New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Phase 2 Changes Effective from March 10, 2025

The New Zealand Government has announced significant (PHASE 2) reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), set to take effect from March 10, 2025. Whether you’re planning to apply for the first time or already hold an AEWV, these changes will impact how you work and live in New Zealand.

The biggest shift is the removal of the median wage requirement—employers will only need to pay at least the minimum wage (NZD $23.50/hr from April 1, 2025). The work experience requirement is also dropping from 3 years to 2 years, making it faster for skilled workers to qualify. Visa durations for low-skilled jobs will now extend to 3 years, and the income threshold for supporting dependent children is increasing. Plus, several occupations will now be recognized at higher skill levels, unlocking better job opportunities.

What About Old Applicants? – If you already hold an AEWV, nothing changes for you—you’ll continue under your current visa conditions, including pay and work rights. However, new applicants after March 10 will benefit from the eased requirements, longer visa durations, and simplified application process.

Why Read This? – This article breaks down everything you need to know about the AEWV Phase 2 reforms—how they affect your eligibility, job prospects, family sponsorship, and overall visa journey. Whether you’re aiming for better job security, faster application approval, or bringing your family along, understanding these changes could be your gateway to a new life in New Zealand.

Stay ahead of the curve and get ready to seize new opportunities in 2025!

1# Removal of Median Wage Requirement

Starting March 10, 2025:

• • The median wage requirement will no longer apply to AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) holders.
  • Employers must pay at least the New Zealand minimum wage, which will increase to NZD $23.50 per hour on April 1, 2025.
  • Migrant workers must still receive pay equal to their New Zealand counterparts (market rate).
  • Sector Agreements that previously exempted employers from the median wage will be removed. However, agreements offering residence pathways will remain intact with no changes to wage requirements.

Impact: Jobs previously covered by sector agreements will now have no caps, visa duration limitations, or wage thresholds apart from the minimum wage.

2# Reduction in Work Experience Requirement

From March 10, 2025:

• • The work experience requirement for AEWV applicants will decrease from 3 years to 2 years.
  • Employers must verify that migrant workers meet this threshold, and applicants need to provide supporting documents.

Impact: This change ensures qualified workers can enter the job market more quickly while minimizing exploitation risks.

3# Declaration-Based Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Engagement

Effective March 10, 2025:

• • Employers will only need to declare they have advertised lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5) with MSD and interviewed suitable candidates.
  • Employers must retain evidence of their engagement, which may be requested during recruitment checks.

Impact: This simplifies the recruitment process while maintaining fair hiring practices.

4# Extended Visa Duration for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 Workers

From March 10, 2025:

• • AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 occupations will now be eligible for a 3-year visa, aligning with their maximum continuous stay.

Impact: This change offers greater job security and stability for low-skilled migrant workers.

5# Increased Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children

Starting March 10, 2025:

• • The income threshold for supporting dependent children will rise from NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844 annually.
  • This figure represents 80% of the median wage, based on a 40-hour workweek and will be updated annually.
  • The previous threshold will still apply for children holding or applying for a visa before March 10, 2025.

Impact: Migrants will need to meet higher income standards to support their children.

6# Recognition of Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels

With the transition to the National Occupation List (NOL), certain occupations will now be classified as ANZSCO Skill Level 3 from March 10, 2025, including:

Reclassified Occupations:

• • Pet Groomer (361113)
  • Cook (351411)
  • Kennel Hand (361115)
  • Scaffolder (821712)
  • Fitness Instructor (452111)
  • Slaughterer (831212)
  • Nanny (421113)

Additionally, four other roles will be treated as Skill Level 3 if employers require either 3 years of work experience or a Level 4 qualification:

• • Excavator Operator (721214)
  • Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator (721111)
  • Forklift Driver (721311)
  • Mobile Plant Operators (not elsewhere classified) (721999)

Impact: Skilled workers in critical roles can now access higher-skilled visa pathways.

7# Interim Visa Work Rights Updates (Effective April 2025)

New provisions will be introduced for interim visa holders awaiting AEWV decisions:

• • Work Rights: Applicants transitioning from any work visa or a student visa permitting work will be allowed to work while on an interim visa.
  • Continuous Stay: Time spent on an interim visa will count towards the total continuous stay under AEWV and work-to-residence eligibility.

Impact: This ensures continuity in employment during visa processing.

8# Median Wage Changes (Effective February 28, 2025)

From February 28, 2025:

• • The wage threshold for supporting a partner will rise to NZD $26.85 per hour.
  • The income threshold for Parent Category sponsors will increase to NZD $33.56 per hour, aligning with the median wage.

Impact: Migrants supporting family members will need to meet higher financial requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• No Median Wage: Only minimum wage applies.
• Less Experience: 2 years instead of 3.
• Longer Visas: 3 years for Level 4 and 5 roles.
• Higher Family Support Threshold: NZD $55,844 annually.
• Work Rights on Interim Visas: Increased job security during visa processing.

Employers and applicants should start preparing for these changes ahead of the March 10, 2025 implementation date to ensure smooth transitions and continued compliance.

Announcements

• https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/changes-to-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-aewv-and-median-wage
• https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/how-changes-to-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-aewv-may-affect-you.

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