New Zealand Government Announces Major Reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Scheme
December 17, 2024
17 Dec 2024 – The New Zealand Government has unveiled significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, aimed at addressing skill shortages and supporting employers in filling critical workforce gaps. The reforms include removing the median wage threshold, reducing experience requirements for visa applicants, and introducing new seasonal visa pathways. These measures, set to roll out in stages throughout 2025, are designed to enhance flexibility for employers while maintaining fairness for migrant workers.
The changes will be implemented as follows:
January 2025: Accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers will no longer be required to complete Employment New Zealand’s online learning modules or provide migrants with paid time to do so. Construction sector businesses will also see a reduction in the percentage of New Zealanders they are required to employ, from 35% to 15%.
March 2025: Wage thresholds for AEWV roles will be removed, allowing employers to offer AEWV workers market rates for their roles. Migrants will need two years of relevant work experience instead of the current three years. Employers will no longer need to provide engagement evidence with Work and Income during the Job Check process, streamlining requirements for lower-skilled roles. Additionally, the AEWV duration for lower-skilled migrants will align with their maximum stay at three years, ensuring continuity for current workers.
April 2025: Some work and student visa holders applying for an AEWV will gain work rights under an Interim Visa while awaiting application outcomes.
November 2025: Two new seasonal visa pathways will be introduced—a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers and a seven-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled migrants. These pathways will offer additional options for industries reliant on seasonal labour, such as agriculture.
The Job Check process will also undergo a redesign, from July 2025, to streamline processing times for low-risk employers.
INZ has highlighted the importance of balancing the needs of employers with safeguarding the rights of migrant workers. The removal of wage thresholds and the reduction in experience requirements mark a significant step towards tackling New Zealand’s labour shortages. These changes are designed to attract a wider range of talent and offer greater flexibility to employers, at the same time, ensuring fair and ethical working conditions for migrants remaining a priority.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.
