Upcoming Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) from March 2025

Big changes are coming to the AEWV scheme, with the next phase taking effect on 10 March 2025. If you're an employer or a migrant worker, here’s what you need to know:

• No more wage thresholds – Employers must pay at least the NZ minimum wage and the market rate for the job, but existing wages in employment agreements remain unchanged.
• Lower work experience requirement – Migrants can now qualify with two years of relevant work experience instead of three.
• Simplified Job Check requirements – Employers must advertise lower-skilled roles with Work and Income and interview suitable candidates but no longer need to submit evidence of this with their Job Check. Keeping records is still recommended.
• Longer AEWV duration for lower-skilled roles – ANZSCO level four and five roles will now have a three-year visa duration, up from two years, aligning with the maximum continuous stay. Workers currently on a two-year visa can apply for an additional year.
• New income threshold for supporting dependent children – Migrants must now earn at least $55,844 per year to sponsor their children. However, the old threshold applies if a child held or applied for a visa before 10 March.
• Reclassification of some roles – Certain ANZSCO level four and five roles will now be recognised as ANZSCO level three.

​These changes may impact those currently advertising a job, applying for a Job Check, or an AEWV, so it is crucial to stay informed.
For more details or advice on how this affects your visa application, get in touch with us today.

Source: INZ website