The Public Service Commission announced the release of an independent external evaluation of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program on 27th February 2024. Initiated in August of the previous year by the then Minister of Immigration, the evaluation thoroughly assessed the suitability of all elements involved in the employer accreditation and job verification procedures conducted by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) within the AEWV framework. Key Findings of the Evaluation:
Recommendations and Improvements: The evaluation put forward 10 targeted recommendations to reduce the risk of migrant exploitation, establish an integrated compliance and monitoring framework, enhance intelligence collection, and improve the relationship between INZ’s senior leadership and frontline staff. Despite the challenges faced during the AEWV scheme's implementation, INZ and MBIE have made considerable progress in managing the scheme. This includes tightening settings since 30 June of the previous year to introduce additional checks and implementing robust risk reporting procedures. The scheme has played a crucial role in enabling employers to hire essential migrant workers, with over 23,000 approved accreditation applications for employers and more than 108,000 approved AEWV applications. To view the report, click on the below. ![]()
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From 28 February 2024, New Zealand's immigration system will implement a median wage rate of NZD$31.61 per hour.
The updated rate will affect salary thresholds for the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List Straight to Residence and Work to Residence visas and the Parent Category Residence class visa. The wage threshold for the Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa will also increase in line with the new median wage (excluding bus drivers). Accredited Employer Work Visa exceptions However, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) remains at NZD$29.66 per hour, alongside AEWV-related visas including:
This wage pause allows time to explore alternatives that meet New Zealand's workforce needs. AEWV holders can still accumulate skilled work experience at the current wage but will need to meet the updated median wage when applying for residence. For new applicants targeting the Skilled Residence pathways without an AEWV, the higher wage threshold applies. Immigration New Zealand uses Stats NZ's data for median wage calculations NZD$29.66 from June 2022 NZD$31.61 from June 2023 Sector agreement and wage exemption expirations in tourism, hospitality, and transport are postponed pending further review. Source: INZ website If you're planning to study in New Zealand, it's crucial to stay updated on the latest developments in student visa processing. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has acknowledged the receipt of a high volume of student visa applications, some submitted shortly before the intended travel date. This has resulted in a backlog, with many applications unlikely to be processed in time for the start of the academic term.
Improving Visa Processing Times To tackle these delays, INZ is implementing several measures to speed up the processing of student visa applications: Increased Staffing: INZ has recruited more personnel to handle the application process more efficiently. Enhanced Assessment Tools: The staff at INZ now have improved tools at their disposal to assess applications more swiftly. Consistent Communication: INZ is committed to providing clear and consistent information, ensuring students are well-informed about the status of their applications. These initiatives are a response to feedback from the education sector and are designed to provide a smoother experience for students awaiting their visas. What This Means for Students It's important for students to plan and apply for their visas as early as possible. With the increased demand and the steps INZ is taking to improve the situation, there's an optimistic outlook for future processing times. Keep an eye on official communications from INZ for the most current information and ensure you have all necessary documentation ready when applying. A common hiccup is financial evidence – it's crucial to provide thorough proof of sufficient funds for your stay. With these steps, INZ is striving to ensure that students can begin their studies in New Zealand without undue delays. Source: INZ website |
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