Upcoming Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa Category

Upcoming Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Category

As of March 10, 2025, significant modifications to New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) programs will take effect. These changes, signaled at the end of last year, aim to provide greater flexibility for employers and streamline processes for hiring migrant workers.

Key Changes Effective March 10, 2025:

1. Removal of Median Wage Requirement: Employers will no longer be mandated to pay the median wage to workers under the AEWV and SPWV programs. Instead, compensation must meet or exceed the New Zealand minimum wage, set to increase to NZD $23.50 per hour on April 1, 2025. Employers are also required to ensure that migrant workers receive pay comparable to their New Zealand counterparts, reflecting the prevailing market rates.
2. Reduction in Work Experience Requirement: The mandatory work experience for migrant workers will be decreased from three years to two years. Employers must verify that candidates meet this criterion, and applicants are required to provide evidence of their experience.
3. Modification of Engagement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD): The obligation for employers to engage with MSD will transition to a declaration-based system. Employers must attest that they have advertised lower-skilled roles (classified as ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5) through MSD and have considered suitable candidates. Documentation of this engagement should be retained for potential review.
4. Extension of Visa Duration for ANZSCO Levels 4 and 5: The validity period for AEWVs issued for roles at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 will be extended to three years, aligning with the maximum continuous stay permitted under these visas.
5. Increase in Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children: The annual income threshold for migrant workers wishing to support dependent children will rise from NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844. This adjustment corresponds to 80% of the median wage and will be updated annually. The previous threshold remains applicable for children who held or had applied for visas before March 10, 2025.
6. Reclassification of Certain Occupations: In alignment with the transition from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to the National Occupation List (NOL), specific roles will be reclassified to ANZSCO skill level 3. This reclassification includes occupations such as cooks, pet groomers, nannies, fitness instructors, scaffolders, and slaughterers, ensuring consistency with their NOL skill levels.

Implications for Employers and Migrant Workers:

These reforms are designed to enhance the adaptability of the AEWV program, allowing employers to address labor shortages more effectively while maintaining equitable treatment of migrant workers. Employers should familiarize themselves with the new requirements to ensure compliance and to optimize their recruitment processes. Migrant workers are encouraged to review these changes to understand how they may impact their employment and residency prospects in New Zealand.

If you have any questions about any of these changes, or would like some general immigration advice, please contact our Immigration Expert Hetish Lochan on [email protected] or 03 441 2743.