Key Points
- New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) reforms take effect March 10, 2025.
- Changes impact wage requirements, experience thresholds, visa duration, and dependent income rules.
- Employers must declare good faith engagement with the Ministry of Social Development.
- AEWV holders in lower-skilled jobs can stay up to three years.
Overview
New Zealand is introducing significant updates to its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework to better align with current labor market demands and provide more flexibility to both employers and migrant workers. The second phase of these reforms will be effective on March 10, 2025, following announcements made in December 2024.
A key highlight includes the removal of the median wage requirement for AEWV and Supplementary Seasonal Employer Work Visa (SPWV) applicants. Employers must now meet at least the national minimum wage—NZD $23.15 per hour, increasing to NZD $23.50 on April 1—and ensure fair compensation in line with local counterparts. The required work experience for most applicants has also been reduced from three to two years, broadening eligibility and reducing barriers for skilled foreign workers.
Employers must now demonstrate good faith engagement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), particularly for lower-skilled job vacancies. Additionally, new AEWV holders working in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles will benefit from extended stay periods of up to three years, up from the previous two-year maximum.
To support family unity and economic stability, the income threshold for sponsoring dependents will rise to NZD $55,844—equivalent to 80% of the median wage. The government also reclassified ANZSCO roles to reflect current skills shortages more accurately and preserve skilled talent. Lastly, interim visa rights for AEWV applicants will be expanded to allow work authorization while their applications are processed.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 AEWV reforms represent a strategic shift in New Zealand’s work visa policy to balance economic growth and immigration management. Employers should review their hiring strategies to ensure compliance with the new wage and MSD engagement requirements. Migrant workers will benefit from longer visa durations and less stringent work experience requirements, making New Zealand a more attractive destination for global talent.
As additional details emerge, especially concerning role reclassifications and interim visa provisions, employers and foreign nationals are encouraged to monitor official announcements and consult with immigration counsel to ensure timely adaptation. The government is expected to continue evaluating the effectiveness of the AEWV program as labor market dynamics evolve.
