Starting February 28, 2024, New Zealand has revised wage criteria for various visa categories, including Skilled Migrant, Green List Straight to Resident, and Work to Residence visas. The changes, now linked to the median hourly wage of NZD 31.61, impact visa eligibility by setting the minimum salary required, unless exempt.
Previously, the median wage was NZD $29.66 per hour, updated annually in February. The wage threshold for the Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa, excluding bus drivers, will also increase along with the new median wage. The expiry of tourism and hospitality wage exemptions and transport sector agreements has been delayed.
However, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) remains at NZD $29.66 per hour, consistent with AEWV-linked visas set since February 2023. Existing AEWV holders at this rate can still accumulate work experience for Skilled Residence.
On April 1, 2024, the New Zealand minimum wage will rise. This affects Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers, requiring employers to pay NZD $25.47 per hour, ensuring RSE remuneration aligns with the new minimum wage. Current RSE workers earning NZD $24.97 per hour must be updated accordingly, with employers failing to adjust risking breaches of their Agreement to Recruit commitments. Any RSE worker transferring between employers must adhere to the updated minimum pay.
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