New AEWV Policies and Wage Guidelines Coming in 2025

Big changes are on the horizon for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), starting from 10 March 2025. These updates are set to impact both employers hiring migrant workers and individuals applying for an AEWV. The Government announced these changes in December 2024, aiming to make visa settings more flexible for businesses across different sectors and regions. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) plans to roll these changes out throughout 2025. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming and how it might affect you.

No More Median Wage Requirement for AEWV and SPWV

Starting 10 March 2025, employers hiring workers under the AEWV or the Seasonal Supplementary Work Visa (SPWV) won’t need to meet the median wage requirement anymore. Instead, the only pay threshold will be New Zealand’s minimum wage, which is currently $23.15 per hour and will increase to $23.50 per hour from 1 April 2025.

But, there’s a catch! Employers must still pay migrant workers at least the market rate to ensure their wages are similar to those paid to New Zealanders.

Also, the Sector Agreements that allowed exceptions to the median wage requirement will no longer apply. While pathways to residence under these agreements stay intact, jobs previously covered for roles below the median wage will now have fewer restrictions. The employment caps and visa duration limits these roles faced will be removed, aligning them with other jobs at similar skill levels.

If you’re an existing AEWV holder, there’s no need to worry—your employer must still honour your current employment agreement and the conditions specified in your visa.

Less Work Experience Needed for Migrants

Here’s some good news for migrants! From 10 March 2025, the work experience requirement for AEWV applicants will drop from three years to two years.

Employers need to ensure applicants meet this new requirement, and migrants will need to provide proof of their two years of experience. This update helps balance the need for skilled workers while reducing the chances of exploitation.

Easier Employer Engagement with MSD

Employers advertising lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5) will see a big change in how they engage with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). Starting 10 March 2025, this will shift to a declaration-based process.

Employers will simply need to declare, in good faith, that they’ve advertised these roles with MSD and considered candidates by interviewing them. While you’ll need to keep evidence of this process, it can easily fit into your usual hiring efforts.

Longer Visa Periods for Lower Skilled Roles

Another positive update? The visa duration for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles under the AEWV will increase to three years starting 10 March 2025. This aligns with the maximum allowed continuous stay for AEWVs, giving more stability to workers in these roles.

Higher Income Thresholds for Supporting Dependent Children

Starting from 10 March 2025, the income threshold for supporting dependent children will rise from $43,322.76 to $55,844 per year. This new figure equals 80% of the median wage and reflects the requirements for partner work rights.

Here’s some relief for parents already in New Zealand—the old income threshold will still apply to children who held a visa or applied for one before 10 March 2025. This ensures families won’t face disruption because of the updated threshold.

Recognising Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels

Immigration New Zealand is shifting from the ANZSCO classification to the National Occupation List (NOL), and some roles will now fall under different skill levels.

From 10 March 2025, several occupations—like Cook, Pet Groomer, Nanny, and Scaffolder—will be recognized as ANZSCO skill level 3. Additionally, roles like Agricultural Mobile Plant Operator and Forklift Driver will also count as skill level 3 if the job requires three years of experience or a Level 4 qualification. This keeps skilled workers in these roles within reach of crucial opportunities.

Changes to Interim Visa Work Rights

Starting in April 2025, individuals on interim visas while waiting for their AEWV application can expect new work rights. Applicants transitioning from any type of work visa or those moving from student visas that allow work will be able to continue working.

Even better—time spent on an interim visa will now count toward continuous stay calculations for AEWVs and the work experience needed for residency pathways.

Updates to Median Wage Requirements

From 28 February 2025, new median wage figures will kick in. AEWV holders wanting to support a partner will need a wage of at least $26.85 per hour. At the same time, sponsors under the Parent Category will need to meet the new wage of $33.56 per hour.

This update helps ensure migrants supporting family members have the financial resources to do so.

How These Changes Impact You

All these updates aim to make the Accredited Employer Work Visa more flexible and aligned with market realities, while still protecting the rights and wages of migrant workers. Employers should take steps to adjust their hiring practices, and applicants should ensure they meet the new requirements.

Got questions or need help navigating these changes? Contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info —we’re here to assist!