Reforms to Accredited Employer Work Visa Announced
20 January 2025
The Government has unveiled significant reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), aimed at addressing skill shortages and improving processing efficiency. These reforms will be rolled out in stages throughout 2025, starting in January.
Key Changes at a Glance:
Median Wage Requirement Removed: Wage thresholds for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) roles will no longer apply. Employers must still offer the market rate for the position and location, without impacting existing agreements or residence eligibility.
New Earning Threshold for Migrants with Children: AEWV migrants must earn at least NZ$55,844 annually to bring dependent children, alongside other criteria. This threshold remains unchanged since 2019.
Experience Requirement Reduced: The experience requirement for AEWV applicants is reduced from 3 years to 2, ensuring sufficient skill levels while addressing industry feedback.
Seasonal Visa Pathways Introduced: Starting November 2025, two new visa pathways will support seasonal workers:
A 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers.
A 7-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled workers.
Existing temporary seasonal pathways remain available until November 2025.
Extended Visa Duration for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 Workers: Visa duration for AEWV holders in skill levels 4 or 5 will increase to 3 years, aligning with their maximum allowable continuous stay. Workers on 2-year visas can apply for a 1-year extension under certain conditions.
Amended Work and Income Engagement Requirement: Employers will now declare good faith efforts to advertise roles with Work and Income. The 21-day engagement timeframe is removed, allowing flexibility in recruitment.
Greater Interim Visa Work Rights: From April 2025, AEWV applicants transitioning from other work or student visas can retain work rights during visa processing.
Online Module Requirements Removed: As of 27 January 2025, Employment New Zealand online module requirements will be discontinued for all accredited and Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE). INZ will direct employers and workers to relevant employment rights resources during the immigration process.
Domestic Workforce Threshold Lowered for Construction Roles: For certain construction roles, the domestic workforce threshold is reduced from 35% to 15%, enhancing recruitment flexibility in the sector.
Revised Job Check Step: From July 2025, the Job Check process will be streamlined for low-risk employers, expediting application processing.
Looking Ahead
These reforms aim to ensure New Zealand remains an attractive destination for skilled migrants while simplifying processes for employers. Detailed guidance on the changes will be available in early 2025.
Stay informed with ImmigrationLAW.NZ for the latest updates on immigration policy.
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