New Zealand is making significant changes to its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system, directly impacting Green List occupations. Starting in 2025, the AEWV application form will be simpler, and wage thresholds will be adjusted to reflect the latest market data. These updates are designed to streamline the process for employers and make it easier for skilled workers to fill critical roles.
For employers and applicants in high-demand sectors, understanding these changes is crucial. With clear, updated guidelines and new wage criteria, these adjustments could open the door to more opportunities while ensuring the system remains fair and responsive to the local job market.
Overview of AEWV Changes
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program helps New Zealand attract skilled workers to fill labor shortages in key sectors. The upcoming changes aim to simplify the application process and adjust wage thresholds to ensure fairness and responsiveness to the evolving job market. These changes focus primarily on Green List occupations, which are critical to New Zealand’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
From July 2025, applicants for Green List roles will encounter a more straightforward application form. Occupation-specific questions will be replaced by general ones, making it easier to apply while still addressing key role requirements. Additionally, the AEWV wage thresholds will be updated in August 2025, reflecting the 2024 median wage. These adjustments are designed to protect local wages while offering greater flexibility for employers seeking skilled foreign workers.
Key Changes to the AEWV Application Form
The AEWV application form will be significantly updated to simplify the process for applicants. Rather than answering detailed, occupation-specific questions, the form will feature more general questions that apply broadly across different roles. This change is intended to make the application process more efficient and user-friendly for those applying for Green List occupations or roles that require occupational registration.
Moreover, the updated form will display specific requirements for each Green List occupation directly within the application. This will provide greater clarity for applicants, helping them understand the exact criteria they need to meet. The goal is to ensure the form remains adaptable and can be quickly updated in response to changes in Green List criteria, making the process smoother and more transparent for both applicants and employers.
Updates to Wage Thresholds
The AEWV wage thresholds will be updated to align with the 2024 median wage of $33.56 per hour, effective August 18, 2025. These updates aim to ensure that the system remains fair and responsive to the local labor market. Here are the key changes:
- Twice the Median Wage ($67.12 per hour): Applicants earning this amount or more will be exempt from the labor market test and minimum skills threshold.
- 1.5 Times the Median Wage ($50.34 per hour): Applicants earning this amount or more will be eligible for a maximum continuous stay of five years under the AEWV.
These adjustments provide a clearer and more equitable pathway for skilled workers while supporting employers in hiring the talent they need.
Implications for Different Sectors
The changes to the AEWV system will have varying impacts across different sectors, especially those that rely on foreign skilled workers. Here’s how these changes will affect key industries:
Healthcare Sector
The updates will simplify the application process for healthcare professionals, helping address New Zealand’s ongoing workforce shortages. Doctors and nurses will benefit from faster, clearer procedures.
Construction and Engineering
Streamlined recruitment processes and updated wage thresholds will make it easier to hire skilled professionals for New Zealand’s growing infrastructure needs. These changes will help meet the sector’s increasing demand for workers.
IT and Technology
Tech workers, especially those earning higher wages, will find the updated AEWV system more flexible. The changes will offer greater recruitment opportunities and extended stay options for skilled talent.
Agriculture and Seasonal Work
While agricultural roles may not see as many changes, the simplified form and new wage thresholds will still make it easier for employers to fill these positions with skilled workers.
Each sector will benefit in different ways, but all will find it easier to recruit skilled workers to meet New Zealand’s labor needs.
Timelines and Deadlines
To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential for both employers and applicants to be aware of the key dates when the changes to the AEWV system will take effect. Here are the important timelines to note:
- 7 July 2025: The updated AEWV application form will be introduced. This will simplify the process for applicants, replacing detailed, occupation-specific questions with more general ones that apply across various roles.
- 18 August 2025: The new wage thresholds will come into effect, based on the June 2024 median wage of $33.56 per hour. These updated thresholds will impact eligibility for exemptions and the maximum stay duration for applicants earning higher wages.
Employers and applicants should prepare for these changes well ahead of time to ensure they are in compliance and can take full advantage of the updated AEWV system.
Impact on Employers
The changes to the AEWV system will offer both challenges and opportunities for employers. As the application process becomes simpler, employers will benefit from more efficient recruitment for Green List occupations. Here’s what employers need to know:
Simplified Recruitment Process
The updated AEWV application form will streamline the recruitment process for employers. With more general questions and clearer role-specific requirements, employers can expect a quicker and more efficient hiring experience for Green List occupations.
Compliance with New Requirements
Employers must familiarize themselves with the revised wage thresholds to ensure their job offers meet the updated criteria. Staying informed about these changes will help maintain compliance and optimize recruitment.
Conclusion
The changes to New Zealand’s AEWV system offer a more efficient process for employers and applicants alike. The updated application form and revised wage thresholds aim to streamline recruitment and ensure fairer outcomes. These adjustments reflect the evolving needs of New Zealand’s labor market.
Employers and applicants should stay informed about the key dates and requirements to take full advantage of these updates. Being proactive will ensure a smooth transition and compliance with the new system. For further details, visit the official New Zealand Immigration website.