NZ Pathway
Policy updates
Policy updates log
Changes to New Zealand immigration rules that affect the tools and guides on this site, newest first. Each entry links to its official source.
- Upcoming
Work to Residence wage calculation rules change
INZ has announced changes to how wage rates are calculated for work-to-residence visas, effective 24 August 2026. If your Green List Tier 2 qualifying period straddles this date, confirm how the new rules treat your wage evidence before lodging.
Source: Immigration New Zealand
- In effect
Immigration median wage rises to $35.00/hour; 47 new occupations recognised
The immigration median wage increased from $33.56 to $35.00/hour, moving every indexed threshold (SMC job requirements, income points, Green List pay rates). 47 occupations were added to the National Occupation List for AEWV purposes.
Source: INZ — New occupations recognised and annual median wage increase
- In effect
Pearson publishes updated PTE Academic ↔ IELTS concordance
Pearson's July 2025 concordance study supersedes the 2020 table for the enhanced PTE Academic (IELTS 6.5 now concords with PTE 55–62, previously 58–64). INZ still sets its own minimum scores — the SMC line remains PTE 58 / IELTS 6.5.
Source: Pearson — PTE Academic / IELTS concordance study summary (July 2025)