New Zealand AEWV Phase 2 Reforms – What You Need to Know (Effective March 10, 2025)
If you’re planning to work in New Zealand or already hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), important updates are coming your way from March 10, 2025. These Phase 2 changes aim to make it easier and faster for skilled migrants to live and work in New Zealand—while improving fairness and flexibility for both employers and employees.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for you:
✅ 1. No More Median Wage Requirement
You no longer need to meet the median wage for most AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) roles.
You must be paid at least the minimum wage (NZD $23.50/hr) starting April 1, 2025.
This removes a major barrier for lower-wage but essential jobs—more roles are now accessible without strict wage limits.
🔧 2. Work Experience Requirement Drops to 2 Years
Only 2 years of relevant experience is required (down from 3 years).
New AEWV applicants applying from March 10, 2025.
Proof of your work history (letters, contracts, etc.) and employer verification.
📝 3. Simplified MSD (Ministry of Social Development) Engagement
Lower-skilled jobs (ANZSCO Skill Level 4 & 5).
Employers just need to declare they’ve advertised roles via MSD and interviewed suitable NZ candidates.
Complex proof required upfront, but you still need to keep records.
⏳ 4. 3-Year Visas for Level 4 & 5 Workers
Migrants in ANZSCO Level 4 & 5 jobs can now get a full 3-year AEWV.
Offers longer job security, less frequent renewals, and easier planning for your future.
👨👩👧 5. Higher Income Needed to Support Dependent Children
You’ll need to earn NZD $55,844/year to sponsor your child’s visa (up from NZD $43,322.76).
The new threshold applies only from March 10, 2025. Existing visa holders or applicants before this date remain under the old rules.
🔼 6. More Jobs Upgraded to “Skilled” (ANZSCO Level 3)
Jobs now considered Skill Level 3 (better for visa pathways):
Also considered Level 3 if you have 3 years’ experience or a Level 4 qualification:
Why this matters:
Being recognized as skilled means more visa options, including pathways to residence.
🕒 7. Interim Visa Work Rights (From April 2025)
If you’re switching from a student visa or another work visa to AEWV, you can keep working on an interim visa while your new one is processed.
Time spent on an interim visa counts toward continuous stay, helping with residence eligibility.
💰 8. Median Wage Adjustments (Effective Feb 28, 2025)
👥 Already Have an AEWV?
No stress. Your existing conditions stay the same until your visa expires. But if you apply for a new AEWV after March 10, 2025, the new rules will apply.
📌 Quick Summary of Key Benefits
|
Change |
Benefit |
|
No median wage |
More job access for skilled & essential workers |
|
2 years’ experience |
Easier and faster to qualify |
|
3-year visas |
Longer work rights, more stability |
|
Upgraded job classifications |
Better skilled visa/residency pathways |
|
Work rights during visa wait |
No work interruption |
💡 Why These Changes Matter
New Zealand is facing skill shortages in critical sectors like construction, aged care, and tourism. These AEWV reforms:
📅 Next Steps
📌 For official updates, visit:
🔗 Immigration NZ AEWV Updates
