Major Changes in the AEWV Category in 2025: What You Need to Know

New Zealand’s immigration system is set for major updates in 2025, with key changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and wage requirements. Announced in December 2024, these updates aim to better align the system with industry needs. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will roll out these changes gradually throughout the year.

Key Changes Effective March 10, 2025 

Median Wage Requirement Removed for AEWV and SPWV
Employers hiring under the AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) will no longer have to meet the median wage threshold. Instead, they must pay workers at least the minimum wage, which increases to NZD $23.50 per hour on April 1. However, workers must still be paid at the market rate for their role.

As a result, sector agreements that previously granted exemptions to the median wage will be scrapped—except for those tied to residence pathways. This also means job restrictions, such as visa duration limits and employment caps, will be lifted for affected roles.

Existing AEWV holders must continue receiving wages as per their contracts and visa conditions.

Work Experience Requirement Reduced to Two Years
The minimum work experience requirement for migrant workers drops from three years to two. Employers must confirm that applicants meet this requirement, and workers must provide proof. This adjustment makes it easier for skilled workers to qualify while still ensuring fair hiring practices.

Streamlined MSD Engagement for Employers
Employers hiring for lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO levels 4 and 5) must still advertise with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and interview suitable candidates. However, from March 10, the process will shift to a declaration-based system, meaning employers will only need to keep records for potential INZ verification.

Longer Visas for Low-Skilled Workers
AEWV holders in ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 will now be eligible for a three-year visa, eliminating shorter renewals and providing more stability.

Higher Income Requirement for Supporting Dependent Children
From March 10, AEWV holders who want to support dependent children must earn at least NZD $55,844 annually, up from NZD $43,322.76. This figure represents 80% of the median wage and will be updated yearly. Children already in New Zealand under the previous threshold won’t be affected.

Certain Jobs Upgraded to Higher Skill LevelsINZ is transitioning from the ANZSCO classification system to the National Occupation List (NOL), which means some roles will now be considered higher skilled. From March 10, 2025, the following jobs will be reclassified as ANZSCO skill level 3:

• Cook
• Pet groomer
• Kennel hand
• Nanny
• Fitness instructor
• Scaffolder
• Slaughterer

Additionally, the following roles will be classified as skill level 3 if they require either three years of experience or a Level 4 qualification:

• Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operator
• Excavator operator
• Forklift driver
• Mobile plant operators (not elsewhere classified)

Other Important UpdatesInterim Visa Work Rights (April 2025)
AEWV applicants will soon be allowed to work on an interim visa if they apply while holding a valid work visa or a student visa with work rights. Any time spent working on an interim visa will count toward their continuous stay and work experience for residence eligibility.

Median Wage Updates (February 28, 2025)

• AEWV holders sponsoring a partner must earn at least NZD $26.85 per hour.
• The income threshold for Parent Category sponsors will be adjusted to NZD $33.56 per hour.

These updates follow Statistics New Zealand’s latest median earnings data to ensure migrants supporting family members have adequate income.

What This Means for Employers and Migrant Workers
These changes will have a direct impact on both businesses and workers. Employers need to adapt to new wage rules, recruitment processes, and skill classifications, while migrants should understand how these shifts will affect their visa applications and work eligibility.

Source: INZ website