New Zealand has announced that its median hourly wage will increase to $20 starting from March 9, 2026. This change will impact several immigration policies, particularly those linked to employment visas and income thresholds.
The update is important for both employers and foreign workers because many immigration requirements are tied to the country’s median wage.
Impact on Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The increase directly affects the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), one of the main work visa routes used by foreign professionals in New Zealand.
Although the government removed the general rule requiring AEWV wages to match the median income in 2025, several visa policies still depend on this figure. As a result, the wage increase will raise many salary thresholds used in immigration assessments.
Immigration Rules Affected by the Wage Increase
The following immigration settings will be affected when the new median wage takes effect.
1. Green List Salary Requirements
Jobs listed on New Zealand’s Green List often require a minimum salary tied to the median income. When the median wage increases, the required salary for these roles will also rise.
Applicants planning to apply under Green List occupations should verify updated salary requirements before submitting their applications.
2. Jobs Paying Twice the Median Wage
Some immigration rules allow exemptions from job advertising or skill requirements if a job pays at least twice the median wage.
With the new rate, the threshold will increase accordingly, meaning employers must offer higher salaries to qualify for these exemptions.
3. Five-Year Stay for Lower-Skilled Roles
Certain lower-skilled workers may qualify to stay in New Zealand for up to five years if they earn at least 1.5 times the median wage.
Since the median wage is increasing, the salary requirement for this eligibility will also increase.
4. Family Sponsorship Income Requirements
Workers who want to bring their spouses or dependent children must meet minimum income thresholds.
Because these requirements are linked to the median wage, the income level required to sponsor family members will also increase from March 2026.
What Employers Should Do
Employers accredited under the AEWV program should review their recruitment and salary structures ahead of the change.
Recommended actions include:
- Review current employment contracts
- Update salary offers for upcoming hires
- Check visa applications in progress
- Adjust recruitment plans for international workers
Even small changes in hourly pay could affect visa eligibility for foreign workers.
Why the Median Wage Changes
The median wage in New Zealand is calculated based on labor market data from Statistics New Zealand. The government typically reviews and adjusts the figure annually.
Updates usually occur early in the year, often between February and March.
Conclusion
The increase of New Zealand’s median wage to $20 per hour will have a wide impact on immigration policies, particularly for workers applying through the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Both employers and international applicants should review salary thresholds and visa requirements early to avoid delays or eligibility issues.