If you are a skilled migrant working toward residency in New Zealand, recent announcements have likely caused some anxiety.
With significant changes coming to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) policies in both March and August 2026, many of our clients at Immigration Chambers are asking the same urgent question: “Do I need my employer to immediately raise my pay to $35.00 per hour to keep my residency dream alive?”
There is a lot of misinformation circulating right now. The good news is that for many of you already working in skilled roles, the answer is likely no.
Here is a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown of the upcoming changes and how the crucial “grandfathering” rule protects your hard-earned work experience.
The Key Dates and Changes You Must Know
Two major updates are scheduled for 2026 that will reshape the pathway to residence.
1. March 9, 2026: The Median Wage Increases
The official New Zealand immigration median wage will rise from the current $33.56 per hour to $35.00 per hour.
This new rate immediately affects:
- New applications for Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV).
- Pay thresholds for Green List straight-to-residence pathways.
- Income requirements for sponsoring partners on work visas.
2. August 2026: The New Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
The government is launching a completely restructured Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. This new system will change how points are awarded and introduce new pathways for skilled work experience and tradespeople.
The “Grandfathering” Rule: Why You Don’t Need to Panic
The biggest concern for migrants is whether their past work experience will still count toward residence if they aren’t currently earning the future $35.00 rate.
Under the rules governing the upcoming August 2026 SMC changes, INZ has confirmed a vital principle often called “grandfathering.”
Here is the rule in plain English: To claim points for skilled work experience, your pay only needs to meet the median wage threshold that was in effect at the time your qualifying work experience started.
You are generally not required to secure a pay raise to match every new annual increase of the median wage just to keep your past experience valid for a future residency application.
Real-World Examples: Do You Need $35.00 Per Hour?
Let’s look at two scenarios to make this crystal clear.
Scenario A: The Existing Worker (Reassuring)
Meet Priya. Priya started working as a Marketing Specialist in February 2024. At that time, the required median wage was $29.66 per hour. She is still in the same job with the same employer today.
Question:
When Priya applies for residency under the new rules in late 2026, does she need to be earning $35.00 per hour to claim her two years of experience?
Answer:
No. Because Priya’s pay met the legal requirement when she started, INZ will accept her experience gained at $29.66 (and subsequent rates like $31.61 or $33.56) as valid skilled work experience. She does not need to ask her boss for a raise to $35.00 just to claim that past time.
Scenario B: The New Starter (Important Caution)
Meet Leo. Leo is offered a new job as a Chef. His first day of paid work will be March 15, 2026.
Question:
What is the minimum hourly rate Leo must earn for this job to eventually count toward residency?
Answer:
$35.00 per hour. Because Leo is starting his new job after the March 9 cut-off date, his starting pay must meet the new median wage threshold of $35.00 to be considered “skilled employment” for residency purposes.
Read more: New NOL Roles for AEWV and Median Wage Hike Explained
When DOES the New $35.00 Rate Matter?
While current workers have some protection for past experience, the new $35.00 rate is still very important. You will likely need to meet this new threshold if:
- You are applying for a new Accredited Employer Work Visa on or after March 9, 2026.
- You change employers or jobs after March 9, 2026.
- You are renewing an existing work visa after that date.
- You are relying on specific Green List pathways where the pay requirement is indexed to the current median wage (e.g., roles requiring 1.5x or 2x the median wage).
As of today 23rd February 2026, under the current SMC Resident Visa settings, applicants must meet the current median wage at the time they apply:
1. SMC lodged on or before 8 March 2026: at least $33.56/hour (The median wage before 9 March 2025)
2. SMC lodged on or after 9 March 2026: at least $35.00/hour (The median wage on 9 March 2025 onwards)
If a pay rise is not possible, you may prefer to wait until August 2026, when the updated SMC RV policy takes effect and removes the requirement to meet the current median wage at application. Until then, the existing rule remains: applicants must be paid at least the applicable to current median wage at the time their SMC application is submitted.
Navigate the Changes with Confidence
The rules set to take effect in August 2026 are complex and involve more than just hourly rates. The new structure includes specific requirements for the “Skilled Work Experience Pathway” and the “Trades & Technician Pathway.”
Don’t base your future on rumors or assumptions. Ensure your residency pathway is secure by getting personalized, professional advice.
How Immigration Chambers can assist?
Navigating the 2026 immigration changes can be confusing. Immigration Chambers can help by assessing your specific work history and pay rate to confirm how the new median wage and Skilled Migrant Category rules affect your residency application. We provide a clear, personalized strategy to ensure your pathway is secure. Book a consultation with our Licensed Immigration Lawyers Auckland now to get expert guidance and protect your future in New Zealand.
Contact our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers New Zealand today to review your current situation and prepare for the 2026 immigration changes.
FAQs
1. Do I need to earn $35/hour to keep my past work experience valid for NZ residency?
No, if you started your job when the median wage was lower, your past experience remains valid under grandfathering rules.
2. When does the $35 median wage requirement start in New Zealand?
March 9, 2026, for new work visa applications and employer changes. The new SMC rules apply from August 2026.
3. Who is affected by the new $35 median wage in 2026?
New AEWV applicants, job changers after March 9, visa renewals, and Green List applicants. Current workers’ past experience is protected.
4. Can I apply for SMC residency before March 2026 at the current wage rate?
Yes. Applications submitted before March 9, 2026 require $33.56 per hour. After that date, you will need $35.00 per hour until the August 2026 changes take effect.
5. What is the grandfathering rule in NZ immigration?
It lets migrants claim skilled work experience based on the median wage that applied when their job began, not today’s rate.
6. Will changing employers affect my residency eligibility?
Yes. A new job after the cut-off must usually meet the current median wage to count as skilled employment.
7. Should I apply before or after August 2026 SMC changes?
It depends on your pay, experience, and points. Professional advice can help you choose the best timing.
8. How can an immigration adviser help with my residency application?
An adviser reviews eligibility, checks documents, aligns wages with policy, prepares applications, and reduces refusal risks.