Upcoming Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): What You Need to Know
As of March and April 2025, significant changes are coming to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and other related immigration policies. If you’re an employer, current AEWV visa holder, or planning to apply for a work visa or bring your family with you, these updates will impact your eligibility, visa conditions, and sponsorship abilities.
As a New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser, New Zealand employer and former Human resources manager, and migrant myself, I understand that navigating visa changes can be complex. Below, I break down the key updates, what they mean for you, and how to prepare.
Key Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa Policies
1. Removal of the Median Wage Requirement from 10 March 2025
One of the biggest shifts is the removal of the median wage threshold ($29.66 per hour currently, set to increase to $33.56 per hour on 28 February 2025) for AEWV applications. This means:
Employers will no longer need to meet a fixed wage threshold tied to the national median wage.
Instead, sector-specific market wage requirements will apply.
Job Check applications will not be automatically tied to the median wage threshold but will consider skill level and industry-specific conditions.
What This Means for Employers and Applicants:
Increased flexibility for employers hiring in lower-wage industries.
Some visa holders may see their future wage adjusted.
Future wage requirements will be linked to specific industry roles rather than a blanket median wage rule.
2. Changes of Business Ownership and Reuse of Job Check Numbers from 10 March 2025
Job Change used to vary employer following a business sale or restructure (requirement already in place) or for a further AEWV application: A new Job Check is not required if the current work visa holder is remaining in the same role and location.
Restrictions on Seasonal Roles: Some seasonal roles will be excluded from Job Check reuse to ensure availability for New Zealand workers.
Impact:
Employers can streamline hiring processes and reduce administrative burdens.
Those in seasonal industries must reassess their workforce planning (although this will be a limited pool).
3. Maximum Continuous Stay Changes from 10 March 2025
AEWV holders will now have either a three-year (for lower skilled roles) or five-year (for higher skilled roles or on a pathway to residence) maximum continuous stay, depending on their job type.
ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 (lower skilled): AEWV holders in residence pathways (e.g., Transport and Care Workforce sectors) must meet specific remuneration thresholds to qualify for a five-year stay.
Transitional Rules: Those who applied before 6 April 2024 in the Transport Sector will still have a five-year maximum stay.
Why This Matters:
It affects long-term work planning for visa holders and for employers.
Those in residence pathway specific lower-skilled roles will need to meet additional criteria for extended stay eligibility.
4. Partner and Dependent Visa Sponsorship Adjustments and reclassification of certain ANZSCO Skill level 4 jobs
Higher Income Threshold for Sponsoring Children from 10 March 2025: The minimum income requirement for AEWV holders to sponsor dependent children will increase from $43,322.76 to $55,844 per year (80% of the median wage for a 40-hour workweek).
Partner Work Rights Expansion (already in place but rate is amended effective 28 February 2025): Current Partners of AEWV holders will no longer be restricted to accredited employers if their supporting partner earns at least $26.85 per hour.
Reclassification of certain ANZSCO Skill level 4 jobs into higher skilled jobs from 10 March 2025: Partners of AEWV holders on such jobs will see their eligibility for a partner work visa improve. Meanwhile, AEWV holders may see themselves on a pathway towards residence under the Skilled Migrant Category and eligible for a 5 year maximum continuous stay.
Implications:
AEWV holders need to plan for these financial thresholds before sponsoring family members.
Partners gain more work flexibility, improving employment opportunities in New Zealand.
5. Interim Visa Work Rights Adjustments from 8 April 2025
Work Rights Extended to More Interim Visa Holders: If an AEWV applicant previously held a work visa (any type) or a student visa with 20+ hours of work rights, they will now be granted work rights on an interim visa while awaiting their AEWV decision.
Time on Interim Visa Now Counts Toward Maximum Continuous Stay and Residence From Work Eligibility: Previously, time spent on an interim visa did not contribute to a visa holder’s total permitted work period in New Zealand. Under the new rules, this time will count toward the three-year or five-year maximum stay and towards the 24 months requirement to work in certain skilled roles.
Impact:
Applicants will have greater job security while waiting for visa processing and under certain residence from work categories, will have a faster route to residence eligibility.
Employers can retain workers during processing delays without requiring a separate visa.
How to Prepare for These Changes
If you’re an employer:
Review your workforce planning strategy to align with new wage and sponsorship rules.
Understand which roles will qualify for three vs. five-year AEWV periods.
Ensure compliance with new Job Check application and reuse rules.
If you’re a visa holder or applicant:
Check if your occupation meets the updated criteria for visa duration and work rights.
Ensure your remuneration aligns with the updated industry-specific thresholds.
Plan accordingly if you wish to sponsor a partner or dependent child or stay longer term in New Zealand.
Final Thoughts: Staying Ahead of Immigration Changes
New Zealand’s immigration landscape is evolving to better match industry needs and workforce demands. While these changes offer greater flexibility in some areas, they also introduce new requirements that employers and migrants must prepare for.
I specialize in helping businesses and individuals navigate these updates with confidence. Whether you need assistance with AEWV applications, visa sponsorships, or compliance with the new rules, I am here to support you.
For personalized guidance on how these changes affect you, contact me today or book a consultation for the latest updates.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for a visa, complete our free eligibility assessment here.
