Updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEVW) Scheme

Coming into effect in January and March, Immigration New Zealand have indicated a range of changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa Scheme (AEVW). Read more below.

What do these recent changes mean?

Immigration New Zealand has announced changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa Scheme (AEVW) to come into place during the early months of 2025:

No more online modules
Removal of wage thresholds for all roles
Less relevant work experience
No evidence required of engagement with WINZ
Longer duration for lower-skilled roles
New wage threshold for bringing children

Changes being implemented in January 2025:

It is now no longer a requirement of accredited employers to complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules, nor do accredited employers need to offer migrant workers paid time to complete these.

The percentage of New Zealanders that must be employed by certain construction sector businesses has been reduced to 15 per cent.

Changes being implemented in March 2025:

In March, wage thresholds will be removed for all AEWV roles. However, employers will be required to advertise and offer AEWV employees the market rate for the position and location. This change does not affect existing employment agreements nor the wages AEWV workers need to earn to be able to apply for residence.

March will also bring changes to job check and eligibility requirements:

Employers will no longer need to provide evidence that they have engaged with Work and Income, though a declaration that they have done so for lower-skilled roles will still be required, and

The relevant work experience required of migrants will be reduced to 2 years rather than the 3 years currently required.

The threshold to bring children will be updated in March for the first time since 2019. Migrants will need to earn at least $55,844 a year (among other criteria) to bring children.

Finally in March, the duration of lower skilled worker’s AEWV will increase to 3 years to align with their maximum stay. Those who currently have a two-year visa will be able to apply for a further year

For employer accreditation or AEWV advice, get in touch!