New Zealand to Implement 8 Major Work Visa Changes from March 2025

Planning a move to New Zealand or already working there? Big changes are coming to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program effective March 10, 2025. The changes aim to make the visa process simpler, provide better job opportunities for migrant workers, and enhance work security.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about these reforms, from relaxed wage requirements to extended visa durations. Get ready to seize new opportunities in the Land of the Long White Cloud!

Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) lets employers hire migrant workers for specific jobs in New Zealand. Employers must be accredited, and the role must meet certain requirements. It’s a pathway to working and potentially living in NZ.

Key Changes in Accredited Employer Work Visa

Starting from March 10, 2025, New Zealand is making key changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), impacting wages, job eligibility, visa duration, and family sponsorship. Learn how these updates affect workers and employers.

1. No More Median Wage Requirement

• Effective Date: March 10, 2025
• The median wage requirement will be removed for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) holders.
• Employers must pay at least the New Zealand minimum wage, increasing to NZD 23.50 per hour from April 1, 2025.
• Migrant workers must still receive wages equal to their New Zealand counterparts.
• Sector Agreements will be removed, but residence pathway agreements will remain unchanged.

Wider Access to Jobs with Lower Wage Barriers

Employers can now hire foreign workers at the minimum wage, expanding job opportunities while reducing hiring costs. Migrants will face fewer wage-related restrictions, making it easier to enter the workforce.

2. Reduced Work Experience Requirement

• Effective Date: March 10, 2025
• AEWV applicants will only need two years of work experience, instead of the previous three years.
• Employers must verify this requirement through proper documentation.

Faster Qualification for Skilled Workers

Reducing the work experience requirement from three to two years speeds up the hiring process. Skilled workers can secure jobs more quickly, minimizing delays in employment and filling skill shortages faster.

3. Simplified Employer Hiring Process

• Effective Date: March 10, 2025
• Employers hiring for low-skilled roles (ANZSCO Level 4 and 5) will need to declare their engagement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
• Retaining records of advertisements and interviews will still be required.

Streamlined Recruitment for Employers

Employers hiring for lower-skilled roles now only need to declare their engagement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). This makes the hiring process more efficient while ensuring fair recruitment practices.

4. Extended Visa Duration for Low-Skilled Workers

• Effective Date: March 10, 2025
• AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 jobs will now qualify for a three-year visa, providing greater stability and job security.

Longer Stay for Low-Skilled Workers

Extending AEWV visas for Level 4 and 5 occupations to three years provides greater job stability. Workers can plan long-term employment without frequent renewals, benefiting both employees and employers.

5. Higher Income Threshold for Family Sponsorship

• Effective Date: March 10, 2025
• The income requirement for supporting dependent children will increase from NZD 43,322 to NZD 55,844 per year.
• This threshold represents 80% of the median wage and will be updated annually.
• The previous threshold remains valid for applications submitted before March 10, 2025.

Higher Salary Needed for Family Sponsorship

The increased income threshold means foreign workers must earn more to sponsor dependent children. This ensures families have financial stability but may make it harder for lower-income workers to qualify.

6. Reclassification of Occupations

Starting from March 10, 2025, Certain jobs will be upgraded to ANZSCO Skill Level 3, allowing workers to access better job prospects:

• Pet Groomer (361113)
• Cook (351411)
• Kennel Hand (361115)
• Scaffolder (821712)
• Fitness Instructor (452111)
• Slaughterer (831212)
• Nanny (421113)

Additionally, the following roles will be considered Skill Level 3 if the employer requires three years of experience or a Level 4 qualification:

• Excavator Operator (721214)
• Agricultural & Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator (721111)
• Forklift Driver (721311)
• Mobile Plant Operators (721999)

Better Career Pathways for Skilled Migrants

Reclassifying some occupations as higher-skilled allows workers to access better visa options. This change benefits critical sectors by attracting more qualified professionals with clearer residency pathways.

7. Work Rights for Interim Visa Holders

• Effective Date: April 2025
• Applicants transitioning from a work visa or student visa with work rights will be allowed to work on an interim visa while awaiting AEWV decisions.
• Time spent on an interim visa will count towards AEWV’s continuous stay and work-to-residence eligibility.

Stronger Job Security for Visa Applicants

Interim visa holders can now continue working while awaiting AEWV approval. This prevents employment gaps, ensures steady income, and allows workers to stay legally employed during processing delays.

8. Wage Changes for Family Sponsorship

• Effective Date: February 28, 2025
• The wage threshold for supporting a partner will increase to NZD 26.85 per hour.
• The income threshold for Parent Category sponsors will rise to NZD 33.56 per hour.

Higher Financial Thresholds for Family Sponsorship

Migrants sponsoring partners or parents will need to meet higher wage requirements. While this strengthens financial security for families, it may limit sponsorship eligibility for lower-income workers.

What Do These Changes Mean for You?

If you already hold an AEWV, your current visa conditions will remain unchanged. However, new applicants after March 10, 2025, will benefit from easier eligibility requirements, longer visa durations, and simplified hiring processes.

For both employers and migrant workers, these changes present new opportunities and a more flexible pathway to working in New Zealand.

Key Takeaways

• No median wage requirement – only the minimum wage applies.
• The work experience requirement drops to two years.
• Three-year visas for low-skilled workers.
• The higher income threshold for family sponsorship.
• Work rights extended to interim visa holders.

Employers and workers should start preparing ahead of March 10, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition under the new rules.