The New Zealand
Government has announced significant Phase 2 reforms to
the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), set to take effect
from March 10, 2025. These changes will impact both new applicants
and current AEWV holders, making it easier for skilled workers to live and work
in New Zealand.
Whether you’re planning
to apply for the first time or already hold an AEWV, understanding these
updates is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and what they mean
for you.
Key Changes to the AEWV
1. Removal of Median Wage Requirement
Starting March
10, 2025:
- The median wage requirement will no
longer apply to AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) holders.
- Employers must pay at least the New Zealand
minimum wage, which will increase to NZD $23.50 per hour from April
1, 2025.
- Migrant workers must still receive pay equal to their
New Zealand counterparts (market rate).
- Sector Agreements that
previously exempted employers from the median wage will be removed, but
agreements offering residence pathways will remain unchanged.
Impact: Jobs previously covered by sector agreements
will now have no caps, visa duration limitations, or wage thresholds apart from
the minimum wage.
2. Reduction in Work Experience Requirement
From March 10,
2025:
- The work experience requirement for AEWV applicants
will decrease from 3 years to 2 years.
- Employers must verify that migrant workers meet this
threshold, and applicants need to provide supporting documents.
Impact: This change ensures qualified workers can
enter the job market more quickly while minimizing exploitation risks.
3. Declaration-Based Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
Engagement
Effective March
10, 2025:
- Employers will only need to declare they have
advertised lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5) with MSD and
interviewed suitable candidates.
- Employers must retain evidence of their engagement,
which may be requested during recruitment checks.
Impact: This simplifies the recruitment process while
maintaining fair hiring practices.
4. Extended Visa Duration for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 Workers
From March 10,
2025:
- AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 occupations will
now be eligible for a 3-year visa, aligning with their maximum
continuous stay.
Impact: This change offers greater job security and
stability for low-skilled migrant workers.
5. Increased Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children
Starting March
10, 2025:
- The income threshold for supporting dependent children
will rise from NZD 43,322.76toNZD43,322.76toNZD55,844 annually.
- This figure represents 80% of the median wage,
based on a 40-hour workweek, and will be updated annually.
- The previous threshold will still apply for children
holding or applying for a visa before March 10, 2025.
Impact: Migrants will need to meet higher income
standards to support their children.
6. Recognition of Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels
From March 10, 2025,
certain occupations will be reclassified as ANZSCO Skill Level 3,
including:
- Pet Groomer (361113)
- Cook (351411)
- Kennel Hand (361115)
- Scaffolder (821712)
- Fitness Instructor (452111)
- Slaughterer (831212)
- Nanny (421113)
Additionally, four other
roles will be treated as Skill Level 3 if employers require either 3
years of work experience or a Level 4 qualification:
- Excavator Operator (721214)
- Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
(721111)
- Forklift Driver (721311)
- Mobile Plant Operators (not elsewhere classified)
(721999)
Impact: Skilled workers in critical roles can now
access higher-skilled visa pathways.
7. Interim Visa Work Rights Updates (Effective April 2025)
New provisions will be
introduced for interim visa holders awaiting AEWV decisions:
- Work Rights:
Applicants transitioning from any work visa or a student visa permitting
work will be allowed to work while on an interim visa.
- Continuous Stay:
Time spent on an interim visa will count towards the total continuous stay
under AEWV and work-to-residence eligibility.
Impact: This ensures continuity in employment during
visa processing.
8. Median Wage Changes (Effective February 28, 2025)
From February
28, 2025:
- The wage threshold for supporting a partner will rise
to NZD $26.85 per hour.
- The income threshold for Parent Category sponsors will
increase to NZD $33.56 per hour, aligning with the median
wage.
Impact: Migrants supporting family members will need
to meet higher financial requirements.
What About Current AEWV Holders?
If you already hold an
AEWV, nothing changes for you. You’ll continue under your current
visa conditions, including pay and work rights. However, new applicants
after March 10, 2025, will benefit from the eased requirements,
longer visa durations, and simplified application process.
Key Takeaways
- No Median Wage:
Only the minimum wage applies.
- Less Experience:
2 years instead of 3.
- Longer Visas:
3 years for Level 4 and 5 roles.
- Higher Family Support Threshold: NZD $55,844 annually.
- Work Rights on Interim Visas: Increased job security during visa processing.
Why These Changes Matter
These reforms aim to
make it easier for skilled workers to move to New Zealand, fill labor shortages
in critical sectors, and provide greater job security and stability. Whether
you’re looking for better job opportunities, faster application approval, or
the chance to bring your family along, these changes could be your gateway to a
new life in New Zealand.
Next Steps
Employers and applicants
should start preparing for these changes ahead of the March 10, 2025,
implementation date to ensure smooth transitions and continued compliance.
Stay ahead of the curve
and get ready to seize new opportunities in 2025!
For more information,
visit the official New Zealand Immigration website or consult with an
immigration expert.
- https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/changes-to-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-aewv-and-median-wage
- https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/how-changes-to-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-aewv-may-affect-you.
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