New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa: New Zealand is rolling out major changes to its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Phase 2, set to take effect from March 10, 2025. These updates are designed to simplify the hiring process for employers while making it easier for skilled workers to enter and stay in the country. Additionally, these reforms align with New Zealand’s long-term immigration strategy, ensuring that the workforce remains competitive and dynamic in the face of global labor trends.
If you’re an employer in New Zealand or an aspiring migrant worker, understanding these changes is crucial. This article breaks down everything you need to know in a clear, professional, and easy-to-follow manner, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the upcoming transition.
New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa
| Aspect | New Changes Effective March 10, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Median Wage Requirement | Removed; wages must meet NZ minimum wage and market rates. |
| Work Experience Requirement | Reduced from 3 years to 2 years. |
| MSD Engagement | Employers hiring lower-skilled workers must declare they have advertised through MSD. |
| Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Roles | Extended to three years. |
| Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children | Increased to NZD $55,844. |
| Occupation Reclassification | Some roles upgraded to ANZSCO Skill Level 3. |
| Streamlined Application Process | Faster processing times and reduced paperwork. |
| Official Website | New Zealand Immigration |
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Phase 2 changes bring significant improvements for both employers and migrant workers. By removing the median wage requirement, reducing work experience criteria, and simplifying engagement with MSD, New Zealand is making it easier to fill labor shortages while ensuring fair treatment of workers.
What Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a program designed to allow New Zealand employers to hire skilled workers from overseas. It ensures businesses fill labor shortages while offering foreign workers a streamlined path to legally work in the country.
The AEWV replaces several older visa categories, making it the primary work visa pathway for most skilled migrants. To qualify, employers must become accredited, proving they meet fair employment and wage standards. Under Phase 2, the process has been further refined to ensure better efficiency, reduced wait times, and greater flexibility for employers and workers.
With Phase 2 of AEWV taking effect in March 2025, several changes are being introduced to simplify the system and provide more flexibility for both employers and employees. Additionally, new technological improvements, such as automated verification processes and an enhanced employer portal, will help reduce administrative burden.
Breaking Down the Key Changes in AEWV Phase 2
1. Removal of Median Wage Requirement
One of the biggest updates is the removal of the median wage threshold for AEWV holders. Previously, employers were required to pay at least the median wage (currently NZD $31.61 per hour). Now, the new requirement is:
- Wages must meet or exceed the national minimum wage (NZD $23.50 per hour from April 1, 2025).
- Employers must pay workers a fair market rate based on the industry and job role.
This change makes it easier for businesses to hire skilled workers while still ensuring fair pay. It also prevents smaller businesses from being excluded from hiring talent due to high wage barriers.
2. Work Experience Requirement Reduced
Previously, AEWV applicants needed at least three years of work experience in their field. Under the new rules:
- The requirement is reduced to two years.
- Employers must verify and document the worker’s experience.
This adjustment allows more qualified workers to enter the workforce sooner, helping businesses fill urgent vacancies faster. Additionally, industries with significant worker shortages, such as construction, healthcare, and agriculture, will benefit from an expanded labor pool.
3. Simplified Engagement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
For lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5), the employer must advertise job openings through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and consider suitable local candidates before hiring overseas workers.
What’s changing?
- Employers no longer need formal engagement reports.
- Instead, they must declare that they have followed the proper process.
- Documentation of the recruitment process should be kept for potential audits.
These changes streamline the recruitment process, reducing delays for businesses while ensuring local workers still get priority consideration.
4. Extended Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Roles
Another major improvement is the extension of AEWV duration for lower-skilled roles:
- Previously, AEWVs were issued for one or two years.
- Now, workers in ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 can stay for up to three years.
This offers more job security to migrant workers and reduces the administrative burden on employers. Longer visa durations mean less paperwork, lower renewal fees, and increased stability in the workforce.
5. Higher Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children
Migrant workers on an AEWV who wish to bring their dependent children to New Zealand must meet a new minimum income requirement:
- The income threshold is increasing from NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844 per year.
- This threshold is 80% of the median wage and will be adjusted annually.
- Workers who already had dependent visas before March 10, 2025, remain under the old rules.
This change ensures that families have sufficient financial support, reducing reliance on public services while maintaining a fair immigration policy.
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FAQs About New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa
1. What is the new minimum wage for AEWV holders?
From April 1, 2025, the minimum wage in New Zealand will be NZD $23.50 per hour.
2. Do employers still need to engage with MSD before hiring migrants?
Yes, but they no longer need to submit formal reports. They only need to declare they have advertised the role and considered suitable local candidates.
3. How long can AEWV holders stay under the new rules?
For lower-skilled roles, the visa duration is extended to three years.
4. Can AEWV holders bring their families to New Zealand?
Yes, but the income threshold to support dependent children has increased to NZD $55,844 per year.
5. Which occupations have been upgraded in skill level?
Jobs like cooks, pet groomers, nannies, fitness instructors, scaffolders, and slaughterers have been reclassified to ANZSCO skill level 3.
