New Zealand Introduces Phase 2 Reforms To Accredited Employer Work Visa, Effective March 10th

• These modifications will affect both new applicants and individuals who already have the AEWV.

• The measures are aimed to simplify the immigration process and increase job prospects for qualified workers in New Zealand.

The New Zealand government has implemented Phase 2 amendments to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which will take effect on March 10, 2025.

These modifications will affect both new applicants and individuals who already have the AEWV.

The measures are aimed to simplify the immigration process and increase job prospects for qualified workers in New Zealand.

The government has been attempting to improve its immigration system, and these improvements aim to make the AEWV more accessible.

These improvements aim to provide job security for qualified workers while encouraging firms to hire migrant workers in high-demand positions.

 Significant modifications to the AEWV visa criteria

The most significant change in the Phase 2 changes is the abolition of the median salary criterion.  This means that companies will no longer be required to pay their migrant workers the median wage, but rather the minimum wage, which will increase to NZD $23.50 per hour on April 1st, 2025, according to DAAD Scholarship.

• Previously, firms had to pay at least the median wage for their employees to be eligible for the AEWV.  This reform will create more chances for low-skilled workers and make it easier for them to get visas.
• Another noteworthy shift is the decrease of the work experience requirement for AEWV applicants.  The work experience requirement will be cut from three to two years.
• This adjustment is intended to speed up the application process and make it easier for workers with less experience to qualify for the visa.

 Changes to Family Support and Visa Durations

Beginning March 10th, 2025, the yearly income criteria for sustaining dependent children will increase from NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844.

• This threshold is calculated at 80% of the median wage for a 40-hour workday and will be revised annually.  This hike will force migrant workers to earn more in order to support their children while working in New Zealand.
• Additionally, AEWV holders in low-skilled professions (ANZSCO Levels 4 and 5) will now be eligible for a 3-year visa, rather than a limit of 1 or 2 years.  This will increase job stability and security for migrant workers in these positions.

Workplace and recruitment reforms

 Employers will also face adjustments in how they recruit migrant workers.  Starting March 10th, 2025, firms will simply be required to declare that they advertised lower-skilled positions and interviewed potential people.  Employers must still preserve records of these recruitment processes, as they may be sought for verification.

Furthermore, several jobs, such as pet groomers and cooks, will be reclassified as higher skill levels.  These workers will now have stronger visa options, providing for more career chances.

Additional updates on visas and pay

The amendments will also affect visa holders who are awaiting a judgment.  Beginning in April 2025, interim visa holders will be permitted to work while their AEWV application is being processed.  This ensures that persons who are migrating from previous visas can continue working.

• Additionally, from February 28th, 2025, the pay criteria for supporting a partner or parent on a visa will increase.  For example, the wage level for supporting a spouse will increase to NZD $26.85 per hour, while the wage threshold for sponsoring a parent would climb to NZD $33.56 per hour.
• The New Zealand Government, as reported, designed these changes to make the AEWV more inclusive and accessible for skilled workers.
• The removal of the median wage requirement, the reduction in work experience, and the longer visa durations for certain roles are just a few of the significant changes to look out for. The government encourages both employers and applicants to prepare for these reforms, set to take effect on March 10th, 2025.

By understanding these changes, applicants will be better equipped to access the new process and take advantage of the opportunities available in New Zealand.