New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa: Major Changes from March 10, 2025

New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program will undergo significant changes starting March 10, 2025. Announced by Immigration New Zealand, these updates aim to make the visa system more flexible and better suited to businesses across different sectors and regions.

Key Changes:

1. Removal of Median Wage Requirement

• Employers will no longer need to meet the median wage threshold to hire migrants under AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) policies.
• Instead, employers must pay at least the New Zealand minimum wage (currently NZD $23.15 per hour, increasing to NZD $23.50 on April 1, 2025).
• Employers must still pay migrant workers the market rate, ensuring parity with New Zealand workers in similar roles.
• Sector Agreements, which previously provided wage exemptions, will be abolished.

2. Reduced Work Experience Requirement

• The work experience requirement for migrants will be reduced from three years to two years.
• Employers must verify that applicants meet this requirement, and migrants must provide evidence of two years of relevant experience.

3. Simplified Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Engagement

• Employers hiring for lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5) must submit a declaration confirming they have:
  • Advertised the role through MSD.
  • Interviewed suitable candidates.
• Employers must retain proof of this engagement for potential verification.

4. Extended Visa Duration for Less-Skilled Workers

• The visa duration for ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles (less-skilled jobs) will be extended to three years, aligning with the total time migrants can stay in New Zealand on AEWVs.

5. Increased Income Threshold for Supporting Dependents

• The income threshold to support dependent children will rise to NZD $55,844 (80% of the median wage), up from NZD $43,322.76.
• This threshold will be updated annually in line with median wage changes.

6. Reclassification of Occupations

• Several jobs will be upgraded from ANZSCO level 4 to level 3 to better reflect their skill level in the National Occupation List (NOL):
  • Cook
  • Pet groomer
  • Kennel hand
  • Nanny
  • Fitness instructor
  • Scaffolder
  • Slaughterer
• Additionally, four roles will be classified as ANZSCO level 3 if the employer requires either:
  • Three years of experience, or
  • A Level 4 qualification:
    • Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
    • Excavator Operator
    • Forklift Driver
    • Mobile Plant Operators Not Elsewhere Classified

7. Other Key Updates

• From February 28, 2025, the income requirement for AEWV holders supporting partners with open work rights will increase to NZD $26.85 per hour.
• The Parent Category sponsorship income threshold will rise to NZD $104,707.20.
• Interim Visas will be introduced in April 2025, allowing AEWV applicants to continue or start work while awaiting visa approval.

Purpose of These Changes

These reforms are designed to address labor shortages in key industries by making it easier for businesses to hire and retain skilled and less-skilled workers. By reducing barriers and simplifying processes, the New Zealand government aims to support businesses and strengthen the economy.

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