New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) undergoes significant reforms, enhancing accessibility for migrants and flexibility for employers. The changes will roll out in 2025, transforming pathways for immigrants seeking job opportunities in New Zealand.
-- The New Zealand Government has announced major reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), the cornerstone of the country’s work visa system since its introduction in June 2022. As of November 2024, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has approved over 130,994 AEWV applications, with more than 40,000 immigrants applying annually. These reforms, to be implemented throughout 2025, promise significant benefits for employers and immigrant workers alike.
Key Reforms and Implementation Timeline:
1. Removal of the Median Wage Threshold (Effective March 2025):
Employers will no longer be required to meet a median wage threshold. While they must still pay the market rate for roles in their regions, this change offers greater flexibility without impacting current employment agreements or residence pathways for AEWV holders.
2. Reduced Work Experience Requirements (Effective March 2025):
For lower-skilled positions, the required work experience will drop from three years to two years. This adjustment will expand opportunities for qualified workers, especially in industries with acute labour shortages.
3. Extended Visa Durations for Certain Roles (Effective March 2025):
Migrants working in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 jobs will benefit from three-year visas, replacing the current two-year visa with a one-year extension.
4. Interim Work Rights for Applicants (Effective April 2025):
AEWV applicants transitioning from a work visa or student visa with work permissions will receive interim work rights, ensuring job continuity during the visa processing period.
5. Simplified Labour Market Test (Effective March 2025):
Employers will only need to declare that roles were advertised through Work and Income and that any suitable New Zealand applicants were considered. The mandatory 21-day waiting period will be removed, expediting the hiring process.
6. Updated Income Threshold for Dependent Children (Effective March 2025):
The income requirement for AEWV holders to bring dependent children will rise from NZ$43,322 to NZ$55,844, aligning with current living costs.
7. Lower Domestic Workforce Threshold for Construction Employers (Effective January 2025):
Labour-hire companies in construction can meet reduced domestic workforce thresholds, from 35% to 15%, to ease staffing challenges in key roles.
8. Introduction of Seasonal Visa Pathways (Effective Late 2025):
Two new seasonal work visas will be launched: a three-year multi-entry option for experienced seasonal workers and a seven-month single-entry visa for less experienced workers. Current seasonal visa options will remain until the new ones are in place.
9. Elimination of Online Module Requirements (Effective 27 January 2025):
Employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers will no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules. Instead, INZ will direct them to reliable, free resources on employment rights and obligations.
Further Enhancements to AEWV Process:
Immigration New Zealand plans to streamline the AEWV Job Check process, particularly for low-risk employers. These improvements aim to accelerate processing times and improve overall efficiency.
Expert Insights on the Reforms: Nirmala Murthy, an experienced Licensed Immigration Adviser and Founder of ICL Immigration, shared her perspective on these changes:
- “The removal of the median wage threshold is a welcome shift, ensuring fair wages without imposing unnecessary barriers on employers or workers.”
- “Reducing the work experience requirement for lower-skilled roles is a timely move that addresses labour shortages while opening doors for more migrants to contribute to New Zealand’s economy.”
- “The introduction of interim work rights provides a safety net for visa applicants, preventing job disruptions during processing periods.”
Murthy emphasized the government’s focus on creating a flexible and efficient immigration system that supports both businesses and individuals seeking opportunities in New Zealand.
Looking Ahead: These reforms underline New Zealand’s commitment to balancing economic growth with equitable opportunities for migrant workers. With these upcoming changes, employers and immigrants can expect a streamlined, accessible, and responsive immigration system in 2025 and beyond.
For further information on the Accredited Employer Work Visa and expert guidance on immigration to New Zealand, visit Immigration Consultancies.
Contact Info:
Name: Erik Murthy
Email: Send Email
Organization: N/A
Website: https://immigrationconsultancies.com/accredited-employer-work-visa/
Release ID: 89150097
In case of identifying any problems, concerns, or inaccuracies in the content shared in this press release, or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting error@releasecontact.com (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your concerns and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any issues identified or assist with the removal process. We are committed to delivering high-quality content and ensuring accuracy for our valued readers.
