The upcoming modifications to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework will significantly impact migrants and employers in New Zealand. These AEWV changes, took effect from 10 March 2025, will alter visa duration limits, job check reuse policies, income thresholds for dependent visas, and skill level recognition under ANZSCO (Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations). Understanding these updates is crucial for individuals seeking long-term employment in New Zealand under the AEWV.
Reapplying for an AEWV with a Reused Job Check
From 10 March 2025, visa holders whose current AEWV was issued for less than three years may apply for another AEWV. A key advantage introduced by this policy is the reuse of job tokens, provided the visa holder remains in:
- The same job role
- The same location
- Employment with the same employer
This streamlined process ensures continuity for skilled workers while reducing administrative burdens for both employers and migrants.
Extended Stay for Jobs Paying Below the Median Wage
Certain AEWV holders earning below NZD $29.66 per hour (as per the February 2023 median wage) may qualify for an extended stay based on ANZSCO skill levels:
- ANZSCO Skill Levels 4 and 5 → Maximum stay of 3 years
- ANZSCO Skill Levels 1, 2, and 3 → Maximum stay of 5 years
These extensions apply to roles that are part of sector agreements or wage exemptions, supporting industries that rely on migrant labor for sustained growth.
Understanding ANZSCO Skill Levels
ANZSCO is the classification framework that categorizes jobs based on skill levels and qualifications. Each occupation falls into one of five levels, with Level 1 representing highly skilled roles (such as engineers and IT specialists) and Level 5 covering lower-skilled jobs (such as hospitality and retail workers).
Employers hiring under the AEWV program must ensure that the occupation classification aligns with ANZSCO definitions to determine visa eligibility and conditions.
Check this out: Accredited Employer NZ: How to Secure Employment with Recognized Companies?
Changes to Dependent Visa Income Thresholds
From 10 March 2025, higher income thresholds will apply to AEWV holders who plan to bring dependent children to New Zealand. The assessment criteria differ based on application status:
- Applications submitted on or before 9 March 2025 → Evaluated using the existing lower income threshold
- Applications submitted after 10 March 2025 → Subject to the new, higher income threshold
This shift aims to ensure that AEWV holders have the financial stability to support dependents during their stay in New Zealand.
Bringing Family Members on an AEWV
One of the most critical updates affects AEWV holders at ANZSCO Skill Levels 4 and 5, who have historically been unable to support visas for their partners or dependent children. However, an important revision will take effect:
- Jobs previously classified as ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 but now recognized as Level 3 → Eligible to support dependent visas from 10 March 2025
- AEWV holders with reclassified roles → Eligible for 5-year visas instead of the previous 3-year limit
These changes present a significant benefit for skilled workers in select industries, enabling them to reunite with family members in New Zealand.
Impact on Employers and Migrants
For employers, these updates offer greater flexibility in workforce planning and reduce administrative burdens related to repeated job checks. For migrants, the changes provide longer visa durations and more opportunities for family sponsorship, particularly for roles that have been reclassified to higher skill levels.
Final Thoughts
As 10 March 2025 approached, both employers and visa applicants must stay informed about these changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Understanding the new visa length rules, dependent eligibility updates, and skill level adjustments will be key to securing long-term employment and residency prospects in New Zealand.
For more details on how these changes may affect your specific situation, we recommend consulting a Licensed Immigration Lawyer in NZ or checking official updates from Immigration New Zealand.
Still Have Questions About AEWV?
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