AEWV Phase 2 Update: What NZ Migrants Must Know Before March 10, 2025!

AEWV Phase 2 Update: New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program is undergoing major changes starting March 10, 2025. These updates impact migrant workers, employers, and the visa application process. If you’re planning to move to New Zealand for work or are already employed under AEWV, these changes are crucial to understand.

To help you navigate these changes, we’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide. Whether you’re a migrant worker, an employer, or someone considering moving to New Zealand, this article breaks down the updates in a clear, conversational, yet authoritative way. We’ll discuss the removal of the median wage requirement, the reduction in work experience requirements, the new Ministry of Social Development (MSD) job advertising rules, longer visa durations, and other critical changes that impact both workers and employers.

AEWV Phase 2 Update

Update	Details
Removal of Median Wage Requirement	Employers must pay at least the NZ minimum wage instead of the median wage.
Reduction in Work Experience Requirement	Required experience reduced from 3 years to 2 years.
MSD Job Advertisement Requirement	Employers hiring for lower-skilled roles must show engagement with MSD.
Longer Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Roles	AEWV holders in lower-skilled roles can now stay for 3 years.
Increased Income Threshold for Dependent Children	Threshold increased from NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844 per year.
Reclassification of Certain Occupations	Some roles previously considered low-skilled are now skill level 3.
Stronger Oversight on Employer Accreditation	Immigration NZ is tightening monitoring and enforcement of employer accreditation.

These AEWV Phase 2 updates aim to simplify visa conditions while ensuring fair wages and job opportunities for locals. If you’re a migrant worker or employer, understanding these changes will be key to ensuring compliance and making the most of these opportunities.

AEWV Program

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a key component of New Zealand’s immigration system. It allows skilled migrants to work under an accredited employer to fill labor shortages.

The AEWV Phase 2 changes aim to balance the demand for skilled workers with local employment opportunities, ensuring that both migrants and New Zealanders benefit from the program.

For years, the AEWV has been a preferred route for skilled migrants looking to build a career in New Zealand, and with these new changes, it’s more important than ever to understand the rules and how they may impact you or your business.

Detailed Breakdown of AEWV Phase 2 Changes

1. Removal of the Median Wage Requirement

One of the most notable changes is the elimination of the median wage requirement for AEWV applicants. Instead of requiring a salary that matches the median wage (previously NZD $29.66 per hour), employers must now pay at least the minimum wage, which will be NZD $23.50 per hour as of April 1, 2025.

Who Benefits?

Migrants seeking lower-skilled jobs who may have been previously priced out.
Employers who struggled to meet the median wage while still offering competitive pay.

Potential Concerns:

The government will closely monitor wage fairness to prevent exploitation.
Market-aligned pay is still required, meaning wages must be competitive.

2. Reduction in Work Experience Requirement

Previously, workers needed three years of experience to qualify for AEWV jobs. Now, this has been reduced to two years, making it easier for skilled migrants to qualify for jobs in New Zealand.

Who Benefits?

Skilled workers with at least two years of experience can now apply.
Employers can expand their hiring pool.

Challenges:

Employers must still verify experience thoroughly.
Immigration NZ may request stronger documentation to prove experience.

3. Strengthening of MSD Job Advertising Requirement

For ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5, employers must now advertise jobs with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and genuinely consider local candidates before hiring a migrant worker.

Who Benefits?

New Zealand job seekers get priority.
Employers can still hire migrants if no suitable locals are found.

What Employers Need to Do:

Keep records of recruitment efforts.
Show proof of engagement with MSD during job checks.

4. Increased Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Roles

Previously, lower-skilled AEWV holders had shorter visa durations. Now, they can stay for up to 3 years, making it easier for workers to establish themselves.

Who Benefits?

Workers in skill levels 4 and 5.
Employers looking for long-term employees.

Limitations:

These workers may not have a residency pathway unless policy changes.

5. Higher Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children

The minimum income to bring dependent children has increased to NZD $55,844 per year.

Who Benefits?

Migrants who earn above this amount can bring their families.

Challenges:

Those earning below the threshold may need to wait or seek higher wages.

6. Reclassification of Certain Occupations

Several roles have been upgraded to skill level 3, including:

Cooks, pet groomers, nannies, fitness instructors, scaffolders, and slaughterers.
Some machine operators are now considered skill level 3 if they require 3 years of experience or a level 4 qualification.

Who Benefits?

Workers in these fields may now have better visa conditions.

What to Watch:

Employers must ensure qualifications meet updated standards.

New Employer Accreditation Oversight

Immigration New Zealand is increasing compliance checks to ensure employers meet accreditation standards. This means:

More frequent audits.
Stricter penalties for non-compliant employers.

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