Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced an increase in wage thresholds for the majority of work visas, aligning them with the latest median wage. This adjustment signals positive prospects for prospective immigrants, reflecting heightened demand for skilled workers in the country.
However, one notable exception is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which retains its current wage threshold, creating a temporary disparity in visa requirements.
New Zealand Increases..
Wage thresholds serve as the minimum income requirement for various visa categories, serving as a gauge for job skill levels. INZ updates these thresholds annually to keep pace with inflation, with the latest adjustment pegging them to the June 2023 median wage of NZD$31.61 per hour, a notable increase from the previous figure of NZD$29.66.
Prospective applicants must now demonstrate earnings of at least NZD$31.61 per hour to meet eligibility criteria. However, the AEWV stands out as an exception, with INZ opting to maintain its wage threshold at NZD$29.66 per hour.
This decision allows the government time to explore alternative methods for assessing skill levels beyond reliance solely on the median wage.
Certain sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, operate under sector agreements permitting payment below the median wage for AEWVs.
Nevertheless, these industries still maintain minimum wage thresholds linked to the median wage, with tourism and hospitality currently at NZD$28.18 per hour, set to increase incrementally.
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