New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program has undergone significant modifications. These changes are intended to increase the system's flexibility for employers and enhance opportunities for international workers. Most of the modifications will be implemented on March 10, 2025.

Wage Rules and Work Experience Requirements Change

Companies that hire people under the seasonal Specific Purpose Work Visa and AEWV will no longer have to pay the median wage. Only the national minimum wage will be used instead. On April 1, 2025, it will rise from its current rate of NZD 23.15 per hour to NZD 23.50 per hour.

Workers must continue to be paid on par with local workers in comparable positions. Except for those linked to residency processes, sector agreements that permit lower pay will be eliminated.

Additionally, AEWV applicants will no longer need to have as much job experience. Foreign workers will now just require two years of experience, rather than three. Employers are required to confirm that employees fulfil this criteria.

Employing international talent is now simpler for companies thanks to these reforms. As wage constraints loosen, more workers might be eligible. Younger and mid-career workers will also benefit from the lower experience requirement.

Easier Hiring Process and Longer Visa Duration

Employers will face fewer obstacles when filling lower-skilled positions. As part of the job check procedure, they will no longer be required to provide thorough documentation of their interactions with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

Instead, they will only announce that they have posted openings and conducted interviews with local applicants. This will reduce paperwork and streamline the procedure.

The length of visas will also rise. Instead of two-year visas, workers in lower-skilled ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 positions will now have three-year visas. This lessens the need for periodic renewals and increases stability. Additionally, it increases New Zealand's appeal to international workers.

Higher Sponsorship Income and New Occupation Classifications

The income requirements for migrants who want to sponsor family members have increased. To bring dependents, workers must now make at least NZD 55,844 annually, up from NZD 43,322.76. Workers in lower-paying industries may face difficulties as a result.

The National Occupation List (NOL) is replacing the ANZSCO classification system in New Zealand as well. A higher skill level will be assigned to some jobs. For impacted workers, this may result in increased income, job stability, and simpler residency requirements.

Work Rights for Interim Visa Holders

AEWV applicants on temporary visas will be permitted to work until their visas are decided starting on April 1, 2025. This applies to anybody seeking any kind of work visa or switching from a work-permitting student visa.

Work-to-residence paths and AEWV stay limitations will now consider the time spent working on an interim visa. This modification avoids job loss and financial hardship for people experiencing visa processing delays. Additionally, it helps workers become eligible to stay in New Zealand for an extended period.

FAQS

Which employer documents for Job Check applications have changed?

Companies that hire people for lower-skilled positions (ANZSCO Level 4 and 5) are no longer required to provide thorough records attesting to their interactions with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). All they have to say is that they have interviewed and marketed local candidates.

What impact do these modifications have on residency opportunities?

The new National Occupation List (NOL) will result in the reclassification of certain jobs. Some workers may benefit from improved employment opportunities, increased pay, and simpler residency requirements as a result.