The New Zealand Government has announced changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to streamline immigration processes for employers and workers.
According to Into NZ immigration specialists, these work visa changes address skills shortages while ensuring fair wages and improved working conditions for migrant workers.
Employers will benefit from simplified hiring procedures, while migrant workers gain longer stays, easier family reunification, and better job security.
The changes will be implemented in stages throughout 2025. These are the key changes:
REDUCED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT FOR MIGRANTS
Experience requirements for AEWV applicants will drop from three to two years, easing access for skilled workers. However, employers can still specify higher experience levels for certain roles.
NEW SEASON WORKER PATHWAYS
Two pathways will launch in November 2025.
- A three-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.
- A seven-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled seasonal workers. These options will enhance flexibility for industries like agriculture and horticulture.
INCREASED WORK VISA DURATION FOR LOWER-SKILLED WORKERS
AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 jobs will see visa durations extended from two to three years. Current two-year visa holders can apply for an additional year if eligible.
Employers will no longer need to meet the median wage threshold for AEWV roles. Instead, they must pay market rates for the job and location. Current wage thresholds remain for residence applications.
NEW EARNING THRESHOLD FOR FAMILY INCLUSION
AEWV migrants must earn at least NZ$55,844 (R642,206) per year to bring their children to New Zealand. This updated threshold reflects cost-of-living concerns but requires migrants to evaluate their ability to support dependents.
AMENDMENTS TO WORK AND INCOME ENGAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Employers hiring for ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 roles must declare they’ve advertised jobs in good faith through Work and Income. The 21-day timeframe for this process will be removed.
GREATER WORK RIGHTS FOR INTERIM VISA HOLDERS
From April 2025, interim visa holders will have expanded work rights, enabling smoother employment transitions while AEWV applications are processed.
REDUCTION IN DOMESTIC WORKFORCE THRESHOLD FOR CONSTRUCTION ROLES
For specific construction jobs, the domestic workforce threshold will drop from 35% to 15%, facilitating easier recruitment of overseas workers for critical projects.
IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
- January 2025: Updated family inclusion thresholds.
- April 2025: Enhanced interim work rights.
- July 2025: Streamlined AEWV Job Check process for low-risk employers.
- November 2025: Introduction of seasonal worker pathways.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa, now in its third year, has evolved significantly. After initial challenges and concerns about migrant exploitation, recent changes have addressed many issues, providing a balanced system that supports both employers and workers.
If given the opportunity, would you like to WORK in New Zealand?
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