Big Shake-Up for New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Scheme
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced exciting updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, making it easier, faster, and more accessible for migrants to live and work in New Zealand. These changes aim to simplify pathways for skilled workers, reduce unnecessary hurdles, and ensure fair opportunities for migrants in the workplace.
What is changing for migrants?
Immediate Changes – Effective 27 January 2025
No More Online Modules
Migrant workers will no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand’s online learning modules as part of their employment. This means fewer administrative requirements and a faster transition into your new role.
More Opportunities in Construction
Changes for certain construction sector businesses mean employers will have greater flexibility to hire migrant workers, as the requirement for employing New Zealanders drops from 35% to 15%.
March 2025 – Easier Pathways to Work in New Zealand
The changes coming in March will make it simpler for migrants to qualify for and maintain their AEWV
Wage Thresholds Removed for AEWV
INZ will remove wage thresholds across all AEWV roles. Employers must still offer a fair market rate for your position, ensuring you’re paid what a New Zealand citizen or resident would earn for similar experience and role type.Existing employment agreements remain unchanged for migrants already in New Zealand.
New earning threshold to support children
AEWV holders will need to earn at least NZ$55,844 a year to support children for a dependant visa. If you are offered a full-time role on 40/hour per week this is unlikely to be a concern at all.
Reduced Work Experience Requirements
To be eligible, you’ll now need just 2 years of work experience, down from 3 years for certain role types. This opens the door for more skilled migrants to bring their expertise to New Zealand.
Simplified WINZ Process for Migrants in ANZSCO Skill Level 4 & 5 Roles
Employers will no longer need to engage with Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ). They will only need to confirm that roles have been advertised and any suitable WINZ candidates have been considered.
Longer visa durations
If you’re applying for a skill level 4 or 5 role, your AEWV will now be issued for a full 3 years outright.
If you’re currently on a 2-year visa, you can apply for a 12-month extension to align with this new maximum duration. Please reach out to us so we can assist you with obtaining your visa extension: [email protected]
Mid-2025 Onwards – More Support for Migrants
Interim Visas for Smooth Transitions
If you’re moving from certain work or student visa to an AEWV (e.g., partnership work visas/post study work visa), you’ll now automatically receive an interim visa with work conditions to allow you remain working while your new visa is processed, reducing uncertainty and stress.
Faster Job Check Processing
INZ will introduce a streamlined job check process for low-risk employers.
This means faster approvals for the employers job check and therefore your work visa, getting you onshore and working sooner.
New Seasonal Worker Pathways:
Two new visa options will offer better opportunities for seasonal workers:
- A 3-Year Multi-Entry Visa for experienced workers, allowing you to return season after season.
- A 7-Month Single-Entry Visa for lesser-skilled roles
The criteria for higher skilled and lesser skilled for seasonal employees is yet to be confirmed. Current seasonal pathways will remain in place until these new options are launched.
What These Changes Mean for Migrants
These updates make New Zealand’s immigration process:
- Simpler – Fewer requirements and reduced red tape for employers which makes it easier for them to hire you.
- More opportunities – Guaranteed market-rate pay and equal opportunities as you wont be required to be paid a higher wage than a kiwi would making it easier to hire migrants
- More Accessible – Lower experience thresholds and longer visa durations.
Whether you’re a skilled professional or a seasonal worker, these changes create smoother pathways to employment and visa attainment and offer greater security for your future in New Zealand.
New Zealand is ready to welcome your skills, talent, and hard work in 2025-helping you build a brighter future for yourself and your family.