·New Zealand·Significant change·In force
New Zealand: SMC reform is in force and the immigration median wage is NZD 35/hour
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Immigration New Zealand raised the immigration median wage and implemented the announced Skilled Migrant Category changes on 24 August 2026.
Effective from .
What changed
Policy claim 1
The immigration median wage rose to NZD 35.00/hour, effective 9 March 2026; it governs Green List pay rates and SMC income points.
Claim ID: nz-2026-skilled-migration-changes#claim-1·Cite this claim
Source: Immigration New Zealand — News centre (SMC changes & annual median-wage increase) (Immigration New Zealand (INZ))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 2
The blanket median-wage requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa was removed in March 2025 — roles must instead be paid at the market rate for the job.
Claim ID: nz-2026-skilled-migration-changes#claim-2·Cite this claim
Source: Immigration New Zealand — News centre (SMC changes & annual median-wage increase) (Immigration New Zealand (INZ))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 3
From 24 August 2026, the Skilled Migrant Category includes the Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician residence pathways, with pathway-specific occupation, qualification, experience and wage conditions.
Claim ID: nz-2026-skilled-migration-changes#claim-3·Cite this claim
Source: Immigration New Zealand — News centre (SMC changes & annual median-wage increase) (Immigration New Zealand (INZ))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 4
The new settings include simplified wage assessment, clarified qualification evidence and additional qualification-point treatment for qualifying New Zealand study; they do not remove the need to meet the requirements of the relevant pathway.
Claim ID: nz-2026-skilled-migration-changes#claim-4·Cite this claim
Source: Immigration New Zealand — News centre (SMC changes & annual median-wage increase) (Immigration New Zealand (INZ))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 5
47 occupations were added to the National Occupation List at skill levels 1-3, effective 9 March 2026.
Claim ID: nz-2026-skilled-migration-changes#claim-5·Cite this claim
Source: Immigration New Zealand — News centre (SMC changes & annual median-wage increase) (Immigration New Zealand (INZ))·source verified ·page reviewed
Routes affected
Primary source
Primary source
Immigration New Zealand — News centre (SMC changes & annual median-wage increase) ↗ · Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Link last verified: