The remuneration thresholds are updated every year and are based on the New Zealand median salary and wage rate of $25.50 per hour (up 2% from last year), equivalent to $53,040 per annum.

The new thresholds will be effective on 24 February 2020. INZ normally update the thresholds in November each year, but this year they are updating them later.

Skilled Migrant Category

• The threshold for skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 1-3, or in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 4-5 that is treated as an exception, will be $25.50 per hour or above
• The threshold for skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 4-5, or which is not included in ANZSCO, will be $38.25 per hour or above
• The threshold to earn bonus points for being highly paid will be $51 per hour or above

Essential Skills

• The threshold for higher-skilled employment in any occupation (including those at ANZSCO skill level 4-5) will be $38.25 per hour or above
• The threshold for mid-skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 1-3 will be $21.68 per hour or above
• The threshold for mid-skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 4-5 that is treated as an exception will be $25.50 per hour or above
• All other occupations will be considered lower-skilled

Further information can be found on INZ website. The amended immigration instructions will be published in an Amendment Circular in due course.

> Skilled Migrant and Essential Skills visas – changes to remuneration thresholds

> Policy Amendment Circulars

Source – INZ