /hr
What income is required for the Skilled Migrant Category?
Generally $35.00 /hr for skill level 1‑3 occupations and $52.50 /hr for skill level 4‑5 or unlisted occupations, but the exact threshold depends on the specific SMC pathway and when the applicant began accruing work experience.
What is the advertising exemption threshold for AEWV employers?
$70.00 /hr (twice the median wage) allows employers to skip the standard labour‑market test.
Will the median wage change again soon?
Immigration New Zealand reviews the median wage periodically using Stats NZ earnings data. As of the latest update, $35.00 /hr remains the current rate; applicants should verify the figure before submitting a visa application.
Source article: www.newzealandshores.com
