New Zealand Opens 47 More Occupations to Skilled Migrants: Chefs Get Major Upgrade in AEWV Rules from March 9, 2026

Published: 2026-02-23T11:30+05:30 (IST) Xavio

New Zealand AEWV changes 2026: 47 new occupations added March 9 including chefs

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has delivered welcome news for skilled workers and employers alike: effective March 9, 2026, 47 additional occupations at skill levels 1–3 will be recognised on the National Occupation List (NOL) for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway.

The most eye-catching change? Chefs are finally getting the clarity they deserve — previously lumped under a broad category, the role has now been split into more precise occupations based on skill level, seniority, and specialisation. This means better matching, fairer wage assessments, and more realistic pathways for experienced culinary professionals.

What’s New in the March 9, 2026 Update?

• 47 new roles added to the NOL for AEWV eligibility

• Chef occupations redefined — separated into distinct levels (e.g., Head Chef, Sous Chef, Commis Chef, Specialist Chef roles) with clearer skill and experience requirements

• All AEWV rules still apply — employers must continue to advertise locally for at least 14 days and prove genuine recruitment efforts before hiring overseas talent

• No change to wage thresholds — jobs must still meet the median wage or applicable minimum (currently NZ$29.66/hour as of April 2025 adjustment, with 2026 review pending)

The expansion reflects ongoing labour shortages in hospitality, construction, manufacturing, agriculture support, and several service sectors — areas where local recruitment has consistently fallen short.

Why This Matters for Skilled Workers & Employers

For overseas applicants — especially from India, Philippines, Fiji, and other traditional source countries — the inclusion of these 47 roles significantly widens the door to New Zealand’s work-to-residence pathways. Chefs, in particular, stand to benefit: clearer occupation definitions reduce points-of-rejection and help align salaries with actual skill levels.

Employers gain more flexibility to fill genuine vacancies without navigating grey areas around job titles, while still being held to the Labour Market Test (advertising + genuine effort to hire Kiwis first).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do the 47 new occupations become eligible?

From March 9, 2026 — any AEWV application lodged on or after this date can use the updated NOL.

Q: Are chefs now easier to sponsor?

Yes — splitting the role into specific occupations (with defined skill levels) makes it simpler for employers to match candidates correctly and justify the hire.

Q: Do employers still have to advertise locally?

Absolutely — the 14-day minimum advertising requirement and genuine recruitment test remain unchanged for all AEWV roles.

Q: Which sectors are seeing the biggest boost?

Hospitality (especially chefs), construction trades, manufacturing support roles, agriculture/viticulture support, aged care assistants, and several service occupations.

Q: Where can I see the full list of 47 new occupations?

On the Immigration New Zealand website — check the updated National Occupation List (NOL) and AEWV guidance pages.

For the official updated National Occupation List, AEWV eligibility rules, advertising requirements, and wage thresholds effective March 9, 2026, visit Immigration New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa page.

For practical advice on preparing AEWV applications, understanding the new chef classifications, and navigating the local labour-market test in 2026, explore our detailed guide: Australian Immigration Bans: Liberal Party’s Proposed Crackdown on High-Risk Countries.

Stay ahead of New Zealand’s fast-changing skilled migration rules — check our dedicated New Zealand immigration section for the freshest updates and application strategies. Your Kiwi work visa just got a lot more achievable!