As expected, following indications from the Minister at the October NZAMI conference, changes to immigration policy has just been announced today.
The changes include significant reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, alongside new pathways for seasonal work and expanded work rights for Interim Visa holders.
These changes will be rolled out over 2025 in a staggered approach and aim to simplify processes and reduce barriers for employers and visa holders alike.
Here’s what you need to know
From 27 January 2025
Requirements simplified for Accredited Employers
Current and future employers will no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules or offer migrant staff paid time to complete them. This also applies to Recognised Seasonal Employers. INZ will instead provide employers and workers with links to freely available Employment New Zealand or INZ webpages. These will outline employment rights and obligations at the most relevant point of the immigration process.
Tri-Party Employment threshold reduced
For certain Tri-Party employers, the percentage of New Zealanders they must employ will drop from 35% to 15%.
These changes will simplify onboarding processes and reduce compliance time for accredited employers.
In March 2025
Wage thresholds removed
Wage thresholds for AEWV roles will be removed. Employers still need to advertise and offer AEWV employees the market rate for their position and workplace location.
This change does not affect existing employment agreements.
There are no changes to the wages that AEWV workers must earn to apply for residence.
AEWV duration extended
The AEWV duration for new migrants in a lower-skilled role will increase to 3 years, to align with the maximum time they can stay in New Zealand on an AEWV.
- Those in lower-skilled roles will now be permitted to stay up to 3 years on an AEWV.
- Those currently on 2-year visas can apply for an additional year.
Work experience requirements reduced
Visa holders will need to now demonstrate 2 years of relevant experience (down from 3 years currently).
Labour Marketing Testing timeframes removed
There will no longer be a set 21-day timeframe for undertaking a labour market test for lower-skilled Level 4 or 5 roles.
Streamlined Job Check process
Employers will no longer need to provide evidence of engagement with Work and Income as part of their Job Check.
Instead, they will simply need to declare that they have advertised lower-skilled Level 4 or 5 roles with Work and Income and interviewed suitable candidates.
Threshold to bring children to New Zealand updated
AEWV holders now need to earn NZ$55,844 per year to bring children to New Zealand, alongside meeting other criteria.
This threshold has not been updated since 2019 and it will mean that some migrants will no longer be eligible to support their children as dependents.
Other key changes
From April 2025
AEWV Applicants who currently hold any Work Visa will receive an Interim Visa that allows them to work while their AEWV application is processed. Student Visa holders with work rights during term will also have work rights on their Interim Visa.
These changes are great news and ensure that, if processing times increase to some of the recent levels we have seen, employers can access the skills that they need.
Mid-2025
A new streamlined Job Check process will be introduced, improving processing time for low-risk employers.
November 2025
Two new seasonal work pathways will launch:
- A 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers.
- A 7-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled workers./li>
The new seasonal pathways will provide employers in seasonal industries with more options to hire skilled and experienced workers. In the meantime, the existing temporary seasonal pathways will remain available.
Make the most of these policy updates
These updates are great news for employers and understanding them is key to strengthening your workforce planning and retention strategies.
With 26 years of experience guiding Kiwi businesses through policy changes, our team is here to help.
We are here to ensure your business benefits from these changes
