AEWV Reforms 2025: Key Changes for NZ Employers & Migrants
By Associate Lavinia Askin (awaiting practising certificate)
Yet another overhaul of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme was announced in late 2024, with a progression of new changes set to roll out from 27 January.
The new changes will include the upcoming removal of the median wage threshold, a reduction in experience requirements, the introduction of new seasonal visa pathways and a redesign of the Job Check process.
In a bid to lessen the administrative pressures on AEWV applicants and Immigration New Zealand (INZ), and address crucial labour shortages in key industries, the New Zealand government will implement these changes in five different stages over the course of the year.
Key changes timeline
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Eliminating the requirements for completion of Employment New Zealand online modules
Accredited employers will no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules or offer migrant workers paid time to do these. INZ will instead provide links to freely available Employment New Zealand or INZ webpages that set out employment rights and obligations at the most appropriate points in the immigration process.Reducing the domestic workforce threshold for certain construction roles
The domestic workforce threshold for employers of certain construction roles will drop from 35% to 15%, making it easier for employers in the construction sector to hire migrant workers in these roles. -
Abolition of the median wage requirement
Wage thresholds for all AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) roles will be abolished, although employers will still need to advertise and offer AEWV and SPWV employees the current market rate for their position. Employment agreements already signed by both parties are not impacted by this change.Simplified labour market test – adjustment to engagement with Work and Income for lower skilled roles
The current requirement for employers to engage with the Work and Income will be adjusted to be declaration based. Going forward employers will be required to declare that they have, in good faith, advertised ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 jobs with Work and Income and interviewed candidates who could have been suitable for the job. The mandatory 21-day timeframe to engage with Work and Income will be abolished, saving employers time.New earning threshold for migrant workers with dependents
AEWV visa holders will need to earn at least NZ$55,844 annually to be able to support their children’s student visa or visitor visa applications. While this threshold has not been updated since 2019, the increase is likely to pose barriers for migrant employees in lower paying sectors.Reducing the work experience requirement for migrant workers
The work experience requirement for migrant workers will be reduced from three years to two. Currently, it’s not entirely clear whether this reduction will apply only to lower skilled roles (ANSCO level 4 and 5) or across the board. We are waiting for INZ to release the policy details.Increasing the visa duration for ANZSCO level 4 or 5 AEWV holders to three years
AEWV holders in ANZSCO levels 4 or 5 roles will gain visas valid for three years, up from two years (with the option of one additional year). This increased duration aligns with the total allowable stay in New Zealand for these visa holders. Those currently on a two-year visa will be able to apply for a further AEWV for one year if they meet the requirements. This change will offer more stability and certainty for employers and migrant workers. -
Greater work rights for those on interim visas
Interim work rights will be extended to AEWV applicants who are applying from any work visa type or from a student visa that allows them to work during term time, supporting migrants to maintain employment while their visa is processed. -
New Job Check process
INZ’s re-design of the Job Check step of the AEWV process will be implemented from July. The changes will help streamline the Job Check for low-risk employers with the aim of improving processing timeframes. -
New pathways for experienced seasonal workers
In November, two new pathways for seasonal workers will be launched: a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers and a seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled workers. The current temporary seasonal pathways will continue to be available until that time.
Overall, these changes are a significant step forward, removing some hoops for accredited employers to jump through and making it easier to fill vacancies in a range of industries.
On the other hand, the biggest stumbling block of not being able to submit Job Check and AEWV applications at the same time remains. We are finding that many migrant employees need to apply for alternative visas (such as Visitor Visas) or leave New Zealand while waiting for Job Check applications to be approved, causing burden and anxiety for employers and migrants alike.
We highly recommend that migrant workers and their employers plan ahead to avoid work visas expiring before Job Check applications can be processed by INZ.
Talk to us
Although the revised criteria has been designed by the New Zealand government to create new opportunities for migrant workers and ultimately speed up some parts of the application process, AEWV applicants and their employers are still advised to carefully assess their specific situation against the updated requirements and seek professional immigration advice prior to submitting their applications to give themselves the best possible chance of a positive outcome.
Our team can help you navigate these changes. We offer an initial, free 15-minute consultation to discuss your unique situation. Book your consultation with us today by clicking here.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.