Immigration New Zealand’s Amendment Circular No. 2026-01 introduces updated wage thresholds, occupational requirements, and criteria for the Green List, Accredited Employer, and Skilled Migrant Category visas, effective beginning 9 March 2026. These amendments are reflected in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The increase to the immigration median wage affects a range of wage‑linked criteria across work and residence pathways. Employers and internationally mobile employees may experience changes in labour market testing exemptions, eligibility, pay requirements, and the ability to support partners and dependent children.
As wage thresholds increase, organisations may find that some roles previously meeting eligibility settings now fall below updated wage‑multiple requirements, potentially affecting recruitment, assignment structuring, and immigration planning.
Key Highlights
Area Affected | New Requirement (from 9 March 2026) | Previous Requirement | Notes |
Immigration median wage | NZD $35 per hour | NZD $33.56 per hour | Forms basis for wage‑linked settings |
Advertising & minimum‑skills exemptions | Applies at twice the new median (NZD $70 per hour) | Applies at twice the current median (NZD $67.12 per hour) | Affects Job Check requirements |
Maximum stays for some lower‑skilled roles | Applies at 1.5 times the median (NZD $52.50 per hour) | Applies at 1.5 times the current median (NZD $50.34 per hour) | Roles need to meet updated level |
Partner support income (Skill Levels 1 – 3) | NZD $28 per hour | NZD $26.85 per hour | Direct increase |
Partner support income (Skill Levels 4 – 5) | NZD $52.50 per hour | NZD $50.34 per hour | Direct increase |
Green List partner support threshold | NZD $35 per hour | NZD $33.56 per hour | Direct increase |
Skilled residence pathways | Pay‑step thresholds rise with median wage | Teachers now require Step 4 | Teachers now require Step 5 |
Parent Category & Parent Boost Visitor Visa | Thresholds to be released later in 2026 | Not applicable | Government to confirm |
KPMG INSIGHTS
The increase to the immigration median wage results in updated income and wage‑multiple requirements across several visa types. While these adjustments reflect current labour‑market conditions, employers may find that certain roles require higher remuneration to maintain pathway eligibility. The new thresholds may also affect employees seeking to support partners or dependent children, especially where wage‑linked evidence is required.
In light of the changes, organizations may wish to:
- Review current remuneration against the new wage‑linked thresholds;
- Confirm whether employees in skilled residence pathways continue to meet updated pay‑step or wage‑multiple criteria;
- Identify employees whose partner‑support eligibility may be affected by the higher income requirements; and
- Reevaluate assignment budgets, role classifications, or timing for applications aligned with wage‑dependent settings.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in Australia (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, New Zealand Government, Amendment Circular 2026-01, published on 19 February 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
**Please note also that the KPMG International member firm in Australia is currently providing New Zealand immigration services.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Australia.
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