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New Zealand AEWV Requirements & Green List Jobs 2026

The most recent update to the New Zealand Occupation List opens up many new job opportunities for people who want to move to New Zealand for work.

New Zealand is adding 47 new skill level 1–3 jobs to the National Occupation List (NOL) for AEWV visa New Zealand applications starting on March 9, 2026.

Changes to wage thresholds and job classifications will also affect the requirements for skilled migrants, potentially making it easier for some applicants to qualify for work visas while raising the bar for others, which may lead to a more competitive environment for certain job categories.

Check your eligibility with Trenity Consultants, the best work visa immigration consultants in Abu Dhabi, UAE today.

What's New in the 2026 New Zealand Immigration Update?

The AEWV List Now Has 47 More Skilled Jobs

Starting in March 2026, employers and job seekers can use 47 new Skill Level 1–3 roles that are now eligible for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This growth fits with New Zealand’s ongoing move from ANZSCO to the new NOL, which makes sure that immigration rules are in line with current job market needs.

Some important new jobs are:

• Head of Sustainability
• Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef
• Expert in Organic Conservation
• Experts in VR and AR
• Managers of Joinery
• People who check energy levels
• Sous-chef, chef de partie, and more

Here is the full, updated list of skilled jobs in New Zealand.

The median wage for immigrants went up

Based on data from June 2025, the median wage for immigrants will go up to NZD $35.00 per hour starting in March 2026. This raise has an effect on:

Salary requirements for the Green List
Minimum salaries for partner support and children who depend on them
Jobs that pay at least twice the median wage don’t have to advertise
Skilled residence pathways (for example, teachers may now need Step 5 on the pay scale)

What You Should Know About Job Reclassifications

Three jobs—pet groomer, nanny, and kennel hand—are now at Skill Level 4, up from Level 3. Starting on March 9, 2026, new applications will be accepted:

Applicants must have English skills at least at Skill Level 4.
During job checks, employers must talk to the Ministry of Social Development.
The maximum stay times may be shorter, and there may be more restrictions on partners and dependents.

Applications approved on or before March 8, 2026, remain unaffected.

What Is the New Zealand Green List, and How Is It Different From the AEWV?

Green List is a separate residence pathway from the standard Accredited Employer Work Visa — not a bonus tier within it. Introduced in 2022, it replaced the old Immediate, Regional, and Long-Term Skill Shortage Lists, and it exists specifically to fast-track residency for occupations New Zealand is short on. The key difference: a standard AEWV gets you a temporary work visa tied to an accredited employer, with residence only available later through pathways like the Skilled Migrant Category. The Green List skips that wait for eligible occupations through two tiers:

Tier 1 – Straight to Residence:

If your occupation is on this tier, you can apply for residence immediately once you have an eligible job offer — no minimum time working in New Zealand required. Common Tier 1 roles include specialist doctors, registered nurses, civil engineers, and software engineers.

Tier 2 – Work to Residence:

These occupations still need an AEWV first, but after two years in the role, you become eligible to apply for residence. This tier covers many skilled trades and technical roles. Each Green List occupation carries its own qualification, registration, and wage requirements — for example, healthcare roles typically require registration with the relevant NZ professional body (like the Medical Council or Nursing Council) before a visa can be approved.

Do Any of the 47 New NOL Roles Also Appear on the Green List?

The 47 roles added to the National Occupation List in March 2026 sit on the standard AEWV list, which is separate from the Green List. Based on recent Green List updates, roles like Enterprise Architect and VR/AR specialists have also been added there — which may overlap with the “AR and VR Expert” role on our updated NOL list above, though exact role titles can differ between the two lists. Because Green List eligibility depends on exact occupation matching and changes periodically, we’d recommend confirming your specific role’s status directly with our consultants rather than assuming; this is exactly the kind of detail a free eligibility check is built to clarify.

Who Can Apply for a Work Visa in New Zealand in 2026?

With these changes, you can now get the AEWV visa for New Zealand and other skilled worker pathways if you meet the following requirements:

The job is on the NOL at Skill Level 1–3
Meeting the new median wage of $35.00 per hour
Meeting certain job requirements, such as qualifications, experience, and English proficiency

Tip: If you have an AEWV in a skill level 4 or 5 job right now, your employer may be able to help you move up to a job that requires more skills if they get a job check.

How to Get a Work Visa for New Zealand: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check if your job is on the updated New Zealand occupation list 2026.
2. Meet Wage Thresholds: Make sure your job offer meets or exceeds the new median wage and any other requirements.
3. Job Check by the Employer: Your employer must post the job for at least 14 days and show that they tried to hire New Zealanders first.
4. File Your AEWV Application: Send in your application for an Accredited Employer Work Visa along with any required documents.
5. Add your partner and dependents (if they qualify):
Look at the new income limits for helping family members.

Check out our detailed blog on The New Zealand AEWV Work Visa to know more.

