The Ultimate Guide to the Salary Threshold NZ Work Visa

1. What is the Salary Threshold NZ and Why Does It Matter?

The Salary Threshold NZ is a set of minimum pay rates established by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to regulate the entry and employment of migrant workers  . Rather than being a single fixed number, these salary requirements vary depending on the visa type, the industry, and the skill level of the occupation.

2. The Immigration Median Wage: The Core Benchmark

At the heart of New Zealand’s immigration policies is the immigration median wage  . This figure is updated annually based on data from Statistics New Zealand and serves as the primary benchmark for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and various skilled migration programs  .

The Recent Transition to NZD $35 Per Hour

On March 9, 2026, the immigration median wage officially increased to NZD $35 per hour (up from the previous threshold of NZD $33.56 per hour)   . This adjustment represents a significant shift for both employers and applicants, as any new work visa applications submitted after this date must meet the new NZD $35 per hour minimum to be considered for standard skilled roles.

How Pay Rates Are Calculated

Immigration authorities calculate your hourly rate based on your genuine job offer and employment agreement  . For salaried employees, the calculation divides the annual salary by 52 weeks, and then by the hours worked  . If your contract specifies a range of hours (e.g., 40 to 45 hours), INZ will divide your salary by the maximum number of hours (45 hours) to ensure you meet the minimum wage requirement under all circumstances  .

3. The Impact of Salary Thresholds on Visa Types 

Different visa types carry distinct salary requirements and visa requirements . Understanding where your role fits is essential for a successful visa application process  .

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The AEWV is the primary temporary work visa in New Zealand  . To hire a migrant under this scheme, a business must first go through the employer accreditation NZ process to become an accredited employer  . Once accredited, the employer must prove that the role pays at least the immigration median wage of NZD $35 per hour, unless the role is covered by a specific sector agreement or wage exemption.

The Specific Purpose Work Visa NZ : Salary Threshold NZ

The Specific Purpose Work Visa NZ (SPWV) is designed for individuals coming to New Zealand for a specific, time-bound event or project  . Unlike the AEWV, the SPWV does not always require the employer to be accredited, but the applicant must still demonstrate that their remuneration meets industry pay rates and government standards for the specific expertise they are bringing to the country  .

Seasonal and Sector-Specific Visas

To support critical industries experiencing labor shortages, the government has established sector agreements with lower wage thresholds . Sectors such as the care workforce, tourism, hospitality, and seafood processing are permitted to pay below the standard median wage, provided they meet the specific minimum salary requirements negotiated for their industry .

4. How Wages Influence Visa Duration and Family Sponsorship

Your salary does not just determine whether you get a visa; it also directly impacts the conditions of your stay, including longer visa durations and your ability to support your family.

Salary Benchmarks and Visa Durations

Under current immigration policies, earning higher salary levels often unlocks more favorable visa conditions . For instance, workers who are paid at least the median wage are eligible for a maximum visa duration of up to 5 years . Conversely, those working in roles paid below the median wage under sector agreements are often restricted to shorter visa lengths (typically 2 to 3 years) and may face a mandatory period of time outside New Zealand before they can apply for a further work visa .

Family Sponsorship Rules

The ability to bring your family to New Zealand is closely tied to your income and job skill level  .

• High-Skilled Roles (ANZSCO Levels 1-3): If you earn at least the median wage, you can support a partner visa (which may grant open work rights) and student or visitor visas for your dependent children  .
• Lower-Skilled Roles (ANZSCO Levels 4-5): If you work in a lower-skilled role, you must meet specific, higher income thresholds or have your role listed on the Green List to sponsor your family  .
• Combined Income: If both you and your partner hold AEWVs, you are permitted to combine your incomes to meet the minimum threshold required for family sponsorship of your dependent children  .

5. Skilled Migration and the Pathway to Permanent Residence

For many skilled migrants, the ultimate goal of their New Zealand work visa journey is securing permanent residence . The salary you earn plays a pivotal role in transitioning from temporary status to permanent immigration  .

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

The Skilled Migrant Category is New Zealand’s flagship points-based residency options program. Under the simplified points system, applicants must have a skilled job offer that pays at least the median wage of NZD $35 per hour. If you are claiming points for your skilled work experience in New Zealand, you must prove to the immigration authorities that you met the applicable median wage threshold throughout the entire duration of that employment .

The Green List Pathway

The Green List is a fast-track residency program designed for highly skilled professionals in jobs in demand.

• Tier 1 (Straight to Residence): Allows eligible applicants to apply for residency immediately upon securing a compliant job offer.
• Tier 2 (Work to Residence): Requires the applicant to work in New Zealand for 2 years on an AEWV before applying for residency.

For Green List roles that do not have a specific, higher pay threshold listed, applicants must earn at least the median wage of NZD $35.00 an hour to qualify for residency  .

6. Economic Contributions and Market Rate Standards

The Salary Threshold NZ system is not just an administrative hurdle; it is a strategic tool used by the government to drive economic development and protect the local workforce .

Protecting Local Workers and Market Rates

A key requirement of the visa application process is the “market rate” check    . Even if a job offer meets the minimum wage requirement of NZD $35 per hour, INZ will decline the application if the offered wage is below the market rates for that specific occupation    . For example, if local software engineers typically earn between NZD $50 and NZD $60 per hour, an employer cannot offer an overseas worker NZD $35 per hour for the same role  . This ensures that foreign workers are not exploited as cheap labor and that local workers are not priced out of the market ].

Fostering Economic Contributions

By setting high salary requirements for overseas employment, New Zealand encourages businesses to invest in technology, training, and productivity improvements rather than relying on low-cost labor. Migrants who meet these higher thresholds make significant economic contributions through taxes and local spending, helping to fund public infrastructure and services. This balanced approach ensures that employment in overseas markets remains a win-win for both the migrant workers and the New Zealand economy.