New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Phase 2 Changes Effective from March 10, 2025 – YOA

The New Zealand Government has introduced vital (PHASE 2) reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), set to take impact from March 10, 2025. Whether you’re planning to apply for the primary time or already maintain an AEWV, these adjustments will impression how you’re employed and stay in New Zealand.

The greatest shift is the removing of the median wage requirement—employers will solely must pay at the very least the minimal wage (NZD $23.50/hr from April 1, 2025). The work expertise requirement can also be dropping from 3 years to 2 years, making it sooner for expert employees to qualify. Visa durations for low-expert jobs will now lengthen to 3 years, and the earnings threshold for supporting dependent kids is rising. Plus, a number of occupations will now be acknowledged at larger ability ranges, unlocking higher job alternatives.

What About Old Applicants? – If you already maintain an AEWV, nothing adjustments for you—you’ll proceed below your present visa situations, together with pay and work rights. However, new candidates after March 10 will profit from the eased necessities, longer visa durations, and simplified application course of.

Why Read This? – This article breaks down every part it’s worthwhile to know in regards to the AEWV Phase 2 reforms—how they have an effect on your eligibility, job prospects, household sponsorship, and general visa journey. Whether you’re aiming for higher job safety, sooner application approval, or bringing your loved ones alongside, understanding these adjustments may very well be your gateway to a brand new life in New Zealand.

Stay forward of the curve and prepare to seize new alternatives in 2025!

1# Removal of Median Wage Requirement

Starting March 10, 2025:

• • The median wage requirement will now not apply to AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) holders.
  • Employers should pay at the very least the New Zealand minimal wage, which can improve to NZD $23.50 per hour on April 1, 2025.
  • Migrant employees should nonetheless obtain pay equal to their New Zealand counterparts (market price).
  • Sector Agreements that beforehand exempted employers from the median wage will likely be eliminated. However, agreements providing residence pathways will stay intact with no adjustments to wage necessities.

Impact: Jobs beforehand coated by sector agreements will now haven’t any caps, visa period limitations, or wage thresholds aside from the minimal wage.

2# Reduction in Work Experience Requirement

From March 10, 2025:

• • The work expertise requirement for AEWV candidates will lower from 3 years to 2 years.
  • Employers should confirm that migrant employees meet this threshold, and candidates want to offer supporting paperwork.

Impact: This change ensures certified employees can enter the job market extra rapidly whereas minimizing exploitation dangers.

3# Declaration-Based Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Engagement

Effective March 10, 2025:

• • Employers will solely must declare they’ve marketed decrease-expert roles (ANZSCO ability stage 4 and 5) with MSD and interviewed appropriate candidates.
  • Employers should retain proof of their engagement, which can be requested throughout recruitment checks.

Impact: This simplifies the recruitment course of whereas sustaining honest hiring practices.

4# Extended Visa Duration for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 Workers

From March 10, 2025:

• • AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 occupations will now be eligible for a 3-yr visa, aligning with their most steady keep.

Impact: This change presents higher job safety and stability for low-expert migrant employees.

5# Increased Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children

Starting March 10, 2025:

• • The earnings threshold for supporting dependent kids will rise from NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844 yearly.
  • This determine represents 80% of the median wage, based mostly on a 40-hour workweek and will likely be up to date yearly.
  • The earlier threshold will nonetheless apply for kids holding or making use of for a visa earlier than March 10, 2025.

Impact: Migrants might want to meet larger earnings requirements to help their kids.

6# Recognition of Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels

With the transition to the National Occupation List (NOL), sure occupations will now be labeled as ANZSCO Skill Level 3 from March 10, 2025, together with:

Reclassified Occupations:

• • Pet Groomer (361113)
  • Cook (351411)
  • Kennel Hand (361115)
  • Scaffolder (821712)
  • Fitness Instructor (452111)
  • Slaughterer (831212)
  • Nanny (421113)

Additionally, 4 different roles will likely be handled as Skill Level 3 if employers require both 3 years of labor expertise or a Level 4 qualification:

• • Excavator Operator (721214)
  • Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator (721111)
  • Forklift Driver (721311)
  • Mobile Plant Operators (not elsewhere labeled) (721999)

Impact: Skilled employees in essential roles can now entry larger-expert visa pathways.

7# Interim Visa Work Rights Updates (Effective April 2025)

New provisions will likely be launched for interim visa holders awaiting AEWV choices:

• • Work Rights: Applicants transitioning from any work visa or a pupil visa allowing work will likely be allowed to work whereas on an interim visa.
  • Continuous Stay: Time spent on an interim visa will rely in direction of the whole steady keep below AEWV and work-to-residence eligibility.

Impact: This ensures continuity in employment throughout visa processing.

8# Median Wage Changes (Effective February 28, 2025)

From February 28, 2025:

• • The wage threshold for supporting a accomplice will rise to NZD $26.85 per hour.
  • The earnings threshold for Parent Category sponsors will improve to NZD $33.56 per hour, aligning with the median wage.

Impact: Migrants supporting relations might want to meet larger monetary necessities.

Key Takeaways:

• No Median Wage: Only minimal wage applies.
• Less Experience: 2 years as a substitute of three.
• Longer Visas: 3 years for Level 4 and 5 roles.
• Higher Family Support Threshold: NZD $55,844 yearly.
• Work Rights on Interim Visas: Increased job safety throughout visa processing.

Employers and candidates ought to begin getting ready for these adjustments forward of the March 10, 2025 implementation date to make sure clean transitions and continued compliance.

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