Why the Update to the New Zealand Occupation List is Important

New Zealand is committed to attracting talent from around the world, as shown by the move to the National Occupation List and the addition of 47 new skilled jobs. These changes give skilled workers, especially those from India and other countries, new chances to make a life for themselves in New Zealand.

Employers: Get access to a larger pool of qualified candidates for jobs that are hard to fill, which can help address labour shortages in various sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and technology.
Applicants: More people can apply, and job categories are clearer, which helps ensure that applicants understand the requirements and opportunities available in the job market.
People who currently hold an AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa): They may be able to move up in their jobs and stay longer.
They may be able to move up in their jobs and stay longer.

Full List – 47 New Jobs Added to NOL for AEWV (2026)

Read the full list of new Skill Level 1–3 jobs that will be available for the AEWV starting on March 9, 2026.

Level 1 Jobs:

• Chief Remote Officer
• Head of Sustainability
• Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef
• Expert in organic conservation
• Modeller of Building Information
• Expert in Accessible Format
• Associate Physician
• AR and VR Expert
• Architect for the business
• Joinery Manager and Joinery Project Manager
• Head of Staff
• Executive Assistant (CEO/Board Level)

Level 2 Jobs:

• Technician in the wine lab
• CAD Draftsperson
• Technician in Biomedical Science
• Technician for Environmental Engineering
• Detailer for reinforcing and structural steel
• Technician for Digital Imaging
• Technician for the environment
• Assessor of Energy
• Chef de Partie and Sous Chef
• Urban Forester
• Head of Nursery Production
• Video maker
• EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
• Coordinator for Elderly Care
• A person who embalms
• Teacher of skydiving
• Master/Instructor of Tandem Skydiving
• Professional in Administration
• Manager of Accounting Practice
• Legal Practice Manager

Level 3 Jobs:

• Advisor to Consumers
• Mechanical Launch Technician
• Other Chef; Demi Chef de Partie
• Worker who helps peers
• Ski Patrol
• Timber Worker
• Senior Operator of the Timber Treatment Plant
• Advanced Mobile Plant Operator for Agriculture and Horticulture
• Operator of the Ice Cream (Process Control) Machine
• Meat Boner or Meat Cutter
• Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS)

Get your New Zealand work visa journey off to a good start with Trenity Consultants

Are you ready to make your future in New Zealand? As one of the best immigration consultants in New Zealand, Trenity Consultants can help you with everything from checking your eligibility to submitting your application.

• Individualised Evaluation
• Full support for documentation
• Current information on New Zealand immigration update 2026

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Conclusion

The 2026 update to the New Zealand occupation list gives skilled workers more chances than ever before. To give yourself the best chance of success, stay up to date on the latest immigration changes and talk to professionals like Trenity Consultants about your New Zealand work visa needs.

New Zealand Work Visa 2026 and List of Occupations Update: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

What is the AEWV, or Accredited Employer Work Visa, in New Zealand?

The AEWV is a short-term work visa that permits skilled workers work for well-known companies in New Zealand. To be eligible, your job must be on the current National Occupation List (NOL) and meet specific skill and wage requirements.

What is the New Zealand Green List?

The Green List is a register of occupations facing critical shortages in New Zealand. Roles on it get a fast-tracked residence pathway — Tier 1 occupations qualify for Straight to Residence with an eligible job offer, while Tier 2 occupations qualify for residence after two years on a Work to Residence visa. It's separate from the standard AEWV pathway, not an add-on to it.

How do I check if my employer is on the accredited employer list?

Immigration New Zealand maintains a public, searchable register of accredited employers on its official website — you can look up any company by name before accepting a job offer. If your prospective employer isn't listed, they'll need to apply for accreditation before they can support your AEWV application. Our consultants can also verify this for you as part of your free eligibility check.

What are the greatest changes to the list of jobs in New Zealand for 2026?

As of March 9, 2026, the National Occupation List features 47 new Skill Level 1–3 jobs. The minimum pay is going up to NZD $35.00 per hour, and some jobs have been relocated to different skill levels, which means that only certain people can apply.

How does the new median wage affect my application for a work visa?

The average income for skilled immigrants will be NZD $35.00 per hour starting in March 2026. This modifies the salary requirements for receiving a visa, a partner or dependent visa, and some skilled residency options.

Can I include my partner and kids in my AEWV application?

Yes, you can include partners and dependents if you fulfil the new income and eligibility requirements. Know the most recent rules about family support.

What documents do I need to get the AEWV?

Most of the time, you need a real job offer from a well-known company, proof of your qualifications and experience, proof that you meet the pay level, and proof that you can speak English.

What can New Zealand Immigration Consultants in Abu Dhabi, UAE do for me?

New Zealand Immigration Consultants in Abu Dhabi, UAE, such as Trenity Consultants, can assist you in figuring out if you qualify, getting the proper papers, and completing your application. They give you tailored expert advice and keep you up to date on the most recent changes to immigration legislation.