NEW ZEALAND: Changes to Minimum Income Thresholds

January 13, 2020


Effective 24 February 2020, the minimum income thresholds for essential skills work visas and skilled migrant residence visas are set to increase.

What are the changes?

Essential skills work visas

Skill Level

Current Rate

From 24 February 2020

High-skilled employment in any occupation

NZD 37.50/hour

NZD 38.25/hour

Mid-skilled employment (ANZSCO level 1-3)

NZD 21.25/hour

NZD 21.68/hour

Mid-skilled employment (ANZSCO level 4-5, treated as exception)

NZD 25.00/hour

NZD 25.50/hour

Low-skilled employment (Any ANZSCO level)

At least NZD 21.25/hour

Less than NZD 21.68/hour

 

Skilled migrant residence visas

Skill level

Current rate

From 24 February 2020

Skilled employment at ANZSCO level 1-3 (or ANZSCO Level 4-5 and treated as exception)

NZD 25.00/hour

NZD 25.50/hour

Skilled employment at ANZSCO levels 4-5 (or where there is no matching ANZSCO code)

NZD 37.50/hour

NZD 38.25/hour

Threshold to earn bonus points for being highly paid

NZD 50.00/hour

NZD 51.00/hour

 

Our Advice

Employers are advised to review the salaries of their foreign employees holding essential skills work visas or skilled migrant residence visas.

Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to New Zealand, please contact us.