The following changes will take place from 10 March 2025:
Median Wage
- Removal of the median wage requirement for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa.
- Instead of paying workers $29.66/h, this threshold will be removed and be replaced by the New Zealand market rate.
- Sector Agreements which provide exemption to the median wage will be removed.
Work Experience
- The minimum AEWV applicant criteria will change from 3 years to 2 years.
- Other minimum criteria still applies.
MSD Engagement
- For Skill level 4 or 5 roles, declaration of MSD engagement will be required.
- Evidence of engagement may not be required.
Visa Duration Increase
- ANZSCO 4 and 5 roles can apply for visas granted up to 3 years in total, instead of 2 years then 1 subsequent year.
Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels
The following roles will be treated as Skill level 3:
- Cook
- Pet Groomer
- Kennel hand
- Nanny
- Fitness Instructor
- Scaffolder
- Slaughterer
These roles can be recognised as Skill level 3, if the job needs 3 years of work experience or a level 4 qualification:
- Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
- Excavator Operator
- Forklift Driver
- Mobile Plant Operators not elsewhere classified.
Increase in income threshold to support dependent children
- The income threshold for workers to be eligible to support Dependent Child Visas will be increased from an annual threshold of NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844.
