The New Zealand Government has announced significant reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to help employers address skill shortages and streamline immigration processes
These changes, set to roll out across 2025, will bring new opportunities for both employers and migrant workers while simplifying existing requirements.
Key Highlights of the Reforms
1. Removal of the Median Wage Requirement
The median wage threshold for AEWV roles will be eliminated. Employers will still need to advertise roles and offer the market rate for positions based on their location. This change does not affect current employment agreements or the wages required for AEWV workers seeking residency.
2. New Earning Threshold for Bringing Children
Migrants on AEWVs who wish to bring their children must meet a revised earning threshold of NZ$55,844 annually, along with other requirements. Notably, this threshold has remained unchanged since 2019.
3. Reduced Experience Requirement for Migrants
The required work experience for AEWV applicants will be reduced from 3 years to 2. This change strikes a balance between ensuring sufficient skills and addressing feedback from consultations.
4. New Pathways for Seasonal Workers
In November 2025, two new visa pathways will be introduced:
A 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.
A 7-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled seasonal workers.
Existing temporary seasonal visa pathways will remain available until these new options are launched.
5. Extended Visa Duration for ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 Roles
For roles classified as ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5, AEWVs will be extended from 2 years (with an additional 1-year option) to a total of 3 years. This aligns with the maximum continuous stay allowed in New Zealand. Workers currently holding a 2-year visa can apply for an additional 1-year visa if they meet the requirements.
6. Amended Work and Income Engagement Requirements
Employers hiring for ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 jobs will no longer need to adhere to a strict 21-day timeframe for Work and Income engagement. Instead, employers will make a declaration confirming they have advertised these roles in good faith and interviewed any suitable candidates from the domestic labour market.
7. Improved Interim Visa Work Rights
From April 2025, interim work rights will be extended to AEWV applicants transitioning from any work visa type or student visas that allow work during term time. This will enable migrants to remain employed while their new visa is processed.
8. Removal of Employment New Zealand Online Modules
From 27 January 2025, the requirement for accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) to complete online Employment New Zealand modules will be removed. Instead, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will direct employers and workers to freely available resources detailing employment rights and obligations.
9. Reduced Domestic Workforce Threshold for Certain Construction Roles
The threshold for hiring overseas workers for specific construction roles will be lowered from 35% to 15%. This change addresses the sector's ongoing labour shortages.
Streamlined Job Check Process
INZ is redesigning the Job Check step of the AEWV process to streamline requirements for low-risk employers and reduce processing times. These changes will take effect in July 2025.
What This Means for Employers and Migrants
These reforms are designed to enhance New Zealand’s ability to attract skilled and experienced workers while simplifying processes for employers. Key industries, including construction and seasonal sectors, stand to benefit significantly from these changes.
The Bottom Line is
For work visa holders, these changes represent an opportunity for greater stability, easier visa processing, and better access to resources. It's important to stay informed and work closely with employers to navigate the reforms as they roll out in 2025.
You can read the full announcement here:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/reforms-to-aewv-announced
