Significant (PHASE 2) changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) have been announced by the New Zealand government, and they will go into effect on March 10, 2025. These changes will affect how you work and live in New Zealand, regardless of whether you intend to apply for an AEWV for the first time or already have one.
The largest change is that companies will no longer be required to pay the median salary; instead, they will only be required to pay the minimum wage, which will be NZD $23.50 per hour beginning of April 1, 2025. Additionally, skilled workers will be able to qualify more quickly since the job experience criteria is being lowered from three years to two years. The income criterion for supporting dependent children is rising, and visa durations for low-skilled occupations will now be extended to three years. Additionally, a number of professions will now be acknowledged at greater skill levels, opening up more favorable employment prospects.
What About Previous Candidates? Nothing changes for you if you currently have an AEWV; you will continue to be covered by the terms of your current visa, including your right to work and your salary. However, the relaxed restrictions, extended visa periods, and streamlined application process will be advantageous to new applicants from March 10.
Why Read This? Everything you need to know about the AEWV Phase 2 reforms is covered in this post, including how they impact your eligibility, employment opportunities, family sponsorship, and visa application process in general. Knowing these changes could be your first step toward starting a new life in New Zealand, regardless of your goals—better job stability, quicker application clearance, or bringing your family with you.
Removal of Median Wage Requirement
Starting March 10, 2025:
- The AEWV and SPWV holders will no longer be subject to the median wage criterion.
- The minimum wage in New Zealand, which will rise to NZD $23.50 per hour on April 1, 2025, must be paid by employers.
- The market rate of compensation for migrant workers must still be the same as that of their counterparts in New Zealand.
- There would be no more sector agreements that excused firms from paying the median wage. Agreements providing residence pathways, however, will not be altered, nor will the wage criteria.
Impact: Apart from the minimum wage, jobs that were formerly covered by sector agreements will no longer have any quotas, restrictions on the length of a visa, or wage thresholds.
Read Also: Working in New Zealand on Tourist/Visit Visa 2025
Reduction in Work Experience Requirement
From March 10, 2025:
- For AEWV applicants, the required work experience will drop from three years to two years.
- Candidates must submit supporting documentation, and employers must confirm that migrant workers meet this requirement.
Impact: By reducing the possibility of exploitation, this modification guarantees that skilled people can join the workforce sooner.
Declaration-Based Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Engagement
Effective March 10, 2025:
- Employers simply need to disclose that they have conducted interviews with qualified applicants for lower-skilled positions (ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5) that they have advertised with MSD.
- Evidence of their involvement, which may be asked for during hiring procedures, must be kept on file by employers.
Impact: This preserves equitable recruiting procedures while streamlining the employment process.
Extended Visa Duration for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 Workers
From March 10, 2025:
In accordance with their maximum continuous stay, AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 vocations will now be eligible for a 3-year visa.
Impact: This modification gives low-skilled migrant workers more stability and job security.
Increased Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children
Starting March 10, 2025:
- From NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844 per year, the income threshold for supporting dependent children will increase.
- Based on a 40-hour workday, this amount is equivalent to 80% of the median pay and will be revised yearly.
- Children who have a visa or are applying for one before March 10, 2025, will still be subject to the prior threshold.
Impact: In order to provide for their children, migrants will have to earn more money.
Recognition of Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels
As a result of the switch to the National Occupation List (NOL), starting on March 10, 2025, the following occupations will be designated as ANZSCO Skill Level 3:
Reclassified Occupations:
- Pet Groomer (361113)
- Cook (351411)
- Kennel Hand (361115)
- Scaffolder (821712)
- Fitness Instructor (452111)
- Slaughterer (831212)
- Nanny (421113)
Furthermore, if employers need either three years of work experience or a Level 4 qualification, four additional occupations will be classified as Skill Level 3:
- Excavator Operator (721214)
- Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator (721111)
- Forklift Driver (721311)
- Mobile Plant Operators (not elsewhere classified) (721999)
Impact: Skilled workers in critical roles can now access higher-skilled visa pathways.
Interim Visa Work Rights Updates (Effective April 2025)
There will be new rules for temporary visa holders who are awaiting AEWV rulings:
- Work Rights: While on an interim visa, applicants who are switching from any type of work visa or a student visa that permits employment are permitted to work.
- Continuous Stay: Under AEWV and work-to-residence eligibility, time spent on an interim visa will be counted toward the overall amount of time spent continuously.
Impact: This guarantees job stability while the visa application is being processed.
Median Wage Changes (Effective February 28, 2025)
From February 28, 2025:
- Supporting a spouse will now require a wage requirement of NZD $26.85 per hour.
- In order to match the median wage, the income criterion for Parent Category sponsors will rise to NZD $33.56 per hour.
Impact: Higher financial requirements will apply to migrants who are helping family members.
Key Takeaways
- No Median Wage: Only minimum wage applies.
- Less Experience: 2 years instead of 3.
- Longer Visas: 3 years for Level 4 and 5 roles.
- Higher Family Support Threshold: NZD $55,844 annually.
- Work Rights on Interim Visas: Increased job security during visa processing.
Conclusion
The AEWV Phase 2 changes, effective March 10, 2025, bring significant improvements for migrant workers and employers in New Zealand. The removal of the median wage requirement, reduced experience criteria, and extended visa durations create new opportunities for skilled and low-skilled workers alike. While higher income thresholds for family sponsorship and median wage adjustments for family support may pose challenges, these reforms overall simplify visa applications and enhance job stability. Whether you’re planning to apply for the first time or renewing your visa, understanding these updates is crucial for securing a successful career in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the new changes affect existing AEWV holders?
No, current AEWV holders will keep working in accordance with their existing visa terms, including pay scales. Future applications, however, will adhere to the revised guidelines.
What are the new rules for work rights on interim visas?
Temporary visa holders will be permitted to work under interim visa terms while they await an AEWV judgment. While their application is being reviewed, this guarantees ongoing job stability.
