In association with
Accredited Employer Work Visa has changed
If you recruit migrants under the Accredited Employer Work Visa there have been recent changes that will impact you and your employees. Find out more.
Helping you fill skill gaps
To help you fill current skills and labour gaps at your business, some settings for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) have been changed. The visa is now more flexible and responsive to the needs of businesses.
Changes in March 2025
Changes have been made to how much you pay migrants, their work experience requirements and how long they can stay in New Zealand. These came into effect from 10 March 2025.
- The wage thresholds for all AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa have been removed.
- You can hire migrants with two years’ relevant work experience, instead of three years.
- New migrants employed under the AEWV in lower-skilled roles can stay for three years, instead of two years.
- Some lower-skilled roles will be treated at a higher skill level and are able to have a total stay in New Zealand of five years, instead of three years.
- As an employer, you will need to declare you have advertised lower-skilled roles with Work and Income, and interviewed suitable candidates. You should keep evidence of this in case it is requested later. However, you will no longer need to provide evidence of your engagement in your Job Check.
Changes later in 2025
There are more changes coming to the AEWV later this year.
- From April 2025, some work and student visa holders who apply for an AEWV can receive an Interim Visa that allows them to work while their AEWV application is processed.
- In November 2025, two new pathways for seasonal workers will be introduced, including a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers and a seven-month single entry visa for lesser-skilled workers. The existing temporary seasonal pathways will remain available until then.
More information
The Immigration New Zealand website has more information about the changes.
Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and median wage(external link) — Immigration New Zealand
Some of these changes may impact employers who are in the process of advertising a job or applying for a Job Check.
How changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) may affect you(external link) — Immigration New Zealand
You can also seek advice from an immigration professional.
Who can give advice?(external link) — Immigration Advisers Authority
You can also call the Immigration New Zealand employer line from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Phone toll free from New Zealand landlines only: 0508 967 569