{"id":54309,"date":"2025-02-20T15:57:36","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T04:57:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/?p=54309"},"modified":"2025-02-20T16:41:02","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T05:41:02","slug":"aewv-changes-coming-in-march-and-april-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/news\/aewv-changes-coming-in-march-and-april-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"AEWV changes coming in March and April 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
In December 2024, the New Zealand Government announced significant reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme to provide more flexibility for businesses while ensuring fair conditions for migrant workers. <\/p>
The second phase of these changes<\/a> <\/span>will take effect from 10 March 2025<\/strong> and will impact employer requirements, wage settings, and visa conditions.<\/p> Removal of median wage requirement for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV)<\/strong><\/p> Employers hiring under the AEWV and seasonal SPWV policies will no longer be required to meet the median wage threshold. Instead:<\/p> The work experience requirement for AEWV applicants will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years. Employers must:<\/p> Employers hiring for ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 roles will need to:<\/p> The maximum visa duration for AEWV holders in ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 roles will be extended to 3 years to align with the maximum continuous stay policy. Those currently on 2-year AEWVs will be able to apply for an additional year.<\/p> Impact: migrants in these roles can stay longer, reducing turnover and recruitment costs for employers.<\/p> From 10 March 2025, migrants must earn at least NZD $55,844 per year to support dependent children, an increase from NZD $43,322.76. Impact: this ensures migrants have adequate financial means to support their families while maintaining stability for existing visa holders.<\/p> Certain ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles will now be classified as Level 3, allowing access to improved work and residence pathways. These roles include:<\/p> Interim visa work rights expansion<\/strong><\/p> From April 2025, interim visa holders awaiting AEWV processing will gain more work rights, including:<\/p> These changes are designed to make the AEWV scheme more adaptable to workforce needs while ensuring fair wages and conditions for migrant workers. Employers must stay informed about these updates to ensure compliance and optimise recruitment strategies.<\/p> For expert guidance on how these changes impact your business or visa application, contact Absolute Immigration NZ today at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Key changes effective from 10 March 2025<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
<\/strong>Impact: employers will have greater flexibility in hiring but must ensure migrant workers receive equitable wages.<\/p>
Reduced work experience requirement<\/strong><\/p>
<\/strong>Impact: this change broadens the talent pool, making it easier for businesses to recruit skilled workers.<\/p>
Simplified employer engagement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD)<\/strong><\/p>
<\/strong>Impact: this streamlines recruitment processes while maintaining fairness in hiring practices.<\/p>
Increased visa duration for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles<\/strong><\/p>
Higher income threshold for supporting dependent children<\/strong><\/p>
The previous threshold remains valid for children who held or applied for a visa before 10 March 2025.<\/p>
Reclassification of ANZSCO roles<\/strong><\/p>
Additionally, the following roles will be classified as Level 3 if the employer specifies that they require 3 years of work experience or a Level 4 qualification:<\/p>
<\/strong>Impact: this reclassification benefits both employers and skilled workers by improving career progression opportunities.<\/p>
Additional changes in April 2025<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>
What these changes mean for employers and migrant workers<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>