Key Takeaways:
- Removal of Median Wage Requirement: The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will no longer mandate a median wage threshold. Employers must offer market rates based on position and location, ensuring fair compensation without a standardized wage floor.
- Reduced Experience Requirement: The required work experience for migrants is decreasing from three to two years, broadening eligibility and addressing skill shortages by allowing more qualified individuals to participate.
- New Seasonal Worker Pathways: Two new visa options will be introduced in November 2025: a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers and a seven-month single-entry visa for less-skilled workers, enhancing flexibility for industries with seasonal labor needs.
- Extended Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Roles: AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 roles will see visa durations increase to three years, aligning with maximum continuous stay policies and providing greater stability for both workers and employers.
- Streamlined Job Check Process: Immigration New Zealand is redesigning the Job Check step to simplify procedures for low-risk employers and improve processing times, aiming for implementation by July 2025.
The New Zealand government has announced significant reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, set to roll out in stages throughout 2025. These changes aim to address labor shortages, streamline immigration processes, and ensure fair employment practices.
Removal of Median Wage Requirement
Previously, the AEWV required employers to meet a median wage threshold when hiring migrant workers. The removal of this requirement allows employers to offer salaries that reflect the market rate for specific positions and locations, providing flexibility to attract talent across various industries. This change does not affect existing employment agreements or the wages required for AEWV workers seeking residence.
Reduced Experience Requirement
To widen the pool of eligible migrant workers, the required work experience is being reduced from three years to two. This adjustment addresses critical skill shortages by enabling more qualified individuals to apply, thereby supporting sectors in need of skilled labor.
New Seasonal Worker Pathways
In response to the demand for seasonal labor, two new visa pathways will be introduced in November 2025:
- Three-Year Multi-Entry Visa: Designed for experienced seasonal workers, allowing multiple entries over three years to support industries with recurring labor needs.
- Seven-Month Single-Entry Visa: Aimed at less-skilled workers, permitting a single entry for up to seven months to assist during peak seasonal periods.
These pathways offer greater flexibility for employers and workers, ensuring that seasonal demands are met efficiently.
Extended Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Roles
AEWV holders employed in roles classified under ANZSCO Levels 4 or 5 will benefit from an increased visa duration of up to three years. This change provides greater stability for both employees and employers, aligning with policies on maximum continuous stay. Current visa holders with two-year visas can apply for an additional year if they meet the necessary requirements.
Streamlined Job Check Process
Immigration New Zealand is set to redesign the Job Check process to streamline procedures for low-risk employers, aiming to improve processing times and reduce administrative burdens. This initiative is scheduled for implementation by July 2025, enhancing efficiency in the hiring of migrant workers.
Conclusion
These comprehensive reforms to the AEWV scheme reflect New Zealand’s commitment to adapting its immigration policies to meet evolving labor market needs. By removing rigid wage thresholds, reducing experience requirements, introducing flexible visa pathways, and streamlining processes, the government aims to create a more responsive and efficient system that benefits employers and migrant workers alike.
