Immigration Update: What’s Changing in Immigration This Year?
Several immigration policy updates have been announced, which mean significant changes for work visas, residence pathways, wage thresholds, job classifications, and employer/migrant rights.
Here’s what you need to know at a glance.
Median Wage Increases (9 March 2026)
- From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage increased to $35.00 per hour. Although Accredited Employer Work visa (AEWV) applications no longer require the median wage, following a shift to the market rate last year, several settings still depend on it, including:
- Green List remuneration thresholds
- High-paid exemptions to labour market tests for Job Checks (now $70 per hour).
- Partner and dependent child income thresholds.
- Residence pathways (SMC, Green List, Transport WTR) have also adjusted
- It is important to check whether your migrant employees will need a pay increase, due to the new rate, to be eligible for residence. In some cases, migrants may not need a pay increase if they were paid an applicable rate at the start of their employment.
Continued shift to the National Occupation List (9 March 2026)
- As part of the gradual move from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to the National Occupation List (NOL), 47 roles were recognised as skill level 1–3 for AEWV applications, while three roles were (Pet Groomer, Nanny, and Kennel Hand) downgraded back to level 3 to level 4. These changes will impact the length of time that an applicant can remain in New Zealand.
New Employment Conditions for Open Work Visas (20 April 2026)
- From 20 April 2026, open work visas will be granted with work conditions that either allow for:
- Full flexibility – any work, including self‑employment or business ownership; or
- Only allow work for any employer under an employment agreement or contract for services.
- Open visa holders cannot employ others, provide sexual services, or operate or invest in prostitution businesses.
More information about changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (Late August 2026)
- There will be two new residence pathways– the Skilled Work Experience Pathway and the Trades and Technician Pathway.
- However, specific occupations that fall under the Amber or Red lists will either need to meet further requirements under one of these pathways or will not be eligible under these pathways at all.
- Further, the list of specific occupations who may apply under the Trades and Technician pathway has been released. This pathway requires applicants to hold a relevant a level 4 or above qualification, and 4 years of directly relevant skilled work experience, gained post-qualification, with at least 1.5 years in New Zealand, earning at least the median wage.
- Wage requirements under the SMC will be based on the rate when NZ skilled work experience began, not at the time of applying. This means that migrants may not need to receive a pay increase to the relevant payrate at the time of their application.
- A 5‑month grace period applies to wage calculations after the grant of a visa. This means that if there is a gap between the date a migrant’s visa is approved and the date they started work, and the median wage increased during that time, the migrant does not need to meet the new higher rate, as long as they begin working within 5 months of their visa approval.
- Clarified rules for points claimed for Level 8–9 qualifications. Applicants claiming points for these qualifications must also hold a bachelor’s degree, unless the Master’s degree was gained in New Zealand.
- From 2027, migrants may be able to access an additional AEWV extension to complete up to 12 more months of required skilled experience. INZ have not clarified the requirements, but it may involve providing evidence of being ‘on track’ to meet one of the SMC pathways.
Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill
- The Government has introduced a Bill to strengthen immigration risk management and tighten responses to serious offending. Changes include
- Extending the period during which residents can be deported for serious crimes from 10 to 20 years;
- Tougher penalties for migrant exploitation;
- New infringement offences for employers;
- Easier identity checks by immigration Officers.
- Restrictions on the availability of humanitarian appeals against deportation for temporary and visitor visa holders.
These changes will have a significant impact on migrants, particularly families who may not be able to appeal against a family member being removed from New Zealand.
Duncan Cotterill’s immigration team will continue to monitor any announcements and provide updates. In the meantime, please reach out to us if you have any questions.
Special thanks to Partner Nicola Tiffen and Solicitor Jamie Harvey for preparing this article.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
