The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and other New Zealand visa schemes use wage thresholds indexed to the median wage. This means that when the median wage changes, the criteria to grant visas also changes.
The median wage will increase to NZD $29.66 on 27 February 2023. This is based on the June rate published by Stats NZ the last year.
Wage thresholds must be met at the job check and visa application stages of the AEWV process.
AEWV Job checks
If the pay range approved in the job check is below the new wage threshold, the job check can still be used to support a visa application. The employer does not need to readvertise or submit a new job check.
All job checks submitted from 27 February must meet the new threshold.
AEWV applications
All AEWV applications submitted from 27 February must meet the new threshold.
Employers must pay AEWV holders at least the wage specified in an approved application.
Industry sector agreements
The median wage increase will affect the wage thresholds for the construction and infrastructure, meat processing, onshore seafood processing and seasonal snow and adventure tourism sector agreements.
Residence visas
Residence visa categories and pathways with median wage-related criteria will also be updated. This includes the Green List and Highly Paid pathways, and the Skilled Migrant Category.
The income thresholds for sponsors in the Parent Category will be updated before the May 2023 EOI Parent category selection.
To find out more about AEWV and what it means for your situation, please contact Arno Nothnagel, our NZ Immigration Director, here.
