The New Zealand Government has announced significant reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), aimed at balancing New Zealand’s economic needs while ensuring a streamlined and efficient immigration process. These changes, which will roll out in four stages across 2025, include removing the median wage threshold, reducing experience requirements, and introducing new seasonal visa pathways. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and what it means for employers and migrants.

Key Changes to the AEWV

1. Removal of the Median Wage Requirement

• From March 2025, the median wage threshold will no longer apply to AEWV roles.
• Employers must still offer the market rate for the position and location.
• This change eliminates wage distortions, ensuring fair pay for both New Zealanders and migrant workers.

2. New Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children

• AEWV migrants must now earn at least NZ$55,844 per year to bring dependent children.
• This threshold, unchanged since 2019, will help align with current living costs.

3. Reduced Experience Requirements

• The minimum experience requirement for migrants will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years.
• This change addresses skill shortages while maintaining sufficient qualification standards for workers.

4. Extended Visa Duration for Level 4 and 5 Jobs

• AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 roles will have visas extended to 3 years (up from 2 years + 1 optional year).
• Those already on 2-year visas can apply for a further 1-year extension if requirements are met.

5. New Seasonal Visa Pathways

• From November 2025, two new seasonal visas will be introduced:
  • A 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers.
  • A 7-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled seasonal workers.
• The existing temporary seasonal visa pathways will remain until then.

6. Amendment to Work and Income Engagement

• The requirement to engage with Work and Income will now be declaration-based.
• Employers must confirm they advertised roles and interviewed suitable New Zealand candidates in good faith.
• The previous 21-day mandatory timeframe is removed, allowing more flexibility.

7. Extended Interim Work Rights

• From April 2025, interim work rights will apply to AEWV applicants transitioning from any work visa type or from a student visa with work rights.
• This ensures migrants can continue employment while awaiting visa processing.

8. Removal of Employment New Zealand Online Modules

• From January 27, 2025, accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers will no longer need to complete Employment NZ online modules.
• Instead, links to employment rights information will be provided at key immigration process stages.

9. Reduction of Workforce Threshold in Construction Roles

• The domestic workforce threshold for certain construction roles will decrease from 35% to 15% in January 2025.
• This allows employers greater flexibility to recruit migrant workers in critical roles.

What This Means for Employers and Migrants

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized that these reforms are designed to build a responsive, efficient, and fair immigration system to support New Zealand’s economic recovery. The changes address concerns raised during consultations, including wage distortions, lengthy processing times, and seasonal labour shortages.

• For Employers: The streamlined Job Check process (coming in July 2025) and reduced requirements make it easier to hire migrants while prioritizing local workforce opportunities.
• For Migrants: Extended visa durations, reduced experience thresholds, and new pathways offer greater flexibility and security for skilled and seasonal workers.

A Smarter and More Responsive Immigration System

The Government’s reforms aim to attract skilled workers while managing migration responsibly. As Minister Stanford stated, these changes will create a “fit-for-purpose and predictable immigration system”, ensuring businesses can access the skills they need without compromising opportunities for New Zealanders.

More details on these reforms will be made available in early 2025.

Stay Informed with Choose New Zealand

At Choose New Zealand, we are committed to keeping employers, migrants, and partners updated with the latest immigration changes. If you need support understanding how these AEWV reforms may impact your situation, contact our team today.

Stay tuned for more updates and advice to make your journey to New Zealand a smooth one!