NZ Policy Update: Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Median Wage

Further to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) reforms announced by the New Zealand Government in December 2024, we've now had confirmation of the following changes:

(Source: Immigration New Zealand Website)

From 28 February 2025

• The wage threshold for eligible AEWV holders to support open work rights for partners is increasing from NZ$25.29 to $26.85 per hour.

• The income threshold for the Parent Category is increasing from at least NZD $98,623.20 to support one parent to at least $104,707.20.

From 10 March 2025

Employers recruiting workers under the AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) policies will no longer be required to pay the median wage. Instead, there will be no set pay thresholds except the New Zealand minimum wage (currently NZD $23.15 an hour, increasing to NZD $23.50 an hour on 1 April).

Employers will, however, still be expected to pay migrant workers on par with their New Zealand counterparts (the New Zealand market rate).

Recognition of Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels

From 10 March 2025, the following occupations will be treated as ANZSCO skill level 3 to align with their skill level in the National Occupation List (NOL):

Cook (351411)
Pet groomer (361113)
Kennel hand (361115)
Nanny (421113)
Fitness Instructor (452111)
Scaffolder (821712)
Slaughterer (831212)

4 other roles will be recognised as ANZSCO skill level 3, where the employer has specified that the job needs 3 years of work experience or a level 4 qualification as part of the job check.

This ensures skilled workers can be retained in certain critical jobs.

These 4 roles are:

Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operator (721111)
Excavator operator (721214)
Forklift driver (721311)
Mobile plant operators not elsewhere classified (721999)

There are a few new things in there, especially the recognition of the 11 occupations at a higher skill level, which will enable migrants in these occupations to stay longer in New Zealand as well as support their families for visas.