New Zealand Government Announces Changes to Accredited Employer Work Visa

The New Zealand Government has announced significant reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), aimed at addressing skill shortages and streamlining the immigration process.

These reforms will be implemented in four stages throughout 2025, with the first changes set to take effect in January.

Key Changes and Timelines

• Removal of the Median Wage Requirement: The wage thresholds for all AEWV roles will be eliminated. Employers are still required to offer employees the market rate based on the job and location, but the change will not affect existing contracts or the wages required for residence applications.
• New Earning Threshold: Migrants applying for an AEWV will need to earn at least NZ$55,844 annually to bring children with them, a threshold that has not been updated since 2019.
• Reduced Experience Requirement: The experience requirement for migrants will be reduced from three years to two, ensuring workers are sufficiently skilled while addressing concerns raised during consultations.
• New Pathways for Seasonal Workers: In November 2025, two new pathways for experienced seasonal workers will be introduced, including a 3-year multi-entry visa and a 7-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled workers. Existing seasonal pathways will remain until then.
• Increased Visa Duration for Certain Roles: The visa duration for AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 roles will be extended to three years, up from two years, based on feedback from consultations. Current visa holders will be able to apply for an additional year if they meet the requirements.
• Amended Work and Income Engagement: Employers will no longer have a strict 21-day timeframe to engage with Work and Income. Instead, they must declare that they have advertised relevant jobs and interviewed suitable candidates. This process will align with existing recruitment activities.
• Extended Work Rights for Interim Visa Holders: Starting April 2025, interim work rights will be expanded to AEWV applicants, allowing them to continue working while their visa applications are processed.
• Removal of Online Module Requirements: As of 27 January 2025, the requirement for employers to complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules will be removed. Employers will be directed to relevant INZ and Employment New Zealand resources instead.
• Lowered Domestic Workforce Threshold for Construction Roles: The domestic workforce threshold for construction employers will be reduced from 35% to 15%, making it easier to hire workers from overseas.