From 18 August 2025, Immigration New Zealand will increase the wage thresholds for several skilled residence visa categories. This is part of their regular updates to ensure immigration settings reflect the latest job market conditions.
What’s Changing?
The new wage threshold will be $33.56 per hour, based on the June 2024 median wage from Statistics New Zealand. This new rate will apply to the following residence visa categories:
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
- Work to Residence
- Straight to Residence
This updated threshold means applicants must meet a higher minimum pay rate in order to qualify.
What is a Wage Threshold?
A wage threshold is the minimum hourly pay you need to qualify for certain visas. For skilled residence visas, you must meet the wage thresholds:
- When you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) and your resident visa application
- If you’re claiming points for skilled work experience or income under the Skilled Migrant Category.
- If you’re starting your 24 months of work in a Green List role after 18 August 2025 and there is no other wage threshold attached to your occupation.
Wage thresholds are based on both the median wage and your job classification according to the ANZSCO list.
If you are claiming points for income, the new rates will be:
- 1.5 x median wage = $50.34
- 2 x median wage = $67.12
- 3 x median wage = $100.68
Employers: what this means for your staff
If you’re hiring migrants or supporting residence visa applications, it’s crucial to prepare now.
- First, review your current pay rates and check how they compare to the new $33.56/hour threshold.
- Next, make sure that any new job offers or contract extensions issued on or after 18 August 2025 meet this updated rate.
- Otherwise, offers that fall below the threshold may no longer qualify for skilled residence applications.
- Keep in mind, while existing residence visas won’t be affected, any new applications from 18 August onward must meet the new threshold.
If your staff are planning to apply for skilled residence soon, now’s the time to check their pay rates. Getting it right protects your workforce and avoids visa delays. Talk to us today to make sure your staff are ready before the changes kick in.
Migrants: How this impacts your visa application
If you’re thinking of applying for a skilled residence visa, this change affects both the timing and eligibility of your application.
- If you apply for a residence visa after 18 August 2025, your current job or job offer must pay at least $33.56/hour (unless other income requirements are listed for your occupation).
- The new rate could impact you if you’re claiming points for income under the Skilled Migrant Category.
- Already have a residence visa? You’re in the clear, the change won’t affect your current visa.
- If your pay is currently below $33.56/hour, and you’re nearly ready to apply, you may want to submit your application before the update.
Thinking of applying for skilled residence soon? A quick check now could save time and strengthen your case. Contact our team of 9 Licensed Immigration Advisors today to make sure you’re ready before the new rules kick in.
Key Takeaways
- The new wage threshold is $33.56/hour, effective from 18 August 2025
- It affects the Skilled Migrant, Work to Residence, and Straight to Residence visa categories
- Existing visa holders are not affected, but new applications must meet the new rate
- Employers should review roles and salaries now to avoid disruptions later
Not sure how the new wage threshold affects you or your team? Our team of 9 Licensed Immigration Advisors are here to help, get in touch today and get clear answers fast.
Marie Hunt
Licensed immigration Adviser