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Effective from March 10, 2025, New Zealand has implemented several significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. The brake pedal has been eased off, making it easier for employers to hire and migrants to qualify. It's welcome news after a sharp correction last April (2024).
Removal of Median Wage Requirement: Employers hiring under the AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) are no longer mandated to pay the median wage. Instead, they must pay at least the New Zealand minimum wage, which is $23.50 per hour as of April 1, 2025, and ensure wages align with the "market rate" for the role. Of course, market rate could be higher than the market rate. Visa Pak 618 gives new advice on how market rate assessments will be made. At Into NZ we are well-versed in researching market rates and have access to the latest industry guides. Note: if you had a job check approved at median wage you can now offer out a job at less than median. The market rate will be assessed at the AEWV stage.
Reduced Work Experience Requirement under the Minimum Skills Test: The necessary work experience for migrants has been decreased from three years to two years. Note: migrants will staill have to meet English tests if in a Skill Level 4/5 role and also meet the "Suitably Qualified" test which may be higher than the minimum skills test.
Simplified Engagement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD): Employers recruiting for lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5) are no longer required to list for a strict 21 days. Instead, they must just list for longe enough declare that they have advertised these positions with MSD and interviewed any suitable candidates. They should retain evidence of this process for potential verification.
Extended Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Roles: The visa length for new AEWV holders in ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 has been extended from two to three years, aligning with the maximum continuous stay permitted under the AEWV. This means instead of having to apply for two years and then apply again for a third year, you will get three years from the off.
Increased Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children: The annual income threshold for sponsoring dependent children has risen from $43,322.76 to $55,844, equating to 80% of the median wage based on a 40-hour workweek. Note: this is based only on minimum guarantee hours in the contract, not on hours worked. Be sure to check your contract!
Reclassification of Certain Occupations: With the transition from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to the National Occupation List (NOL), specific roles have been reclassified to higher skill levels. For instance, occupations such as Cook, Pet Groomer, Kennel Hand, Nanny, Fitness Instructor, Scaffolder, and Slaughterer are now considered ANZSCO skill level 3. Additionally, roles like Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator, Excavator Operator, Forklift Driver, and Mobile Plant Operators (not elsewhere classified) are recognized as ANZSCO skill level 3 when the job requires either three years of experience or a level 4 qualification. These roles will be eligible for 5 year AEWVs and the holder will be able to support partners (if partner remunerations thresholds are met).
Expansion of when a Job Token can be re-used: now, anyone who has applied for or been granted an AEWV before 10 March will be able to re-use their job token to extend their visa to the balance of 3 or 5 years regardless of skill level, provided the job remains the same, is in the same location and is paid no less than what was on the existing visa. The only exceptions are if you are in 1 of 11 roles (Meat Process Worker, Seafood Process Worker, Snowsport Instructor, Mountain or Glacier Guide, Snow Groomer, Outdoor Adventure Instructor, Outdoor Adventure Guides nec, Whitewater Rafting Guide, Parachute Rigger, Ski Technician or Snow Maker and if paid <$29.66.
Updates to Interim Visa Work Rights: Starting 8th April 2025, applicants awaiting the outcome of an AEWV application will have interim work rights if they apply while holding any type of work visa or a student visa that permits work during term time. Time spent on such interim visas will count towards the total continuous stay under the AEWV and for gaining work experience needed for work-to-residence pathways.
Key AEWV statistics:
Current total of Accredited Employers: 25,887
Total number of AEWVs lodged off-shore in Feb 25: 689 as compared with 9,366 in Feb 23. No wonder the government has made this latest round of changes.
These reforms aim to provide greater flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of businesses and migrant workers in New Zealand. It's great news for employers and migrant workers and should get things moving again, after a year of stagnation.
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