New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program is evolving in 2025, offering a streamlined path for skilled workers to contribute to the country’s thriving industries. With an abundance of opportunities across various sectors, the AEWV is not just a work visa—it’s an opportunity to begin a new chapter in one of the world’s most welcoming and innovative economies. Whether you specialize in healthcare, technology, construction, or other skilled trades, the recent updates to the AEWV program are designed to simplify the process and provide greater access to these in-demand roles.
Key Opportunities under the AEWV Program for 2025
The AEWV program opens doors in the following sectors:
- Healthcare and Aged Care: New Zealand consistently seeks healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors, and aged care workers. With relaxed experience requirements, these positions are becoming more accessible to international talent.
- Construction and Infrastructure: The country’s large-scale infrastructure projects demand engineers, project managers, and skilled tradespeople, with roles in high demand.
- Technology and IT: New Zealand’s growing tech sector is seeking software developers, cybersecurity professionals, and other IT experts to fill key positions.
- Seasonal Work: New seasonal pathways launching in November 2025 will offer temporary work opportunities in sectors like agriculture and tourism.
- Skilled Trades and Manufacturing: Opportunities continue to exist in welding, machining, and mechanical engineering, all of which remain on New Zealand’s skills shortage list.
- Education and Social Services: Qualified teachers and social workers, particularly in regions with high demand, are also encouraged to apply.
Verifying Employers for AEWV Applications
Before applying for the AEWV, workers need to ensure that their prospective employer is accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). This accreditation is a vital requirement for the application process. Here’s how to verify an accredited employer:
- Ask for Proof: Always request accreditation proof from your employer, such as an accreditation certificate.
- Third-Party Assistance: Some recruitment agencies specializing in New Zealand jobs can verify an employer’s accreditation status.
- Employer Responsibilities: Accredited employers are obligated to offer fair wages, follow New Zealand’s labor laws, and meet safety standards.
Key Reforms to the AEWV Program for 2025
Significant reforms to the AEWV program, announced on December 17, 2024, are designed to make the application process simpler, more inclusive, and more efficient for skilled workers. These changes include:
- Removal of the Median Wage Threshold: Employers no longer need to meet a fixed wage threshold. They are required to offer the market rate for the role and location, broadening access to various sectors.
- Reduced Experience Requirements: The required work experience for applicants has been lowered from 3 years to 2 years, making the program accessible to more skilled workers.
- Streamlined Job Check Process: A redesigned system for low-risk employers, launching in July 2025, will lead to faster application processing and less administrative burden.
- Seasonal Worker Pathways: The introduction of multi-entry (3-year) and single-entry (7-month) seasonal visas offers new opportunities for workers in industries like agriculture and tourism.
- Extended Visa Durations for Lower-Skill Workers: For workers with skills at ANZSCO levels 4 and 5, visa durations will now extend to 3 years, providing greater job security.
- Interim Work Rights: Applicants transitioning from student or work visas will be granted interim work rights, ensuring there are no disruptions while applications are processed.
Impact of the 2025 Reforms on Applications
Starting January 2025, the AEWV program will be more flexible and accessible. The reforms will allow more skilled workers to join the workforce while ensuring faster application processing. Employers will benefit from reduced administrative tasks, which will make it easier to meet labor demands efficiently.
New Step-by-Step AEWV Application Process for 2025
- Employer Accreditation: Employers must first obtain or renew their accreditation through Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
- Job Check by Employer: Once accredited, the employer submits a job check to ensure the role meets AEWV criteria.
- Worker Application: After the employer receives a positive job check, the worker can submit their AEWV application, providing necessary documentation such as:
- Proof of job offer
- Relevant qualifications and experience
- Evidence of meeting salary and skill requirements
- Visa Decision: Upon successful review of the application, the worker will receive their AEWV, enabling them to begin employment in New Zealand.
These reforms are a positive step forward, making New Zealand a more attractive destination for skilled workers looking to join the workforce and contribute to the country’s growth.
