New Zealand
New Zealand visa salary thresholds
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category residence requires skilled employment with an accredited employer and wage tests tied to the ANZSCO skill level and points framework.
Last checked 27 June 2026. Every figure is mapped to a primary government source and re-verified over time; recorded changes appear in the changelog.
What salary do you need for a skilled-work visa in New Zealand?
The main skilled-work salary floor in New Zealand is NZ$35 / hour (SMC skilled job - ANZSCO levels 1 to 3), effective 27 June 2026. Occupation-specific going rates may bind higher.
Verified against Immigration New Zealand - Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa on 27 June 2026.
Threshold table
| Route | Amount | ~USD | In force since | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SMC skilled job - ANZSCO levels 1 to 3 Minimum hourly pay for a skilled job or job offer at ANZSCO skill levels 1 to 3 under the SMC route page. | NZ$35 / hour | $21 | 2026-06-27 | Immigration New Zealand - Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa |
SMC skilled job - ANZSCO levels 4 to 5 Minimum hourly pay for a skilled job or job offer at ANZSCO skill levels 4 to 5, equal to 1.5 times the NZD 35 reference rate on the route page. | NZ$53 / hour | $32 | 2026-06-27 | Immigration New Zealand - Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa |
How often this changes
INZ can revise SMC wage references and points settings; the route page also flags policy changes from 24 August 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary to qualify for a work visa in New Zealand?
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category residence requires skilled employment with an accredited employer and wage tests tied to the ANZSCO skill level and points framework.
How often do New Zealand salary thresholds change?
INZ can revise SMC wage references and points settings; the route page also flags policy changes from 24 August 2026.
Does meeting the headline threshold guarantee approval?
No. Headline floors are one of several criteria. Most jurisdictions also apply an occupation-specific going rate, character and health checks, and — for sponsored routes — employer/sponsor compliance. Failing any one of these can lead to refusal even where salary is above the threshold.
Related
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.