The New Zealand Authorities has introduced vital adjustments to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, set to be rolled out in 4 phases all through 2025.
These updates goal to streamline processes for employers and enhance alternatives for migrant employees. Right here’s a transparent breakdown of the adjustments and what they imply for employers.
From 27 January 2025
On-line employer modules now not required
Accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) will now not want to finish Employment New Zealand’s on-line coaching modules or supply paid time for migrants to finish them.
Relaxed necessities for the development sector
Sure development sector employers presently required to have 35% of their workforce made up of New Zealanders will see this lowered to fifteen%. This alteration acknowledges the sector’s distinctive challenges to find expert employees regionally.
From March 2025
Wage thresholds eliminated for AEWV roles
Employers will now not want to satisfy Immigration NZ’s minimal wage thresholds for AEWV roles. Nonetheless, they need to nonetheless promote and supply the market fee for the function and its location. Employers will not be required to regulate wages set in current employment agreements.
Diminished work expertise requirement
Migrants making use of for AEWVs will solely want 2 years of related work expertise, down from the present 3 years.
Simplified Job Verify course of
Employers now not want to supply proof of engagement with Work and Earnings. As a substitute, they are going to be required to declare that they marketed lower-skilled roles with Work and Earnings and interviewed any appropriate candidates.
Longer AEWV length for lower-skilled roles
AEWV holders in lower-skilled roles will see their visa length prolonged to 3 years, matching the utmost time they will keep in New Zealand on an AEWV. Present AEWV holders with 2-year visas can be eligible to use for a 1-year extension.
Unchanged earnings threshold for dependent kids
AEWV holders will nonetheless must earn not less than NZ$55,844 yearly to carry dependent kids to New Zealand. This threshold, unchanged since 2019, displays the minimal monetary requirement to help relations.
From April 2025
Interim Visas with work rights
Some work and scholar visa holders making use of for an AEWV will grow to be eligible for an Interim Visa, permitting them to work whereas their AEWV software is processed. This alteration is meant to minimise disruptions for employees and employers in the course of the software interval.
Mid-2025
Streamlined Job Checks for low-risk employers
Immigration NZ plans to introduce a streamlined Job Verify course of for low-risk employers, dashing up approvals for these with a powerful observe report of compliance.
From November 2025
New seasonal employee pathways
Two new visa pathways can be launched for seasonal employees:
- A 3-year multi-entry visa for knowledgeable seasonal employees.
- A 7-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled seasonal employees.
The prevailing short-term seasonal pathways will stay out there till these new choices are applied.
What these adjustments imply for employers
These adjustments considerably scale back administrative necessities, notably for companies in industries that rely closely on migrant employees. By eradicating wage thresholds, reducing expertise necessities, and simplifying processes, the adjustments goal to make it simpler for employers to navigate the AEWV scheme whereas making certain truthful pay and employment circumstances.
Keep forward with skilled steerage
Navigating these adjustments successfully is essential to sustaining compliance and making certain easy hiring processes. VisaAide’s group of Licensed Immigration Advisers is right here to assist employers perceive these reforms and adapt their processes confidently.
