The New Zealand government is making changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to make it easier for businesses to hire migrant workers. Starting in March, these changes aim to help businesses meet their staffing needs while balancing migration levels. One of the key changes is the removal of the median wage rule, meaning jobs no longer need to meet the median wage requirement to qualify for the visa. Additionally, the experience requirements for migrants in lower-skilled roles will be reduced to just two years, making it easier for businesses to find suitable workers. The duration of visas for lower-skilled workers (ANZCO level 4-5 roles) will also be extended to three years, up from two, providing more stability for both employers and workers.
Applicants will also be allowed to work while waiting for other visas, such as work or student visas, offering more flexibility during the visa processing period. Employers will still need to advertise jobs and prioritize New Zealanders, but the process will be simplified through a declaration-based model, reducing administrative burdens. Furthermore, AEWV holders must now earn at least $55,844 (up from $43,322) to support a dependent child, raising the income threshold for dependents. The Job Check process will also be redesigned to make it smoother for employers, improving the overall experience.
In addition to these changes, the government is introducing two new seasonal visas in late 2025. These visas will provide businesses with more flexibility to hire workers during busy periods, particularly in specific regions and industries, ensuring they can meet seasonal demands.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford explained that these changes will help businesses hire workers while still prioritizing New Zealanders for jobs. She noted that the previous median wage rule had caused problems by forcing businesses to pay migrant workers more than local workers for the same job, which led to higher costs for businesses and customers. The new system, she said, will make immigration smarter, more efficient, and more predictable, benefiting both businesses and the economy. The seasonal visas will also help businesses meet staffing needs without creating unnecessary pressure on migration levels.