PSWV

Q1: Do I need to have a job title and job description that match my field of study?

A: One of the key factors in a New Zealand residence application assessment is whether you genuinely have the skills required for the job offer. Residence applications are evaluated based on skilled employment, where skills are demonstrated through relevant qualifications and/or work experience.

In general, when your job title and job description closely match your academic qualifications or prior work experience, your chances of meeting the skill requirement assessment are significantly higher.

For instance, in a Chef role, you are typically required to hold a relevant diploma qualification or have sufficient related work experience to be considered skilled. Without appropriate qualifications or experience, the job offer may not be recognised as skilled employment for residence purposes.

Q2: For an Open Work Visa, does the employer still need to complete a Job Check?

A: No. A Job Check is a mandatory requirement for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application in New Zealand.

However, a Job Check is not required when applying for an Open Work Visa.

Q3: Do I need to earn the Median Wage at the time of my residence application?

A: Yes. For the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV NZ), full-time employment is generally defined as working at least 30 hours per week. However, the minimum hourly wage requirement varies depending on the ANZSCO skill level of your occupation:

Skill Level 1–3: Must meet the median wage or above → approximately NZD $35.00 per hour

Skill Level 4–5: Must meet 1.5 times the median wage or above → approximately NZD $52.50 per hour

Meeting only the 30-hour full-time work requirement is not sufficient on its own; you must also satisfy the wage threshold relevant to your occupation’s skill level.

Q4: If the Median Wage increases, do I need to meet the new rate even if I previously met the old requirement?

A: The Median Wage applicable at the time of your residence application is used for assessment under Immigration New Zealand rules. Previous compliance does not automatically guarantee eligibility, as your pay must meet the current INZ Median Wage threshold at the time of application.

Skilled work experience points are awarded only when employment meets the required wage level for the relevant ANZSCO skill band:

Skill Level 1–3: Must meet or exceed the Median Wage.

Skill Level 4–5: Must meet or exceed 1.5× the Median Wage.

Work experience is assessed on a yearly basis, and wage compliance is reviewed for each year counted toward Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) points.

Note: From late August 2026, changes are expected to simplify Median Wage requirements across SMC pathways. Applicants will generally need to meet the wage rate that applied when they began their skilled work experience in New Zealand, rather than the rate at the time of residence application.