Large adjustments are on the horizon for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), ranging from 10 March 2025. These updates are set to impression each employers hiring migrant staff and people making use of for an AEWV. The Authorities introduced these adjustments in December 2024, aiming to make visa settings extra versatile for companies throughout totally different sectors and areas. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) plans to roll these adjustments out all through 2025. Right here’s a breakdown of what’s coming and the way it would possibly have an effect on you.
No Extra Median Wage Requirement for AEWV and SPWV
Beginning 10 March 2025, employers hiring staff beneath the AEWV or the Seasonal Supplementary Work Visa (SPWV) gained’t want to fulfill the median wage requirement anymore. As an alternative, the one pay threshold will likely be New Zealand’s minimal wage, which is at the moment $23.15 per hour and can enhance to $23.50 per hour from 1 April 2025.
However, there’s a catch! Employers should nonetheless pay migrant staff at the very least the market price to make sure their wages are just like these paid to New Zealanders.
Additionally, the Sector Agreements that allowed exceptions to the median wage requirement will not apply. Whereas pathways to residence beneath these agreements keep intact, jobs beforehand lined for roles beneath the median wage will now have fewer restrictions. The employment caps and visa length limits these roles confronted will likely be eliminated, aligning them with different jobs at related talent ranges.
In the event you’re an present AEWV holder, there’s no want to fret—your employer should nonetheless honour your present employment settlement and the circumstances laid out in your visa.
Much less Work Expertise Wanted for Migrants
Right here’s some excellent news for migrants! From 10 March 2025, the work expertise requirement for AEWV candidates will drop from three years to 2 years.
Employers want to make sure candidates meet this new requirement, and migrants might want to present proof of their two years of expertise. This replace helps stability the necessity for expert staff whereas decreasing the possibilities of exploitation.
Simpler Employer Engagement with MSD
Employers promoting lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO talent ranges 4 and 5) will see a giant change in how they have interaction with the Ministry of Social Growth (MSD). Beginning 10 March 2025, this can shift to a declaration-based course of.
Employers will merely have to declare, in good religion, that they’ve marketed these roles with MSD and thought of candidates by interviewing them. Whilst you’ll have to preserve proof of this course of, it may simply match into your normal hiring efforts.
Longer Visa Intervals for Decrease Expert Roles
One other constructive replace? The visa length for ANZSCO Degree 4 and 5 roles beneath the AEWV will enhance to 3 years beginning 10 March 2025. This aligns with the utmost allowed steady keep for AEWVs, giving extra stability to staff in these roles.
Greater Revenue Thresholds for Supporting Dependent Youngsters
Ranging from 10 March 2025, the earnings threshold for supporting dependent kids will rise from $43,322.76 to $55,844 per yr. This new determine equals 80% of the median wage and displays the necessities for associate work rights.
Right here’s some aid for folks already in New Zealand—the outdated earnings threshold will nonetheless apply to kids who held a visa or utilized for one earlier than 10 March 2025. This ensures households gained’t face disruption due to the up to date threshold.
Recognising Greater ANZSCO Talent Ranges
Immigration New Zealand is shifting from the ANZSCO classification to the Nationwide Occupation Record (NOL), and a few roles will now fall beneath totally different talent ranges.
From 10 March 2025, a number of occupations—like Prepare dinner, Pet Groomer, Nanny, and Scaffolder—will likely be acknowledged as ANZSCO talent stage 3. Moreover, roles like Agricultural Cellular Plant Operator and Forklift Driver may even rely as talent stage 3 if the job requires three years of expertise or a Degree 4 qualification. This retains expert staff in these roles inside attain of essential alternatives.
Modifications to Interim Visa Work Rights
Beginning in April 2025, people on interim visas whereas ready for his or her AEWV utility can count on new work rights. Candidates transitioning from any kind of labor visa or these shifting from pupil visas that permit work will be capable to proceed working.
Even higher—time spent on an interim visa will now rely towards steady keep calculations for AEWVs and the work expertise wanted for residency pathways.
Updates to Median Wage Necessities
From 28 February 2025, new median wage figures will kick in. AEWV holders desirous to assist a associate will want a wage of at the very least $26.85 per hour. On the identical time, sponsors beneath the Guardian Class might want to meet the brand new wage of $33.56 per hour.
This replace helps guarantee migrants supporting relations have the monetary assets to take action.
How These Modifications Influence You
All these updates purpose to make the Accredited Employer Work Visa extra versatile and aligned with market realities, whereas nonetheless defending the rights and wages of migrant staff. Employers ought to take steps to regulate their hiring practices, and candidates ought to guarantee they meet the brand new necessities.
Bought questions or need assistance navigating these adjustments? Contact us at contact@nzimmigration.data —we’re right here to help!
Creator Particulars
Vandana Rai
(LIA 201400900)
Director
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has constructed a repute round her uncommon set of abilities, which may very well be thought-about preferrred for her authorized occupation.
