AEWV Median Wage Calculator
Check if your job offer meets the strict NZ Median Wage threshold and discover your visa rights.
Compensation Details
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Current Threshold
The current AEWV median wage threshold is $31.61 per hour. Falling even one cent below this threshold completely changes your visa conditions.
What is the current New Zealand median wage for visas?
As of February 2024, the median wage used by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Skilled Migrant Category is $31.61 NZD per hour.
What happens if my job offer is below the median wage?
If your hourly rate is below $31.61, you can only get an AEWV if your role is on an official sector agreement exemption list (like Care Workforce, Meat Processing, or Tourism). Even then, your visa is usually capped at 2 to 3 years, and you cannot sponsor a partner's work visa.
Can I use an annual salary instead of an hourly rate?
Yes, but Immigration New Zealand strictly calculates the equivalent hourly rate based on your employment contract. For example, a $65,000 salary for 40 hours a week equals $31.25/hour, which is BELOW the median wage, meaning your visa could be declined unless exempt.
Do unpaid breaks count towards my hours?
No. The hourly rate is calculated strictly on paid hours. If you work 40 hours but 5 of those are unpaid lunch breaks, your contract is for 35 hours of paid work.
Calculated Hourly Rate
$32.50/hr
Meets Median Wage
Your rate is at or above the required $31.61/hr.
Max Visa DurationUp to 5 Years
Partner SponsorshipYes, you can sponsor your partner for a work or visitor visa.
Skilled Migrant PathwayEligible to claim points.