Key Points
- New AEWV form for Green List roles launches July 7, 2025
- Updated wage thresholds take effect August 18, 2025
- Median wage set to increase to NZD 33.56/hour
- High earners may be exempt from labor market testing and minimum skills requirements, and could qualify for longer AEWV stays compared to other applicants.
Overview
New Zealand is introducing significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system in 2025, with the aim of enhancing transparency, aligning visa rules with evolving labour market needs, and simplifying the application process for both employers and migrant workers. These updates include changes to the AEWV application form and wage thresholds based on the most recent labor market data.
Effective July 7, 2025, the AEWV application form for Green List occupations will be redesigned. The form will no longer require occupation-specific questions but will instead present broader, role-relevant queries that apply across multiple job types. Additionally, criteria for each Green List role will be embedded directly into the application interface, enabling applicants to better understand their eligibility. This change applies to positions on the Green List and those requiring occupational registration, streamlining application updates as the list evolves.
The Green List identifies high-need roles in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and IT, and is intended to fill persistent labor shortages in these critical areas.
Notably, AEWV applicants earning twice the median wage (NZD 67.12/hour) may be exempt from both the labor market test and minimum skills criteria, streamlining their application process. Additionally, those earning at least 1.5 times the median wage (NZD 50.34/hour) may qualify for the maximum five-year visa validity, allowing for longer stays without the need for renewal.
These changes underscore New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining a responsive, market-aligned immigration framework. They present new opportunities for skilled international workers and their sponsoring employers.
Looking Ahead
With implementation dates fast approaching, employers and prospective AEWV applicants should prepare for updated forms and wage benchmarks. The July 7 application form changes will simplify submissions, especially for Green List occupations. The August 18 wage adjustments will have strategic implications for workforce planning, especially for high-wage roles. Staying aligned with these updates is critical to securing long-term talent and ensuring compliance with New Zealand’s evolving immigration policies.
