The New Zealand Government has announced significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, making it easier for businesses to hire skilled migrant workers. These updates, effective 10 March 2025, focus on wage requirements, visa durations, and work experience criteria.

Key Changes to the AEWV in 2025:

Market rates replace Median Wage requirements

Employers will no longer need to meet a median wage threshold when hiring migrants. Instead, they must ensure the pay rate offered is fair for the role based on New Zealand industry standards (market rate), and ensure pay rates are at or above the New Zealand minimum wage (NZD $23.15 per hour, increasing to $23.50 from 1 April 2025).

Reduced Work Experience Criteria

The required work experience for migrant workers will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years, making it easier for businesses to fill vacancies with international talent.

How a migrant can meet the minimum skills threshold
2 years relevant work experience	Relevant qualification at Level 4 or higher (with NZQA assessment if needed)	Any bachelor’s degree or higher qualification

Simplified Job Check Process & Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Engagement

Engagement reports are no longer required for job checks for lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5). However, Employers must still engage with the MSD by advertising and considering local candidates and declare they have done so. Immigration NZ may ask for evidence that MSD has been engaged.

Longer AEWV Duration for Lower-Skilled Workers

Visa durations for lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO Level 4 and 5) have been extended to 3 years, aligning with the maximum allowable stay. Current AEWV holders in these roles will be able to apply for a one-year extension.

Increased Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children

Migrant workers wanting to support dependent children must now earn at least NZ $55,844 per year. However, the previous threshold will still apply to those whose children already hold or have applied for a visa before 10 March 2025.

Changes to Occupation Classifications

Several roles have been reclassified from ANZSCO skill level 4 to level 3, reflecting their higher skill requirement in the future National Occupation List. These include:

Cook
Pet groomer
Kennel hand
Nanny
Fitness instructor
Scaffolder
Slaughterer

Additionally, four other roles will be recognized as ANZSCO skill level 3 when the employer specifies that the job requires either 3 years of work experience or a Level 4 qualification as part of the Job Check. This ensures skilled workers can be retained in critical industries. The roles include:

Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
Excavator Operator
Forklift Driver
Mobile Plant Operators Not Elsewhere Classified

Other Immigration Updates

From 28 February 2025, the income requirement for AEWV holders to support partners with open work rights will increase to NZ$26.85 per hour. Additionally, the Parent Category sponsorship income threshold will rise to NZ $104,707.20.

In April 2025, Immigration New Zealand will introduce Interim Visas for AEWV applicants, allowing some migrant workers to remain employed or start employment while awaiting visa approval. More details will be released in March.

What the AEWV changes mean for Employers & Migrants

These changes are a big step forward for the AEWV scheme, especially for industries that are struggling to find local workers.

For Employers:

Increased Hiring Flexibility: Removing the median wage requirement allows salaries to reflect market rates, simplifying the recruitment of skilled migrant workers. This benefits sectors like agriculture, construction, hospitality, and aged care, which often rely on international talent. Though, the new requirement to meet market rate may also result in increased pay requirements in some roles and industries.
Wider Talent Pool: Reducing the required work experience from 3 years to 2 expands the pool of eligible candidates, making it easier to find qualified workers.

For Migrant Workers

Easier Access to the AEWV: The new changes make it easier to secure employment in New Zealand through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Recognition of Skills: The reclassification of key roles ensures skilled workers in essential industries receive appropriate recognition.

There are still a few challenges:

Job Check Process: While streamlined, the Job Check requirement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) for lower-skilled roles still adds an administrative step for employers.
Income Threshold for Dependents: The increased income threshold for supporting dependent children may make it difficult for some migrants, particularly those in lower-paying jobs, to bring their families to New Zealand.

Overall, these AEWV changes are a step in the right direction. They offer more flexibility for employers and better opportunities for skilled migrants. However, navigating the immigration process can still be tricky, especially when hiring internationally. Get in touch with us today if you’re unsure how these changes will affect you or your workforce, our licensed immigration advisors are here to help you understand your options and guide you through your next steps.

For a deeper understanding of the updates to New Zealand’s immigration system, we recommend reading the following articles by INZ:

Steven Dunning

Licenced immigration Adviser

Major changes to New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)