Foreign workers who are planning to work in New Zealand, here is an important update you need to know. Immigration New Zealand is making another change to the country’s work visa system.
From 9 March 2026, 47 more occupations will be recognised at skill levels 1 to 3 under New Zealand’s new National Occupation List (NOL) for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
If you follow New Zealand work visa updates closely, here’s what this really means for employers and migrant workers.
What Is the National Occupation List (NOL)?
The National Occupation List (NOL) is New Zealand’s new job classification system.
It replaces the old Australia New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The goal is simple: create a system that reflects the real New Zealand labour market, not a shared Australia–New Zealand framework.
The NOL was first announced in November 2024. For now, Immigration New Zealand is introducing it slowly. Most applications are still assessed using ANZSCO, but that transition is clearly speeding up.
47 New Skill Level 1–3 Occupations Added
From 9 March 2026, employers can submit a Job Check for 47 newly recognised occupations at skill levels 1 to 3. These include newly redefined chef roles, now split into clearer categories based on:
- Skill level
- Experience
- Seniority
This matters because skill level affects:
- Visa conditions
- Partner sponsorship eligibility
- Maximum stay length
- Residence pathways
Complete List of the 47 Additional Occupations
The newly recognised occupations include:
- Head Chef
- Sous Chef
- Pastry Chef
- Chef de Partie
- Commis Chef
- Restaurant Manager
- Café Manager
- Hotel Service Manager
- Accommodation Manager
- Event Manager
- Conference Organiser
- Construction Project Manager
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- ICT Support Engineer
- Software Tester
- Web Developer
- Multimedia Specialist
- Network Administrator
- Database Administrator
- Systems Analyst
- Marketing Specialist
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Sales Representative
- Procurement Manager
- Supply and Distribution Manager
- Logistics Coordinator
- Health Services Manager
- Aged Care Manager
- Registered Nurse
- Enrolled Nurse
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Primary School Teacher
- Automotive Electrician
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
- Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Fitter and Turner
- CNC Machinist
- Agricultural Technician
- Horticulture Supervisor
These roles are now officially recognised at skill levels 1 to 3 under the NOL for AEWV purposes.
What Employers Must Still Do
Nothing changes when it comes to labour market testing. Before hiring a migrant worker under AEWV, employers must:
- Advertise the role for at least 14 days
- Make genuine efforts to hire a New Zealander
- Prove that no suitable local candidate is available
Only then can they offer the job to a migrant worker.
Good News for Some Current AEWV Workers
This update could help some AEWP workers already in New Zealand. If someone is currently in a skill level 4 or 5 role, but their job is closely related to one of the newly recognised skill level 1 to 3 roles, they may be able to:
- Apply for a new AEWV
- Move into a higher skill category
- Extend their maximum continuous stay
That depends on having an approved Job Check and meeting qualification requirements.
Three Occupations Downgraded to Skill Level 4
Not all changes are positive. Three roles have moved from skill level 3 to skill level 4:
- Pet Groomer
- Nanny
- Kennel Hand
New applications for these roles must now meet skill level 4 requirements. That includes:
- English language requirements
- Engagement with MSD during Job Check
- Shorter maximum continuous stay
- Possible limits on supporting partners or children
Important: If someone already holds an AEWV for these roles, they are not affected. The change applies only to new Job Checks submitted on or after 9 March 2026.
Immigration Median Wage Rising to NZD $35.00
From the same date, the immigration median wage increases to NZD $35.00 per hour, based on June 2025 data.
Although the general median wage rule for AEWV was removed in 2025, several immigration settings still use the median wage as a benchmark.
This update affects:
- Green List pay requirements
- Exemptions from advertising and skill requirements (for jobs paid at least twice the median wage)
- 5-year stay rules for some lower-skilled roles (1.5 times the median wage)
- Income thresholds for supporting partners and dependent children
New Partner Support Income Thresholds
From 9 March 2026:
- Skill level 1–3 partner support increases to NZD $28.00 per hour
- Skill level 4–5 partner support increases to NZD $52.50 per hour
- Green List partner support increases to NZD $35.00 per hour
Wage thresholds for residence pathways, such as the Skilled Migrant Category and the Green List, will also rise.
For example, teachers must now be on Step 5 of the pay scale, instead of Step 4, to remain eligible in some cases.
What This Means for Migrant Workers
New Zealand is clearly refining its work visa system to better reflect real labour shortages. By recognising 47 additional skilled roles at levels 1 to 3, the government is opening clearer pathways for certain professions.
At the same time, higher wage thresholds and reclassified roles show a tighter approach for lower-skilled categories.
If you are planning to apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa in 2026, this is the moment to:
- Check your occupation under the NOL
- Review the new wage thresholds
- Confirm partner sponsorship eligibility
- Speak with your employer early
Small classification changes can significantly affect visa outcomes.
And in New Zealand’s immigration system, details always matter.
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