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New Zealand AEWV Changes 2025: Updated Salary Thresholds and Labour Market Test Exemptions

  • Jul 16
  • 2 min read

Key Changes to New Zealand's AEWV Salary Thresholds and Labour Market Test Rules

New Zealand's immigration system is undergoing important adjustments, with major AEWV salary thresholds and Labour Market Test exemption changes coming into effect from August 18, 2025. The changes are set to transform overseas recruitment processes for employers using the Accredited Employer Work Visa system.

1. Higher Salary Threshold for Labour Market Test Exemption

The most notable change involves the Labour Market Test exemption criteria. Beginning August 2025:

  • The qualifying salary threshold increases to NZD 67.12 per hour (NZD 139,609.60 annually)

  • This represents a rise from the current NZD 123,385.60 per year requirement

  • Roles meeting this AEWV salary threshold won't require proof of unsuccessful local recruitment

This Labour Market Test exemption update particularly benefits employers in high-skill sectors like technology, engineering, and healthcare, allowing faster hiring of specialized international talent.

2. Extended Visa Duration for Mid-Skilled Occupations

The changes also introduce more flexibility for workers in ANZSCO Skill Level 4-5 occupations:

  • Workers earning 1.5x median wage (NZD 50.34/hour or NZD 104,707.20/year) qualify for 5-year visas

  • Previously limited to 3 years for these roles

  • Applies to sectors like construction, agriculture, and tourism

This adjustment to AEWV salary thresholds provides greater job security for migrants in essential industries while helping employers retain trained staff longer.

3. Previous 2025 Changes: Minimum Wage Requirements

These updates follow March 2025 changes that:

  • Removed the mandatory median wage (NZD 29.66/hour) requirement

  • Set minimum pay at NZD 23.15/hour (rising to NZD 23.50 in April 2025)

  • Maintained requirement for salaries to match local market rates

Implications for Employers and Migrant Workers

These AEWV salary thresholds and Labour Market Test exemption adjustments create:

✔ Easier hiring for high-wage positions

✔ More stability for mid-skilled migrant workers

✔ Clearer pathways for long-term employment in New Zealand

For the most current New Zealand immigration updates, always refer to official Immigration NZ announcements and trusted resources like VisasUpdate.

AEWV changes, NZ employer work visa, high salary exemption, migrant worker rules, NZD 67.12 threshold, 5-year work visa, Immigration NZ updates, skilled worker shortage, ANZSCO 4-5 jobs, 2025 visa reforms

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