AEWV and SPWV Visa Policy Updates: Key Changes from 2025

Removal of Median Wage Requirement for AEWV and SPWV

Starting 10 March 2025, employers hiring under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) policies will no longer need to meet the median wage requirement. Instead, the only wage threshold will be the New Zealand minimum wage, which is currently NZD 23.15per hour and will increase to NZD 23.50 on 1 April 2025.

However, employers must still ensure that migrant workers are paid at least the market rate for their roles, aligning with what New Zealand workers earn for similar positions. Sector Agreements, which previously allowed exemptions to the median wage, will be removed. Roles previously covered by these agreements will no longer face restrictions such as caps or visa duration limits and will be treated like other jobs of the same skill level.

Reduced Work Experience Requirement

From 10 March 2025, the work experience requirement for migrants applying under these visa categories will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years. Employers must verify that applicants meet this threshold, and migrants will need to provide evidence of their 2 years of experience. This change aims to ensure migrants have sufficient experience while reducing the risk of exploitation.

Simplified MSD Engagement Process

The requirement for employers to engage with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will become declaration-based from 10 March 2025. Employers will need to declare in good faith that they have advertised lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5) through MSD and interviewed suitable candidates. They must retain evidence of this engagement, which may be requested for verification.

Extended Visa Duration for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 Roles

The visa duration for new AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles will be extended to 3 years from 10 March 2025. This matches the maximum continuous stay allowed under the AEWV policy, providing greater flexibility for workers in these roles.

Increased Income Threshold for Supporting Dependents

The income threshold for supporting dependent children will increase from NZD 43,322.76toNZD43,322.76toNZD55,844 annually from 10 March 2025. This aligns with 80% of the median wage and ensures consistency with eligibility for partner work rights. The previous threshold will still apply for children who already hold a visa or have applied before this date.

Recognition of Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels

To align with the National Occupation List (NOL), certain roles will be reclassified as ANZSCO skill level 3 from 10 March 2025. These roles include Cook, Pet Groomer, Kennel Hand, Nanny, Fitness Instructor, Scaffolder, and Slaughterer. Additionally, four other roles will be recognized as skill level 3 if the employer specifies that the job requires 3 years of experience or a Level 4 qualification.

Updates to Interim Visa Work Rights

From April 2025, interim visa holders awaiting AEWV outcomes will have expanded work rights. This includes allowing work rights for applicants transitioning from any work visa or a student visa with term-time work permissions. Time spent on an interim visa with work rights will also count toward the total continuous stay under the AEWV and work-to-residence pathways.]

Median Wage Changes for Partner and Parent Sponsorship

From 28 February 2025, AEWV holders supporting a partner must meet a new wage threshold of NZD 26.85perhour.Similarly,incomethresholdsforsponsorsundertheParentCategorywillbeindexedtothenewmedianwageofNZD26.85perhour.Similarly,incomethresholdsforsponsorsundertheParentCategorywillbeindexedtothenewmedianwageofNZD33.56 per hour. These changes ensure that migrants supporting family members have the financial means to do so.

These updates reflect New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to streamline its immigration policies, support migrant workers, and address labor market needs effectively.

New Zealand immigration