New Zealand is tackling its skilled labour shortages with significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program.
These reforms aim to streamline hiring processes, fill critical workforce gaps, and support employers in meeting demand. Here’s an overview of the key changes and what they mean for employers and migrants.
Key Changes to the AEWV Program
1. Removal of Median Wage Threshold
- Starting March 2025, New Zealand will remove the median wage threshold for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) roles.
- Employers must still offer market-rate salaries based on job location and position.
- Wage requirements for existing employment agreements and residence permits remain unchanged.
2. Revised Earnings Threshold for Migrants
- AEWV migrants bringing children to New Zealand must meet an annual earnings threshold of NZ$55,844.
- This figure has remained the same since 2019 and serves as a benchmark for dependent support eligibility.
3. Reduced Experience Requirements
- The required work experience for AEWV applicants is reduced from three years to two years.
- This change broadens the pool of skilled workers, making it easier for employers to fill essential positions.
4. New Seasonal Visa Pathways
Launching in November 2025, two new visa pathways will support seasonal workers:
- 3-Year Multi-Entry Visa: For experienced seasonal workers.
- 7-Month Single-Entry Visa: For lesser-skilled seasonal workers.
Existing temporary seasonal pathways will remain available until these new options are introduced.
5. Extended Visa Duration for Low-Skill Roles
- AEWV holders in ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 roles can now stay for a continuous three-year period, aligning with the maximum permitted duration.
- Current visa holders on two-year permits can apply for an additional one-year AEWV if they meet eligibility requirements.
Streamlined Immigration Process
1. Simplified Job Check Procedure
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is revising the Job Check process to reduce processing times for low-risk employers, enabling faster hiring.
2. Reduced Processing Times
- Employer Accreditation processing times have improved significantly, dropping from 62 days to 14 days, allowing businesses to fill vacancies more efficiently.
Support for Migrant Workers
1. Extended Interim Work Rights
- From April 2025, interim work rights will be expanded to AEWV applicants transitioning from other work or student visas, ensuring uninterrupted employment during application processing.
2. Simplified Work and Income Engagement
- For ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 roles, employers no longer need to complete the 21-day mandatory engagement with Work and Income.
- A declaration-based system will now require employers to confirm that they advertised roles in good faith and interviewed suitable candidates.
Implementation Timeline
The reforms will roll out in four phases starting January 2025. Employers and migrants should stay informed about specific timelines and requirements for each stage to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s updated visa policies reflect its commitment to addressing skilled labour shortages while simplifying processes for both employers and migrants.
By removing barriers, reducing experience requirements, and introducing new pathways, the country is creating opportunities for a diverse and skilled workforce to thrive.
