Immigration New Zealand Outlines Work to Residence Wage Rate Thresholds and Grace Period Rules

INZ explains how wage rates are calculated for migrants pursuing residence through the Work to Residence pathway

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) sets out, in its published guidance and operational instructions, how wage rates are calculated for migrants pursuing residence through the Work to Residence pathway. The rules cover how pay rates, employer changes, and annual median wage adjustments affect an applicant's 24-month qualifying work experience.

How Wage Rates Are Assessed

To be eligible for a Work to Residence Visa, an applicant:

Rule	Requirement
Initial benchmark	Must be paid the required wage rate for their job that was in place when they started counting eligible work experience.
Employer changes	Will not need to meet a higher wage rate if they change employer during their work experience period, provided their new pay does not fall below the required rate at that time.
Grace period	Can use the required wage rate that applied when their visa was granted, if they are within the 5-month grace period (i.e., they start work within 5 months of grant, and were paid at least the required rate at grant).
Experience window	Must have 24 months of qualifying work experience within a 30-month period immediately before applying for residence.
New visa/job	May need to meet a new (current) wage rate if they apply for a different type of visa or change to a different job.

Work stops counting toward the 24-month total if the applicant's pay drops below the wage rate that applied when they started counting experience, or below the current required rate for their occupation, whichever applies — for example, if they change employer or their pay is reduced.

The 30-Month Eligible Timeframe

INZ looks back 30 months immediately before the residence application date to confirm at least 24 months of eligible work experience falls within that window, in an approved Green List Tier 2, Care Workforce, or Transport sector role, paid at or above the required wage rate for that job at the time.

Median Wage Rate Tiers

Wage rates for Work to Residence visas are generally based on the New Zealand median wage, which INZ updates annually using Stats NZ labour market data. As of 9 March 2026, the median wage used for immigration purposes is NZD $35.00 per hour (up from NZD $33.56).

Most Green List Tier 2 occupations require pay at or above the median wage itself. A number of specified trade and technical occupations, however, carry a fixed multiple of the median wage under Immigration New Zealand's operational instructions (Appendix 13 — Green List, effective from 9 March 2026):

Wage Multiple	Hourly Rate (from 9 March 2026)	Occupations
Median wage (100%)	NZD $35.00	Most Green List Tier 2 roles without a specified rate
Median wage + 15%	NZD $40.25	Telecommunications Technician, Civil Machinery Operator, Panel Beater, Vehicle Painter
Median wage + 30%	NZD $45.50	Crane Operator, Metal Fabricator, Pressure Welder, Welder, Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner, Fitter-Welder, Metal Machinist (First Class)
Median wage + 50%	NZD $52.50	Building Associate (INZ's published worked examples also apply this rate to Building Construction Supervisor)

This table reflects rates effective from 9 March 2026 as published in INZ's operational manual (SR5.15.1). Rates are reviewed annually and applicants should confirm current figures against the official Green List occupation list before relying on them.

Key Takeaways for Applicants

Pay must remain at or above the applicable required wage rate throughout the 24-month qualifying period. If pay falls below that rate at any point, that period stops counting toward the 24 months until compliant pay is restored.
Not every occupation on the Green List Tier 2 carries a specified above-median rate — where no specific rate is set for an occupation, the standard median wage applies.
Applicants should check the current Green List Tier 2 appendix and wage rate tables on Immigration New Zealand's website, as both the occupation list and the wage figures are updated periodically.

This article is based on information procured from official sources and public portals. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Kindly consult the relevant public authority or an immigration advisor at the Legit Migrant for guidance specific to your circumstances.

← Back to Immigration Updates

The material published here is intended for general awareness and information. For any queries or assistance, please contact The Legit Migrant.