From 9 March 2026, Immigration New Zealand officially updated the National Occupation List (NOL) with several important changes for international workers and hiring employers. The updates include the addition of 47 new occupations in skill levels 1–3 and an increase in the median wage to NZD 35 per hour.
These updates directly impact many work visa categories, especially the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
What is the National Occupation List (NOL)?
The National Occupation List (NOL) is New Zealand’s new occupational classification system. It was created to replace the ANZSCO and better reflect the country’s real labor market demand.
The list divides occupations into five skill levels:
| Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Highest-skilled occupations |
| Level 2–3 | Medium to high-skilled occupations |
| Level 4–5 | Lower-skilled occupations |
The NOL will be updated annually to keep pace with changes in the New Zealand labor market.
47 New Occupations Added to the National Occupation List
From 9 March 2026, New Zealand added 47 occupations at skill levels 1–3 to the NOL used for AEWV visa applications and Job Check processes by employers.
This creates more opportunities for international workers because:
- More jobs are recognized as high-skill occupations
- Workers may qualify for longer visa durations
- Some workers may be able to extend their stay in New Zealand
In addition, chef-related positions have been reclassified into more specific occupations based on experience and professional level.
Median Wage Increased to NZD 35/hour from 2026
Another major change is the increase of the median wage to NZD 35 per hour, based on salary data from June 2025.
Although the median wage requirement for AEWV was removed in 2025, many immigration policies still rely on this benchmark.
Policies affected include:
- Salary thresholds within the Green List
- Exemption from job advertising requirements (if salary ≥ 2× median wage)
- Maximum 5-year visa duration rules for certain visas
- Income thresholds for sponsoring partners and children
New Zealand Adjusts Income Requirements for Family Sponsorship
Following the median wage increase, income thresholds have also been updated:
| Visa Category | Old Threshold | New Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Level 1–3 | 26.85 NZD/h | 28.00 NZD/h |
| Skill Level 4–5 | 50.34 NZD/h | 52.50 NZD/h |
| Green List | 33.56 NZD/h | 35.00 NZD/h |
These changes directly affect eligibility for partner visas and dependent visas.
How Is the Meat Processing Industry Affected?
If an occupation is not yet included in the NOL, applications will continue using the ANZSCO system during the transition period.
There is good news for entry-level workers in the meat processing industry. Under the new NOL, the Boner/Cutter position is classified as Skill Level 3, meaning:
- Visa validity of up to 5 consecutive years
- No English certificate required
- No formal qualifications required
- Eligible to sponsor a spouse and children
Applicants only need to:
- Prove at least 2 years of work experience
- Receive employer sponsorship
This represents a strong opportunity for low-skilled workers, particularly those without strong English skills.
Impact on International Workers
The updated NOL brings several advantages:
1. Broader visa opportunities
The addition of 47 new occupations allows more international workers to qualify for visas.
2. Clearer job classification
Industries such as hospitality and culinary professions now have more detailed occupational categories.
3. Greater chances for visa extensions
Workers currently in lower skill roles may qualify to move into skill level 1–3 positions.
4. Clearer pathway to residency
Higher-skilled occupations generally have stronger pathways toward residence.
Conclusion
The update to the National Occupation List and the median wage increase from March 2026 shows that New Zealand continues to adjust its immigration policies to match domestic labor market demand.
Key changes include:
- 47 new occupations added to skill levels 1–3
- 3 occupations reclassified
- Median wage increased to NZD 35/hour
International workers and employers should carefully review the updated occupation classifications and salary thresholds before submitting visa applications to ensure compliance with New Zealand’s immigration requirements.
