New Zealand Updates Work Visa Rules: Key Changes for Foreign Workers in 2025

Starting March 10, 2025, New Zealand will implement significant changes to its work visa rules, impacting both employers and foreign workers. The revisions primarily affect the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV), introducing new salary thresholds, work experience requirements, and visa durations.

Key Updates to New Zealand’s Work Visa Rules

New Zealand is introducing major changes to its work visa rules from March 2025, affecting salaries, experience requirements, and visa durations for foreign workers.

1. Minimum Wage Becomes the Pay Benchmark

New Zealand will replace the median wage requirement with the national minimum wage for certain visa categories, ensuring fair pay for foreign workers.

• Employers hiring seasonal workers under the SPWV and AEWV policies will no longer be required to pay the median wage.
• Instead, the minimum wage, currently NZD 23.15 per hour, will apply. This will increase to NZD 23.50 on April 1, 2025.
• Employers must pay foreign workers the same as their New Zealand counterparts.

2. Higher Annual Income Threshold for Partner Work Rights

The income requirement for visa holders seeking partner work rights will increase to reflect changes in New Zealand’s median wage.

• The annual income requirement for visa holders will increase from NZD 43,322.76 to NZD 55,844.
• This income threshold, equivalent to 80% of the median wage, determines eligibility for partner work rights.
• The new limit will apply to applications submitted from March 10, 2025, and will be updated yearly.

3. Reduced Work Experience Requirement

Foreign workers will soon need only two years of work experience instead of three, making it easier to qualify for certain work visas.

• The work experience requirement for foreign workers will decrease from three years to two years.
• Employers must still verify that their migrant employees meet the revised experience criteria.

4. Extended Visa Duration for Low-Skilled Workers

Workers in lower-skilled occupations will benefit from a longer visa duration, allowing them to stay in New Zealand for up to three years.

• The maximum visa duration for AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 jobs will increase to three years.
• This change allows visa holders to stay in New Zealand for a longer period under one or multiple AEWVs.

5. Wage Threshold Increases for Partner and Parent Category Visas

Income thresholds for supporting partners and parents on visas will rise to align with updated wage levels.

• From February 28, 2025, AEWV holders must meet an increased wage threshold of NZD 26.85 per hour to support a partner’s visa application.
• The income threshold for sponsors under the Parent Category visa will align with the new median wage of NZD 33.56 per hour.

6. Stricter Employer Advertising and Hiring Requirements

Employers must prove they have actively sought local workers before hiring migrants, ensuring fair hiring practices.

• Employers must demonstrate that they advertised lower-skilled positions with the Ministry of Social Development.
• They must interview eligible candidates and keep records of recruitment efforts.

Transition Guidelines for Current Applicants

Applicants can choose to have their applications processed under the old or new rules, depending on their circumstances.

• AEWV applications submitted before March 10, 2025, will be processed under the old rules unless applicants request the new standards.
• If an AEWV is still being processed on March 10, 2025, and the applicant has only two years of work experience instead of three, the application will still be accepted.

English Language Requirement Adjustments

New Zealand will relax English language requirements for certain job categories, making it easier for applicants to qualify.

• From March 10, 2025, ANZSCO Level 4 jobs will no longer require an English language test.
• These positions will be treated as Level 3 jobs for visa application purposes.

Conclusion

These changes reflect New Zealand’s efforts to streamline its work visa process while ensuring fair wages and employment conditions for foreign workers. Employers and applicants should prepare for these updates to ensure compliance and take advantage of the revised visa benefits.

For more updates on global work visa policies, stay tuned to our visa news section.