As immigration specialists, we are committed to helping skilled professionals and employers in New Zealand navigate the evolving immigration landscape with precision. In this article, we provide a thorough breakdown of the latest 2025 changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), particularly those affecting Green List occupations and wage thresholds. These updates, which came into effect in July and August 2025, are critical for both employers seeking skilled workers and migrants planning their future in New Zealand.
Updated AEWV Application Process for Green List Occupations
Streamlined AEWV Form Structure
To simplify the visa application process and improve user experience, the Accredited Employer Work Visa online application form has undergone significant revisions:
- Occupation-specific questions have been removed in favor of more generalized yet comprehensive queries applicable across various roles.
- The total number of questions may remain the same, but the scope is now broader, reducing redundancy and confusion.
Real-Time Occupation Requirements Displayed
A pivotal enhancement includes the dynamic integration of Green List criteria directly within the application form. This update ensures:
- Applicants instantly view the exact qualifications, skills, and registration requirements relevant to their occupation.
- The application process becomes more transparent and less error-prone.
Adaptability to Green List Changes
With this new structure, the form can be rapidly updated in accordance with any future changes to Green List occupation criteria, allowing for greater policy responsiveness and reducing processing delays.
What Are Green List Roles and Why They Matter
The Green List highlights high-demand roles across New Zealand’s priority sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Construction
- IT & Software Development
- Education
Holding a job offer from the Green List gives applicants streamlined access to Accredited Employer Work Visa and pathways to residence, making these changes particularly consequential.
Wage Threshold Changes for Accredited Employer Work Visa (Effective 18 August 2025)
New Baseline: Median Wage Adjustment
The median wage in New Zealand has been updated to $33.56/hour as of June 2024. This directly impacts the AEWV eligibility thresholds, which now adjust as follows:
| Wage Benchmark | Hourly Rate | Impact on AEWV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Wage | $33.56 | Base threshold for standard AEWV applications |
| 1.5x Median | $50.34 | Eligibility for maximum 5-year stay under AEWV |
| 2x Median | $67.12 | Exemption from Labour Market Test (LMT) and minimum skill requirement |
Purpose Behind Wage Adjustments
These changes are designed to:
- Align immigration criteria with current labor market conditions
- Protect the integrity of local wages
- Ensure that Accredited Employer Work Visa remains attractive and fair for both domestic workers and international talent
Explore more: Green List Expansion 2025: New Trades for Work to Residence
Who Is Affected by These Changes?
These updates are especially relevant to:
- Applicants for Green List roles
- Workers in regulated professions requiring registration (e.g., doctors, electricians, engineers)
- Employers sponsoring migrants at higher wage brackets
- Accredited Employer Work Visa holders nearing visa renewal or looking to extend their stay
Strategic Recommendations for Employers and Migrants
For Employers:
- Review your job offers to ensure wage compliance with updated thresholds.
- Use the revised application form to clearly communicate role requirements to potential hires.
- Consider recruiting for Green List roles to access streamlined visa processing.
For Migrants:
- Confirm your occupation’s Green List status and meet all registration or qualification benchmarks.
- Ensure your wage offer meets the updated threshold to unlock maximum benefits.
- Submit your application using the newly revised Accredited Employer Work Visa form to avoid delays or errors.
Key Implementation Dates to Remember
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 7 July 2025 | Updated AEWV application form for Green List roles |
| 18 August 2025 | New wage thresholds based on $33.56/hour median wage |
Why These Changes Matter for Long-Term Migration Planning
With the revised structure, New Zealand is reinforcing a high-skill, high-wage immigration framework. These updates:
- Encourage quality employment relationships
- Enable migrants to plan long-term stays confidently
- Help employers access global talent more efficiently
Final Thoughts
We encourage all employers and potential migrants to proactively adapt to these regulatory changes. Doing so ensures faster processing, greater compliance, and improved chances of long-term immigration success in New Zealand.
For personalized assistance with your AEWV application, Green List eligibility, or wage threshold evaluation, reach out to our Licensed Immigration Adviser in Auckland today.
How Immigration Chambers Can Help
At Immigration Chambers, we do more than paperwork, we pave your pathway to New Zealand. From decoding wage thresholds to tailoring your AEWV for Green List roles, we bring clarity to complexity. Our experts stay ahead of every policy shift, so you don’t miss an opportunity. With us, your application speaks the language immigration officers understand. We don’t just process visas, we craft futures. Get in touch with our AEWV specialists today, your next opportunity in New Zealand starts here.
FAQs
1. What are the latest changes to the AEWV application form in 2025?
From 7 July 2025, the AEWV form has been updated to include generalised occupation questions and integrated Green List requirements directly within the form to simplify the process.
2. Who do the AEWV form changes apply to?
The changes apply specifically to applicants for Green List occupations and roles requiring occupational registration in New Zealand.
3. What is the updated median wage for AEWV eligibility in 2025?
As of 18 August 2025, the new median wage is $33.56/hour, which forms the basis for wage threshold calculations under the AEWV.
4. Can employers still use the old AEWV application format?
No, from 7 July 2025, only the new updated AEWV form will be accepted for applications involving Green List and regulated occupations.
5. How do I know if my role is on the Green List?
You can check the official New Zealand Immigration website or consult with a licensed immigration adviser to confirm if your occupation is on the Green List.