New Zealand’s AEWV Reforms for 2025

Key Points  

• New Zealand announced changes to the AEWV in 2025, affecting wage requirements, experience thresholds, visa durations and income thresholds 

Making Visa Policies More Flexible 

In December 2024, New Zealand announced AEWV reforms to better meet business needs in different sectors and regions. Key changes from 10 March 2025 include: 

Phase 2 Highlights: 

• Wage Requirements: Employers hiring under AEWV or SPWV no longer need to meet the median wage but must pay at least the minimum wage ($23.15/hour, rising to $23.50/hour on 1 April) and ensure migrant workers are paid fairly compared to local workers. 
• Work Experience: The required work experience for migrants will be reduced from three years to two. 
• Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Engagement: Employers will now need to declare in good faith their efforts to advertise lower-skilled roles with MSD. 
• Visa Duration: New AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 jobs can stay for up to three years. 
• Income Threshold for Dependents: The threshold will increase to NZD $55,844 (80% of the median wage) from 10 March 2025. 
• ANZSCO Skill Levels: Certain roles will be reclassified to ensure skilled workers are retained. 
• Interim Visa Rights: Changes will include interim work rights for AEWV applicants. 

These changes aim to create a more responsive and flexible work visa system.