New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa Changes 2025

Major Changes to New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) from March 10, 2025

The New Zealand Government is set to introduce significant reforms in Phase 2 of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program, taking effect from March 10, 2025. These updates will impact both new applicants and existing visa holders, reshaping employment conditions and visa eligibility in New Zealand. Below is a breakdown of the key changes and their implications.

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1. No More Median Wage Requirement

• What’s Changing:
  • Employers will no longer have to meet the median wage threshold but must pay at least the minimum wage.
  • The minimum wage is set to increase to NZD $23.50 per hour starting April 1, 2025.
  • Wages for migrant workers must remain consistent with those of local employees.
  • Sector agreements allowing wage exemptions will be removed unless linked to a residence pathway.
• Impact:
  • Jobs previously bound by sector agreements will now be governed only by the minimum wage, eliminating past wage and visa duration restrictions.

2. Reduced Work Experience Requirement

• What’s Changing:
  • The required work experience for AEWV applicants will decrease from three years to two years.
• Impact:
  • Skilled workers can enter the job market more quickly, while employers must ensure that applicants meet the updated criteria.

3. Simplified Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Process

• What’s Changing:
  • Employers hiring for lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5) must declare that they have advertised with MSD and interviewed suitable candidates.
  • Employers must retain documentation of this process for potential verification.
• Impact:
  • Hiring procedures will become more streamlined while maintaining fair recruitment standards.

4. Longer Visa Duration for Low-Skilled Workers

• What’s Changing:
  • AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles will now qualify for visas of up to three years.
• Impact:
  • This provides greater job security and long-term stability for low-skilled migrant workers.

5. Higher Income Threshold for Dependent Children

• What’s Changing:
  • The income threshold for supporting dependent children will rise from NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844 per year.
  • This threshold will be updated annually and applies only to new visa applications after March 10, 2025.
• Impact:
  • Migrant workers must meet higher financial requirements to bring or support their dependent children in New Zealand.

6. Recognition of Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels

• What’s Changing:
  • Certain occupations will be reclassified as ANZSCO Skill Level 3 with the introduction of the National Occupation List (NOL).
  • Affected roles include:
    • Pet Groomer
    • Cook
    • Kennel Hand
    • Scaffolder
    • Fitness Instructor
    • Slaughterer
    • Nanny
  • Additional roles like Excavator Operator and Forklift Driver may qualify if a Level 4 qualification or three years of experience is required.
• Impact:
  • Workers in these roles will gain access to higher-skilled visa pathways and better job opportunities.

7. Improved Work Rights for Interim Visa Holders (Effective April 2025)

• What’s Changing:
  • Workers shifting from a student or work visa to an interim visa while awaiting AEWV decisions will now be allowed to work.
  • Time spent on an interim visa will count toward continuous stay requirements for AEWV and work-to-residence eligibility.
• Impact:
  • Migrants will benefit from uninterrupted employment and a smoother transition between visas.

8. New Wage Thresholds for Partner and Parent Visas (Effective February 28, 2025)

• What’s Changing:
  • The wage threshold to support a partner’s visa will increase to NZD $26.85 per hour.
  • The income threshold for sponsoring parents under the Parent Category will rise to NZD $33.56 per hour.
• Impact:
  • Migrants looking to sponsor partners or parents will need to meet higher wage benchmarks.

Key Takeaways

• No Median Wage: Employers need to pay only the minimum wage of NZD $23.50 per hour from April 1, 2025.
• Lower Work Experience Requirement: The requirement decreases from three years to two years.
• Longer Visas: Low-skilled workers can now receive visas lasting up to three years.
• Higher Income Requirements: The threshold for supporting dependent children rises to NZD $55,844 annually.
• Enhanced Work Rights: Interim visa holders can continue working while awaiting AEWV approvals.

Employers and visa applicants should start preparing for these updates to ensure compliance and a smooth transition when the changes take effect on March 10, 2025.