Reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa in 2025: What You Need to Know

On 17^th December 2024, the Government has announced major reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, aimed at addressing skill shortages, streamlining processes, and improving outcomes for employers and employees. These changes, rolled out in stages throughout 2025, will have far-reaching implications for both accredited employers and migrant workers. Here's a detailed breakdown of the changes and what they mean for you.

Key Changes for Employers

Removing the requirements for completion of Employment New Zealand online modules 

From 27 January 2025, Accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) will no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules or offer paid time for migrant workers to complete them. 

INZ will instead provide employers and workers with links to freely available Employment New Zealand or INZ webpages that set out employment rights and obligations at the most appropriate points in the immigration process. 

Reducing the domestic workforce threshold for certain construction roles 

From 27 January 2025, construction sector businesses will see the domestic workforce threshold reduced from 35% to 15% for certain roles, increasing hiring flexibility.

Removing the median wage requirement

From March 2025, the median wage threshold for all AEWV roles will be removed. Employers must still advertise roles and offer AEWV employees the market rate based on their position and workplace location. This change does not affect existing employment agreements.

Note: Median wage of $31.61 will continue to apply for residence

Streamlined Job Check process

• Effective March 2025: Employers will no longer have to provide evidence of engagement with Work and Income in their Job Check. They will need to declare they have advertised lower-skilled roles with Work and Income, and interviewed appropriate candidates. 
• Mid-2025: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will introduce a re-designed Job Check process, streamlining approval for low-risk employers and reducing processing times.

Reduced work experience requirement for migrants

From March 2025, migrants will need to demonstrate 2 years of relevant work experience, instead of 3 years currently. This ensures migrants are sufficiently skilled while addressing key issues raised during consultation.

Introducing new pathways for experienced seasonal workers

In November 2025, two new pathways for seasonal workers will be introduced:

• A 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers.
• A 7-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled workers.

The existing temporary seasonal pathways will remain available until then.

Key Changes for Employees

Removing the median wage requirement

From March 2025, Wage thresholds for all AEWV roles will be removed. It will be replaced by market rate instead. However, median wage of $31.61/hr will continue to apply for residence.

Wage requirements for bringing family

From March 2025, AEWV holders must earn at least NZ$55,844 annually to bring dependent children. This threshold, unchanged since 2019, ensures financial stability for migrant families.

Reducing the experience requirement for migrants

From March 2025, migrant candidates will need to demonstrate 2 years of relevant work experience, instead of 3 years currently.

Increased visa duration for lower-skilled workers

• From March 2025, AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 roles will receive 3-year visas, aligning with the maximum time they can stay in New Zealand on an AEWV.
• Migrants currently on 2-year visas can apply for an additional 1-year extension if requirements are met.

Interim visa work rights

From April 2025, work rights will be extended to Interim Visa holders transitioning from other work or student visas to an AEWV. This ensures continuity of employment while applications are processed.

New seasonal work opportunities

In November 2025, the introduction of multi-entry and single-entry seasonal visas creates more opportunities for workers to participate in New Zealand’s seasonal workforce, with structured pathways to support varying skill levels.

Timeline of Changes

January 2025:

• Removing the requirements for completion of Employment New Zealand online modules
• Reduction of domestic workforce thresholds for certain construction roles.

March 2025:

• Removing the median wage requirement
• New earning threshold to bring dependent children over
• Reducing the experience requirement for migrants from 3 years to 2 years
• Increasing the visa duration for ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 AEWV holders to 3 years
• Amending the Work and Income engagement requirement

April 2025:

• Greater work rights for those on interim visas

Mid-2025:

• Redesigned Job Check process for faster and more efficient approvals.

November 2025:

• Introducing new pathways for experienced seasonal workers

These changes are hot-off-the-press and will be the focal point of our webinars for businesses that hire overseas talent. The timing couldn't be any better. It is vital to understand how these changes affect your organisation. If you haven't already, sign up below today.