This Content Is Only For Subscribers
With significant changes to New Zealand’s immigration system recently indicated by Government at October 2024’s NZAMI conference, there is reforms, targeting the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, seasonal work pathways, and interim visa work rights set to roll out in a staggered approach throughout 2025.
These changes aim to simplify compliance processes, provide greater flexibility for employers, and address key concerns of visa holders.
Here’s what you need to know:
Simplified Requirements for Accredited Employers
Coming into effect January 27 2025, Accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers will no longer be required to complete Employment New Zealand’s online training modules or offer paid time for migrant staff to do so. Instead, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will provide easily accessible links to employment rights and obligations at the most relevant stages of the immigration process. This step significantly reduces administrative burdens and ensures employers and workers can access necessary resources.
Additionally, for certain Tri-Party employers, the threshold for employing New Zealanders will be lowered from 35% to 15%. This adjustment aims to simplify onboarding processes and cut down on compliance time.
Wage and Work Visa Adjustments
From March 2025, key changes to AEWV requirements include the removal of wage thresholds for roles. While employers must continue offering market rates based on position and location, this reform eliminates wage-related hurdles without impacting existing employment agreements or residence eligibility.
The AEWV duration for lower-skilled roles will also extend to 3 years, aligning with the maximum stay period. Current visa holders with 2-year visas can apply for an additional year. Furthermore, work experience requirements will drop from 3 years to 2 years, streamlining the eligibility process for prospective workers.
In addition, Labour Market Testing (LMT) will undergo a major shift, with the 21-day timeframe for lower-skilled Level 4 or 5 roles being removed. Employers will no longer need to provide evidence of Work and Income engagement during Job Checks, only a declaration that advertising and candidate interviews were conducted.
Threshold to Support Children Updated
To reflect wage growth since 2019, AEWV holders will need to earn NZ$55,844 annually to bring their children to New Zealand. This updated threshold may impact some migrants’ ability to support dependents.
Expanded Interim Visa Work Rights
From April 2025, Work Visa applicants awaiting AEWV decisions will receive an Interim Visa with immediate work rights. This change also applies to Student Visa holders with term-time work rights, offering greater continuity for visa holders and reducing potential gaps in employment.
Seasonal Work Pathways Introduced
Launching November 2025, Two new visa pathways will enhance options for seasonal industries that include:
A 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers.
A 7-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled workers.
These pathways will provide employers with increased flexibility to secure skilled and experienced seasonal workers. Temporary seasonal pathways will remain available until the launch.
Learn more about the reforms for AEWV here.
