Major Reforms Announced for New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa

17 December 2024

The New Zealand Government has unveiled significant reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program, aiming to streamline the process and address critical skill shortages in the country. These changes include removing the median wage threshold, reducing the required experience for migrants, and introducing new seasonal visa pathways. The reforms are set to be implemented in four stages throughout 2025, beginning in January.

Enhancing Access to Skilled Migrants

The AEWV reforms are designed to make it easier for employers to fill skill gaps by accessing a wider pool of international talent. Key changes announced include:

1. Removal of the Median Wage Requirement

One of the most impactful changes is the elimination of the median wage threshold for all AEWV roles. Employers are still required to offer wages at the market rate for the specific position and location but are no longer bound by a national median wage standard. This adjustment does not affect existing employment agreements or the wage requirements for AEWV workers applying for residence.

2. New Earning Threshold for Migrants with Dependents

Migrants on an AEWV wishing to bring their children to New Zealand will now need to earn at least NZD $55,844 annually, alongside meeting other criteria. This threshold has been updated for the first time since 2019 to reflect current economic conditions.

3. Reduced Experience Requirements

The required work experience for migrants applying under the AEWV has been reduced from three years to two. This change ensures that migrants are sufficiently skilled while also addressing concerns raised during public consultations about the previous requirements being too stringent.

4. Introduction of New Seasonal Worker Pathways

Starting in November 2025, two new visa pathways for seasonal workers will be introduced:

• A 3-year Multi-Entry Visa for experienced seasonal workers.

• A 7-month Single-Entry Visa for lesser-skilled seasonal workers.

These new options aim to provide more flexibility and certainty for employers in industries reliant on seasonal labor. The existing temporary seasonal pathways will remain available until the new pathways are implemented.

5. Extended Visa Duration for Certain Roles

For jobs classified as skill level 4 or 5 under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), the AEWV duration will increase from two years (with an optional additional year) to a full three years. This aligns with the maximum continuous stay allowed for these workers in New Zealand. Workers currently on a two-year visa can apply for an additional one-year extension if they meet the necessary requirements.

6. Simplified Engagement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD)

Employers will now fulfill the requirement to engage with MSD through a declaration process. They must attest that they have genuinely advertised ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 positions with MSD and have interviewed any candidates who appeared suitable. This process can be conducted concurrently with other domestic recruitment efforts, and the previous 21-day timeframe has been removed.

7. Enhanced Work Rights for Interim Visa Holders

From April 2025, interim work rights will be extended to AEWV applicants transitioning from any work visa type or from student visas that permit work during term time. This change supports migrants in maintaining employment while their new visa applications are being processed.

8. Removal of Mandatory Online Modules

Effective 27 January 2025, the requirement for employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) to complete Employment New Zealand's online modules will be removed. Instead, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will provide links to relevant resources outlining employment rights and obligations at appropriate stages in the immigration process.

9. Adjusted Domestic Workforce Threshold for Construction Roles

To further support the construction industry, the domestic workforce threshold for certain construction roles will be reduced from 35% to 15%. This adjustment allows employers to more readily recruit international workers to meet industry demands.

Job Check Process Overhaul

In addition to the AEWV reforms, INZ is redesigning the Job Check step of the AEWV process. Scheduled for implementation in July 2025, these changes aim to streamline the process for low-risk employers and improve processing times.

Looking Ahead

More detailed information about these changes will be released in early 2025. Employers and migrants are encouraged to stay informed about the upcoming reforms to understand how they may benefit from the new policies.

For the official government announcement, visit the Beehive website: Securing the Skills and Experience NZ Needs

Conclusion

These reforms represent a significant shift in New Zealand's approach to skilled migration and workforce development. By easing restrictions and simplifying processes, the government aims to attract the talent necessary to support economic growth and address critical labor shortages across various sectors.

Stay tuned for more updates as the implementation of these changes unfolds throughout 2025.