Big Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in 2025 – What You Need to Know

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has undergone some big changes in 2025, making it easier for businesses to hire migrant workers while still protecting jobs for New Zealanders. If you’re an employer or a migrant worker, these updates will directly impact you.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and what it means for you.

1. No More Median Wage Requirement

From March 10, 2025, employers no longer need to pay AEWV holders the median wage. Instead, workers must be paid at least the New Zealand minimum wage (NZD $23.15 per hour, increasing to $23.50 on April 1, 2025), but wages must still be fair and in line with the market rate.

👉 What this means for you:
✅ Employers have more flexibility with pay, especially for roles that previously required a higher wage.
✅ Migrant workers should make sure they’re being offered fair pay that matches what Kiwi workers in similar jobs earn.

2. Less Work Experience Needed

The work experience requirement has been reduced from 3 to 2 years, making it easier for skilled migrants to qualify for jobs.

👉 What this means for you:
✅ More migrants will now be eligible for the AEWV.
✅ Employers can hire workers who meet this new, lower threshold.

3. Longer Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Workers

can now stay in New Zealand for up to 3 years on a single AEWV​.

Workers in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles (which are considered lower-skilled jobs) 

👉 What this means for you:

✅ Migrant workers in these roles get more job security.
✅ Employers won’t have to go through the visa renewal process as often.

4. Simpler Job Check Process

• No More Formal MSD Checks – Employers don’t need an official clearance from Work and Income NZ (MSD) before hiring a migrant worker. Instead, they just need to declare that they have advertised the job locally and interviewed suitable candidates.
• Some Jobs Will Be Considered Higher Skilled – Certain ANZSCO Level 4 roles will now be treated as Level 3, which means fewer hiring restrictions for those jobs.

👉 What this means for you:
✅ The hiring process for employers just got easier.
✅ Migrant workers in newly upgraded roles might find it easier to qualify for an AEWV.

5. Higher Income Requirement for Supporting Kids

If you’re on an AEWV and want to bring your dependent children to New Zealand, the income threshold has increased from $43,322.76 to $55,844 per year (which is 80% of the median wage)​.

👉 What this means for you:
✅ If you’re already in NZ and your kids have visas, nothing changes.
✅ If you plan to bring your kids after March 10, 2025, you’ll need to meet the new income threshold.

6. Better Work Rights for People on Interim Visas

Starting in April 2025, workers on interim visas (those waiting for their AEWV approval) will now be allowed to keep working under their old visa conditions.

👉 What this means for you:
✅ Less stress if your visa is taking a while to process.
✅ Employers don’t have to worry about losing staff just because their new visa is still in progress.

7. New Seasonal Work Visa Options (Coming November 2025)

Two new work visa options are launching for seasonal workers later in the year:

• A 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.
• A 7-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled seasonal workers.

👉 What this means for you:
✅ Good news for industries like farming, horticulture, and tourism that rely on seasonal workers.

What Employers & Migrant Workers Should Do Now

For Employers:

✅ Make sure you’re offering market-rate pay for your industry.
✅ Keep records of job advertising and interviews in case of audits.
✅ Plan ahead for longer visa durations for lower-skilled workers.

For Migrant Workers:

✅ Make sure you meet the new 2-year experience requirement before applying.
✅ Check if your job has been reclassified to a higher skill level (this could make a difference in your application).
✅ If you’re bringing your kids, double-check the new income threshold before applying for their visas.

Final Thoughts

These AEWV changes aim to make it easier for businesses to hire workers while keeping protections in place for local job seekers. With lower experience requirements, no median wage rule, and simplified job checks, employers and migrant workers alike should find the process more straightforward.

However, these changes also mean tighter rules for supporting dependent children and new requirements for proving fair pay.

If you’re unsure how these updates affect your situation, MK Law is here to help.

Need Help Navigating the New AEWV Rules?

At MK Law, we specialize in New Zealand immigration law and work visa applications. Whether you’re an employer trying to hire migrant workers or a worker looking for visa advice, we’ve got you covered.

📩 Contact Us | 📞 Call: (09) 365-1110