AEWV System: What changes are hitting NZ employers in 2025?

Published 7 February 2025 | 2 min read

Bringing in skilled workers through New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has been a slow and frustrating process for many employers. Wage thresholds, experience requirements, and complex visa conditions have made it harder to fill crucial roles.

Businesses across industries have struggled to balance compliance with getting the right people in the door. Now, with major AEWV reforms ushering in late 2025, Kiwi businesses need to prepare and understand how these changes will impact hiring.

The system hasn't worked for everyone

Many employers have found the AEWV system rigid and costly. The median wage threshold forced businesses to pay some migrant workers more than their Kiwi counterparts, creating pay disparities. Lengthy processing times delayed hiring, causing major disruptions.

Labour market tests added red tape, making it harder to fill positions when local talent was unavailable. The government has recognised these pain points and is making changes aimed at improving the system—but businesses need to stay ahead of the curve.

Why we're changing employer accreditation

The upcoming AEWV changes bring both opportunities and new responsibilities for employers.

While removing the median wage threshold might simplify salary negotiations, new requirements around job advertising and experience levels will shift how businesses approach recruitment.

Employers will also need to navigate adjustments to visa durations, work rights, and labour market testing. Understanding these updates is crucial to making informed hiring decisions.

The new changes to the AEWV system

• Median wage threshold removed – Employers must now pay market rates rather than being restricted by an artificial wage floor.
• Experience requirement reduced – Migrants in lower-skilled roles now need only two years of experience instead of three.
• Longer visa durations – Workers in Level 4 and 5 ANZSCO roles can now stay for three years instead of two.
• Interim visa work rights extended – More AEWV applicants can continue working while waiting for visa approvals.
• New seasonal worker pathways – A three-year multi-entry visa and a seven-month single-entry visa will be introduced in late 2025.
• Labour market test changes – Employers must now declare good-faith efforts to hire New Zealanders instead of following rigid Work and Income rules.
• Higher income threshold for dependent children – AEWV holders must earn at least $55,844 annually to bring their children to New Zealand.
• Job Check redesign – The system will be streamlined for low-risk employers to speed up processing times.

What we can learn from road to seamless hiring

These changes aim to create a more flexible and practical AEWV system while ensuring local workers are prioritised. Employers can expect fewer bureaucratic hurdles but must still follow fair hiring practices.

Removing the median wage requirement provides more control over pay structures, while visa extensions reduce the need for frequent renewals. Businesses should review their hiring processes now to adapt to these reforms and ensure compliance.

By understanding the changes early, Kiwi employers can drive better workforce planning and secure the talent needed to keep their operations moving forward.

Note: This information is based on official details from Immigration New Zealand and is subject to change. Always refer to the latest guidelines for the most accurate information. Visit Immigration New Zealand here.