Work Visa changes announced: Key reforms to the AEWV Scheme
Just in time for the new year, the Government has announced reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme – a welcome update for both employers and employees!
What are the changes to the AEWV scheme?
From 27 January 2025:
- Accredited employers will no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules or offer migrants paid time to do these.
- The percentage of New Zealanders that certain construction sector businesses must employ will reduce from 35 percent to 15 percent.
In March 2025:
- Wage thresholds for all AEWV roles will be removed. Employers will still need to advertise and offer AEWV employees the market rate for their position and workplace location. This change does not affect existing employment agreements. There are also no changes to the wages that AEWV workers must earn to apply for residence.
- Migrants will need to demonstrate 2 years of relevant work experience, a reduction from the current 3 years needed.
- Employers will no longer have to provide evidence of engagement with Work and Income in their Job Check. They will need to make a declaration confirming they have advertised lower-skilled roles with Work and Income and interviewed appropriate candidates.
- The AEWV duration for new migrants in a lower-skilled role will increase to 3 years, to align with the maximum time they can stay in New Zealand on an AEWV. Those currently on two-year visas will be able to apply for a further year.
- AEWV migrants will need to earn at least NZD 55,844 a year to bring children, along with meeting other criteria.
Other changes announced
Changes announced today include:
- From April 2025, some work and student visa holders who apply for an AEWV can receive an interim visa that allows them to work whilst their AEWV application is being processed.
- A new job check process will be introduced in mid-2025, to streamline the process for low-risk employers and improve processing times.
- In November 2025, two new pathways for seasonal workers will be introduced, including a 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers and a 7-month single stay for lesser-skilled workers.
Key takeaways
- Wage thresholds for AEWV roles will be removed from March 2025, but employers must still offer market rates.
- Experience requirements for migrants will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years.
- The AEWV duration for lower-skilled roles will increase to 3 years.
- Accredited employers will no longer be required to complete online modules or provide paid time for migrants from January 2025.
These changes are pragmatic and will go a long way to addressing New Zealand employers’ concerns.
Once the policy details are published, we can provide full details. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to our Immigration team.
Special thanks to Partner Nicola Tiffen and Special Counsel Nicky Robertson preparing this article.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
