New Zealand Announces Phase 2 Changes to Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Effective March 10, 2025
The New Zealand Government has unveiled Phase 2 reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), set to take effect on March 10, 2025. These changes aim to address skill shortages, streamline immigration processes, and support economic growth.
Key Changes Effective March 10, 2025:
- Wage Requirements: The current median wage threshold will be replaced with market rate assessments for temporary visa applications. This shift allows for more flexibility in hiring practices, enabling employers to offer competitive wages aligned with industry standards. Copeland Ashcroft
- Experience Requirements: The minimum experience requirement for lower-skilled migrants will be reduced to two years. This adjustment aims to attract a broader pool of talent to fill essential roles across various sectors.
- Visa Duration: New AEWV applicants in roles classified under Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) skill levels 4 and 5 will be eligible for visas with a duration of up to three years, an increase from the previous two-year limit.
- Labour Hire Accreditation: Accredited labour hire companies operating in the construction sector will see a reduction in the required percentage of New Zealand citizens and resident visa holders in their workforce to 15%. This change facilitates the hiring of more migrant workers to meet industry demands.
These reforms are part of a broader strategy to enhance New Zealand’s immigration framework, ensuring it effectively responds to labor market needs while maintaining robust standards for employment and migrant welfare.
Employers and prospective applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure compliance and to take full advantage of the new opportunities presented by the updated AEWV program.
