Скачать или смотреть New Zealand National Occupation List | Hourly Wages Increased | Pardes Explainers

In March 2026 the government of New Zealand implemented two connected immigration and labour changes designed to manage labour shortages and tighten pay floors for migrants and residents. First, Immigration New Zealand added 47 occupations at skill levels 1, 3 to its National Occupation List (NOL) for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications these additions broaden which roles employers can recruit overseas for. Second, the immigration median wage used in AEWV and related immigration settings was raised to NZ$35.00 per hour, with the change taking effect on 9 March 2026.
What those decisions mean (big picture)
Expanding the NOL increases the number of defined roles that accredited New Zealand employers can legitimately sponsor, especially across skill levels 1, 3 (operational to mid-skilled roles). This makes it easier for some sectors hospitality, trades, care work and technical roles in particular — to show a valid occupation match when they run a Job Check for an AEWV.
Raising the immigration median wage to NZ$35/hr raises the earnings threshold that many migrant job offers must meet to qualify for certain residence or immigration pathways; it also affects employer obligations and the competitiveness of offers for overseas hires. Note this is distinct from the adult minimum wage (a general labour law) which is separately set to increase to about NZ$23.95/hr from 1 April 2026.
Practical effect for employers and migrants
Employers must still be accredited, advertise roles (genuine effort to hire New Zealanders, minimum 14 days) and pass a Job Check before offering an AEWV. The new NOL occupations and reclassifications simply change which job titles/ANZSCO mappings will be accepted for the AEWV process.
How Pakistani professionals can get a job in New Zealand (step-by-step)
Check whether your occupation is on the NOL (or Green List) — find the exact NOL job title that matches your role. Employers use the NOL job title in Job Checks; an exact match avoids delays. Use Immig­nation New Zealand’s NOL pages and the Green List for high-priority roles.
Target AEWV-ready employers and accredited recruiters, accredited employers run Job Checks. Search Kiwi job sites (Seek, Trade Me Jobs, LinkedIn) and apply directly; mention openness to sponsoring AEWV in applications.
Prepare documentation and NZ-style CV have certified copies of qualifications, translated transcripts, reference letters showing at least 2 years’ relevant experience (or a NZQF Level-4+ qualification) and, for regulated professions, the NZ registration/registration pathway. AEWV criteria commonly require 2+ years’ relevant experience or level-4+ qualification.
Negotiate pay with the new wage context in mind — employers will consider the NZ$35/hr immigration median wage when structuring offers. For many skilled roles you’ll need to ensure the total package meets immigration and market expectations.
Apply for the right visa once a Job Check and job offer exist — the employer must do the Job Check; if successful you apply for the AEWV. For longer-term plans, examine Skilled Migrant Category residence pathways or Green List Straight-to-Residence if your occupation qualifies.
Quick tips to improve success
Get international credential assessment where relevant; register with NZ professional bodies if your role is regulated.
Use niche recruiters who place overseas candidates into NZ roles.
Be ready for remote interviews and provide local referees where possible.
Tailor your CV to NZ conventions (concise, results-focused) and highlight any NZ-relevant skills (English level, licences, certifications).
Closing note: these are policy changes effective 9 March 2026 (NOL additions and immigration median wage to NZ$35/hr) and the minimum adult wage rise to ~NZ$23.95/hr from 1 April 2026. For the specific NOL job titles that match your profession and step-by-step paperwork checks, consult recent Immigration New Zealand guidance and consider an immigration adviser for complex cases.
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