The changes will officially take effect on March 10, 2025, with the aim of making decisions more flexible to meet the different needs of businesses in certain sectors. The government has announced a series of reforms to New Zealand’s AEWV. Below are some key points for migrant workers to note:
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Removal of the Median Wage Requirement from AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV):
From March 10, 2025, employers hiring workers under the AEWV and seasonal SPWV policies will no longer be required to pay the median wage. Instead, there will be no fixed wage threshold, except for the New Zealand minimum wage (currently $23.15 NZD per hour, which will increase to $23.50 NZD per hour from April 1). Employers will still be required to pay migrant workers at the same rate as their New Zealand counterparts (the New Zealand market rate).
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Reducing the Work Experience Requirement for Migrants from 3 Years to 2 Years:
During this period, the work experience requirement for migrants will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years. Applicants will need to provide evidence proving they meet the 2-year experience requirement.
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Increasing the Visa Duration for AEWV Holders at ANZSCO Skill Levels 4 and 5 to 3 Years:
The visa duration for new AEWV holders at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 will be extended to 3 years, matching the total time they can stay in New Zealand on one or more AEWVs (their maximum continuous stay).
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Increasing the Income Threshold to Support Dependent Children:
The income threshold will be increased from an annual threshold of $43,322.76 NZD to $55,844 NZD. This is 80% of the median wage (aligning with eligibility for partner work rights) based on a 40-hour work week. This threshold will be updated annually along with changes to the median wage.
The previous income threshold will continue to apply for cases where a child held a visa or had applied for a visa before March 10 – this ensures that children who are already in New Zealand do not have to leave if their parent meets the old threshold but cannot meet the new one.
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Recognition of Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels:
To ensure applicants are not disadvantaged, the following occupations will be recognized as ANZSCO skill level 3 to align with their skill level in the NOL:
- Cook (351411)
- Pet Groomer (361113)
- Kennel Hand (361115)
- Nanny (421113)
- Fitness Instructor (452111)
- Scaffolder (821712)
- Slaughterer (831212)
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Changes to the Median Wage:
From February 28, 2025, AEWV holders wishing to sponsor a partner will be required to meet the new wage threshold of NZD $26.85 per hour; sponsoring dependent children will also be adjusted to the new wage of NZD $33.56 per hour.
These are some important points regarding the changes to the visa and wage requirements for workers who wish to hold an AEWV Visa. For more information on employment opportunities with reputable employers in New Zealand, CONTACT KOROO NOW.
