Work Visa reform announced
INZ announces changes to the accredited employer work visa (AEWV)
It was recently announced by the New Zealand Government that there will be changes to the current Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) from the beginning of 2025.
As of January 2025, Employers will no longer be required to complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules or pay migrants for this training. The construction sector businesses will also decrease the required percentage of New Zealand employees from 35% to 15%.
From March 2025, the wage threshold for AEWV roles will be removed, although employers still need to offer AEWV employees the market rate for their role. Requirements for work experience will be decreased from 3 years to 2 years. Employers will no longer be required to provide evidence of Work and Income engagement for Job Checks, they only need to declare that lower-skilled roles have been advertised and interviewed.
The AEWV duration for new low-skilled migrants will be increased to 3 years instead of the current 1 year which aligns with the maximum duration they can stay in New Zealand on a low skill AEWV. The income threshold for migrants who would like to bring their children under the dependent children category will now demonstrate that they earn at least NZ$55,844.
Starting In April 2025, certain work visa and student visa holders can apply for an Interim visa which allows them to work while their AEWV application is being processed.
From Mid-2025, a much more streamlined Job Check Process will be implemented for low-risk employers.
And from November 2025, the addition of two new seasonal worker pathways will be implemented, this includes a 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced worker as well as a 7-month single-entry visa for lower skilled workers. The existing temporary pathways will remain until then.
For further updates and information please keep an eye out on our website in the coming year or feel free to contact us.